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Bipolar self care is incredibly important. Read our full article for self-care methods for depression and hypomania. 

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Is Bipolar Hereditary?

“What can you do, bipolar runs in our family,” my mother said as she shrugged with a childlike innocence. Although she had dealt with bipolar disorder for over fifty years, this was her first admission that the disease could be hereditary.

This admission sounded liberating, like the heavy weight of shame and stigma were lifted from her shoulders. Her episodes were still random and somewhat mysterious, but it all fit into a much bigger landscape.

Although my mother had heard that bipolar disorder was hereditary, it wasn’t until she was seventy years old that she made this statement. But what does it mean that bipolar is hereditary? 

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Who else can relate to this and what advice would you give?

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The Road to Diagnosis Can Be a Rough One

It's difficult for me to say if my diagnosis came long after I started showing symptoms. It's important to remember that for many of us who battle mental illness, we have no idea ourselves what we are up against!

I had big triggers for my early depressive episodes and these were reasonable explanations to the doctors as to why my mood had changed. However, the overall picture of my mental health wasn't considered. Knowledge built up through relationships is paramount in dealing with mental health problems. However, for this we need consistency and information about us made easily accessible.

The argument I raise is this. I think medical professionals look at too many incidents as being isolated. Our medical history should be compiled clearly for anyone to see contrary to who the doctor is. Why didn't anyone flag up the fact a girl at the age of eighteen was having another major depressive episode in less than a year from the first? Why wasn't my family's mental health history considered? Why didn't anyone corroborate my mental health problems with my constant hormonal complaints? I could have been treated with more care and sensitivity and caution made to offering anti-depressants. However, it is impossible to know whether that would have prevented my final diagnosis.

Unfortunately the only way I received my diagnosis for bipolar disorder was by having a major manic outbreak. In order to be noticed, listened to and helped we often need a crisis and bipolar certainly gives that. I hope more diagnoses are received without the devastating destruction of major mental breakdowns but I think this is unlikely. The only thing we can ask is that people take note of our medical evidence and join the dots instead of just looking at singular events. Ongoing mood changes and mental problems should be monitored and professional guidance given, hopefully bringing an early diagnosis to those who need it.

- Fliss

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Do you have any advice for this parent? Join the discussion! 

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Trying Yoga for Mental Health Management

I was first introduced to yoga through a DVD I purchased one night at Best Buy. The next morning, I opened it and started my yoga practice.

When I pushed play a calm, relaxed woman whom I’ll call Mona greeted me. She spoke in soothing tones and wore yoga pants with a colorful tank top. Although she didn’t possess a “killer body” she was lean and fit.

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I think I spent a lot of time in denial about how I was living life in a fog. I had no motivation, being a mom wasn't enjoyable at all, and I felt guilt about all of it. So things kept slowly getting worse and I got to the point that I was constantly having suicidal thoughts and planning it out. I was hospitalized last year due to trying to act on my suicidal thoughts. I was diagnosed as bipolar II, and at first I had a hard time accepting it. I would think, “But I do not fit all the classic manic symptoms,” and my depression did not keep me in bed.

Jennifer’s Bipolar Journey

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Accepting My Bipolar

Bipolar disorder is both a friend and foe and a relationship that needs continual understanding and nurturing. Life takes its twists and turns but having a diagnosis of bipolar means the journey is all the more jagged.

Time can fly and golden memories made whilst other times are slow, dragging and endlessly tiring. I have learnt that every time I learn the rules of this bipolar life, the game changes. No matter what I experience whether that be mania, depression or that intermediary balance, I will never experience the same thereafter.

I have no choice but to accept this turbulent and unpredictable life that is bipolar. I can only learn, accept and do my best to manage it from one day to the next. I find it impossible to think of the future when living with this unbeatable illness.

If ever you feel or you think someone you know is experiencing ill mental health take immediate action by:

Speaking with your doctor

Contacting a crisis team

Call 911 or emergency number

Go to the emergency room and ask for on duty psychiatrist

Talking to someone you trust

Calling support helplines

Research talk therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy in your local areas. Please know that you’re not alone.

- Fliss

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Do you have any advice? Read the story and join the conversation on NewLifeOutlook!

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Breathe, relax, feel, watch, and allow all sensations and thoughts without judgment.

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clean slate.

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It’s been a long time since I’ve seen this documentary, but I remember it being pretty helpful when I first got my diagnosis. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.

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Do you have any suggestions for this bipolar warrior?