Today Ray and I took a friend to hospital for her post hip replacement appointment. And I was able to spend just a very few minutes with my friend, Valerie, who is very, very ill.
Then we went to the surgery for our flu jab.
And when I got home and checked my emails on my laptop, one from the charity Bipolar UK informed me that today is Bipolar Awareness Day.
So I thought I'd stand up and be counted (Well I guess I have a bit already from time to time) and say what it means to me:
It's not a celebrity 'disease'.
It doesn't feel shameful now it's not called manic depression.
Bizarre that some folk have still not heard of it.
It was good to find out my diagnosis 30+ years after my first episode aged 19.
It has been even better to be able to understand what it means and to work out a self management plan for life to keep well.
The last time I was ill and hospitalized is now 12+ years ago.
I do have times when I feel not so good but everybody has those for various reasons and at least now I know what to do about those times.
If I had known my diagnosis sooner I might not have enjoyed a teaching career started late in life and lasting 13 years.
Oh, and no worries, I know that orange flower is really a gerbera.
A small and belated September update for 2024, where I am still, after many years' membership, on 365 Project, also now posting elsewhere but wanting...
Good for you to share this cathartic moment! We've a very understanding community here as I, too, just shared the story of my demons in the past . I'm quite sure my own mother suffered life as a Bipolar, but it wasn't diagnosed well "back then". It wracked havoc in the family as a result. Such a pity for us... So happy for you!
I have heard of Bipolar but do no know anyone ne personally that suffers from it. So glad you found you way to get through this. Bravo to you. Keep up the good fight! I am proud to know you!
Well done Hazel....you have stood up to be counted brilliantly! How thoughts & times have thankfully moved on so much in the workings of the mind & brain. Not enough yet but people are beginning to understand a little more of this terrible illness. My mum had depression for years & my word how she suffered...her greatest worry was that one of us four children would inherit her tendency to the depression she had most of her latter years. Not sure if hers was Bipolar as she had it pretty much all the time but it was a dreadful thing to live with. Poor love she tried to hide it from us all. You are a trouper Hazel.....& we mustn't forget the family & partners who sometimes bear the brunt! This is a lovely cheerful happy flower! Should be the emblam of Bipolar!
A wonderful capture of this lovely flower with its own teardrops !! Well done Hazel -- so brave of you to bare your soul in this way -- if only everyone could understand that bipolar is an illness and not to be scorn . Keep well my friend !
Sounds as if you've had a health-focused day, and this is a beautiful flower. Thanks for sharing your story, and I'm full of admiration for your positive approach in managing to overcome the condition. I have a close friend whose adult son was diagnosed 4 or 5 years ago, and although he's now doing well, they worry about him continually.
Dear Hazel. In my opinion nobody have to be feel shameful for any disease , physical defect, Illness or mental abnormality. ( what is that ?)
Nobody has create them self and I we could 80 % has done it different , the other 20 % need it badly. Knowing it is solve halve of the problem, you only have to cure from it . ( If possible) .Being open and frank with it is not given to everybody. Shame is a less good accompany but understandable . Brave off you to share.
Great shot of this lovely flower kissed by the rain
I did know from things you've said before but good on you for standing up. Mental health is as fragile as our physical health and there should be no shame or stigma to that. May you continue to be well and all that that means to you and those nearest you.
I read an article from a mature man suffering from bipolar and he called it 'the stalking beast'. I think the unpredictability of the condition is a bit scary. Sometimes I've managed to keep well in certain situations which at other times have made me ill. I think 'taking the pills' and a plan for daily living are key.
Beautiful capture Hazel. Thank you for sharing your story and your journey. I have worked in the health industry for many years and dealt with many clients with mental health issues, my mantra was " walk a mile in their shoes ". Thankfully there are wonderful support services around. :)
Beautiful shot and well done Hazel for sharing your story. It is so good that you have managed to stay well for so long and hope you continue to do so. You are doing everything right. Congratulations.
By the way Deb is on the mend again now, a very worrying time for all concerned, but her meds are altered now and we can all see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Hazel pleased to hear you have been well for so long and managed to get on with your life and career.My daughters friend is going through a really bad episode of Bipolar at the moment and it is terrible what she is suffering. Lovely orange gerbera capture with the sprinkling of raindrops on it.
Thank you all for reading my text and for your great messages of support and encouragement. I also feel privileged that some of you shared your own stories, or those of people close to you, with me. I think there are not many 'places' where I would have received such heartfelt feedback.... And thanks for 3 favs too!
@quietpurplehaze your narrative and everyone's replies shows the warmth , respect and high regard you are held in within the 365 community. Sometimes the internet works :-)
I love, love love the water droplets, always inhances a flower.
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Sorry to hear that you are bi-polar. Glad to know that there is a day to acknowledge it. I grew up with a mother that was bi-polar, so know first hand experience what it is like
It would probably have been more difficult, Nina, for your mother then for me as bipolar was not so well recognised and treated. Thank you for sharing your story with me - thanks for the fav on the gerbera - or is it a rose.....
@quietpurplehaze Agree. I just knew the difficulty I went through. It was only properly diagnosed a few years ago. Since then, mom is on medication and life is far better
Well done Hazel. I know several people with this problem and like you they are living with and managing it so well. I do admire you for standing up and being counted!. People are fearful of what they can't see and it's only by people like you having the courage to be open about their problems that others will come to understand it is a manageable illness. Lovely cheerful picture.
Joyce, thank you for your 'vote of confidence' and I'm really interested to hear that you know several people in the same situation as me and who are coping. I don't know anyone else with bipolar and when occasionally I come across a professional in this area of illness they are amazed at how I am doing. So, thankyou for sharing your experiences.
@quietpurplehaze It`s all on you, you`re the brave one . And a big thanks for all those who`s write you a comment. For many reasons Hart warming for me too.
Thank you, Ferry and I understand what you say and yes it is heartwarming. I do think general attitudes to different types of illness are gradually changing in society.
Me too!!!!
Nobody has create them self and I we could 80 % has done it different , the other 20 % need it badly. Knowing it is solve halve of the problem, you only have to cure from it . ( If possible) .Being open and frank with it is not given to everybody. Shame is a less good accompany but understandable . Brave off you to share.
Great shot of this lovely flower kissed by the rain
I read an article from a mature man suffering from bipolar and he called it 'the stalking beast'. I think the unpredictability of the condition is a bit scary. Sometimes I've managed to keep well in certain situations which at other times have made me ill. I think 'taking the pills' and a plan for daily living are key.
Dear Ferry, thank you for your kind words and empathetic feelings, as ever.
By the way Deb is on the mend again now, a very worrying time for all concerned, but her meds are altered now and we can all see the light at the end of the tunnel.
nothing need be said haze
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Sorry to hear that you are bi-polar. Glad to know that there is a day to acknowledge it. I grew up with a mother that was bi-polar, so know first hand experience what it is like
It would probably have been more difficult, Nina, for your mother then for me as bipolar was not so well recognised and treated. Thank you for sharing your story with me - thanks for the fav on the gerbera - or is it a rose.....
That's really good. I know my bipolar has affected my immediate family before it was diagnosed.
Joyce, thank you for your 'vote of confidence' and I'm really interested to hear that you know several people in the same situation as me and who are coping. I don't know anyone else with bipolar and when occasionally I come across a professional in this area of illness they are amazed at how I am doing. So, thankyou for sharing your experiences.
Many thanks for your good wishes.
Thank you, Ferry and I understand what you say and yes it is heartwarming. I do think general attitudes to different types of illness are gradually changing in society.
I appreciate your words, Phil.