The following is an excerpt from my upcoming memoir, BrainStorm: From Broken to Blessed on the Bipolar Spectrum.
Like I did for so many years before my correct diagnosis and treatment, you may feel hopeless, discouraged, cynical. This makes total sense! You’ve tried so many things that have failed. As much as is humanly possible, have patience and faith. If this is the first time you are acting on a diagnosis of bipolar II, take heart, you will get better.
Think of your therapy and preventive practices as a diamond with four essential dimensions:
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- Medication prescribed by doctor with Bipolar spectrum knowledge
- Therapy as needed
- Support network of loving friends and/or family
- Practices for a healthy brain: what I call PECS
Medication: Forgive yourself. This is not your fault. You have a genetic, biochemical variation in your brain pattern. And surrender to this truth: you cannot cure this on your own. In addition to all other self-care you may be doing, you must find the right medicine to balance your brain chemistry.
Find that psychiatrist who is an expert in bipolar and can prescribe the right medications for you and agrees to work closely and in partnership with your therapist. He or she should also have office hours when they can be reached at night and/or return your calls within an hour. You will need their encouragement and support to get through this.
Therapy: Find a therapist who understands the bipolar spectrum and therefore the importance of medication. (Unlike some who are biased against it.) She or he ideally works closely or agrees to work closely with a psychiatrist in your area who is an expert in the dynamics of the bipolar spectrum. When in crisis, you may want to see your therapist one or more times a week. It is ideal if he or she is on call via text. Once you are feeling well and in prevention mode, you may only need to see this person on an as needed basis. My wonderful therapist is “on call” for me in times of emergency.
Support: Get support from your partner, family, friends. Choose at least one strong advocate who will help you make and keep appointments with health practitioners. Roles for your advocate include making appointments with therapists, organizing your friends and family to cover your basic needs – child care, food preparation, household income, etc – until you get better. Imagine — heaven forbid — you had Cancer. People would rally to support you in all ways practical and emotional. A bipolar breakdown — though less visible — is that urgent. Ask for and be willing to accept help.
PECS: Practices for a healthy brain I use the term PECS as an acronym to remember key practices in four dimensions (another diamond!) Physical, Emotional, Creative and Spiritual. I’ll elaborate on these in full in a moment.
Like I did for so many years before my correct diagnosis and treatment, you may feel hopeless, discouraged, cynical. This makes total sense! You’ve tried so many things that have failed. As much as is humanly possible, have patience and faith. If this is the first time you are acting on a diagnosis of bipolar II, take heart, you will get better.
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