What Clinicians Can Learn from their Patients

Well done.

Even though you feel you should have continued the conversation at that point, I'm sure they will be talking it over, amongst themselves.

Sometimes, when something doesn't happen, it's not supposed to happen.

You have placed important facts in their heads, and it probably scared the stuffin's out of them. It's probably why they all left, rather than talking further with you.

Thanks again for speaking for us.

Just letting everyone know that on Sunday morning June 8 Taking Strides will be having their first annual walk held at the Ridgewood Duck Pond in Ridgewood NJ.  NJ Senate President Richard and Mary Jo Codey are the honorary chairpersons.  Check out our website for details.  www.againstmentalillness.org. Free registration, refreshment, DJ entertainment, prizes and t-shirts.  All monies raised will be donated to NARSAD the world's leading charity dedicated to mental health research.

Please spread the word!

Not the least bit surprised by the reaction from this group. This need to find the balance between being in control and still our "superselves" is the eternal struggle. The medical community doesn't seem to get that.

Mags 

I have never blended in.  When I was little, I remember my mom telling me that " I was just too much." That was not said in a nice tone either.  I have always been very passionate about many things and my passion has been mistaken for I am not sure what.  I am bipolar II.  I graduated college summa cum laude, so I am smart.  I can carry on a good conversation.  After years of being found "different," depression just took over my life.  I have now retreated from most people.  My few friends feel that this is sad and I should do otherwise.  I feel, however, that I need to do this for my own survival.  I do miss the passions, the thrill of looking at a tree with its leaves lit by the sun.  I just turned 60 and I had to retire from my job as a social worker because of this thing called depression. 

I think you hit the nail on the head.  It is ok to be who we are and in fact, it is great to be who we are, as long as our behavior is not destructive to ourself or others.  Imagine who Marlyn Monroe might have been with a lot of good counseling and support in her life and some good medication.  Support and acceptance are so important in everyone's life and without it, it does make life much harder.  Thanks for another great article..........you always make me think!  Pam

...for that moment; it will probably mean something to some of them. We make our trail in furthering understanding of mental illness one step at a time. You have here made several steps - some at the presentation and another in writing about it here. Thank you. I can't tell you how refreshing it is to read smart, thought-provoking stuff on bipolar-related issues from a person who lives it first-hand.

You recognized that perhaps more could've been made out of that moment of attention; I have no doubt that when the next one comes (as it will), you'll be on it.

John,  You are only guilty of committing the classic bipolar social error...I call it the 'insanity offense'.   Bipolars are notoriously 'bottom-line', use inappropirate humor (depending on the auidence...and a bunch of Ben Steins is a tough crowd), in-your-face, a bit pushy, connect dots no one else can mentally see, and get "real personal, real fast".   How I wish I could put the brakes on my hypomania just enough to...make the point, sit back, and then shut up.  People with BP in recovery can out-think and out talk most people.  It's not the fault of the 'normals' that they can't keep up.  Having said that, even if you had tossed your script on cue...having a dialogue with professionals...hey, whatta we know about mental wellness?  We're the ones standing up at the podium in a straight-jacket.  Sigh.........

Funny, I was just thinking about this last night (while I couldn't sleep). As a Bipolar II who primarily has problems with depression, I've realized that my fundamental symptom is a lack of energy (and when I'm hypomanic, too much energy). But when I go to a therapist for depression, I get multiple directions on what to do: get more exercise, get outside more often, get out and socialize, etc. It's all so overwhelming that I just crawl back into my hole and feel even worse about not being able to do anything. If I were a therapist, I'd understand (and help the patient understand) that this is a chronic disease which can't be ameliorated all at once, but quality of life can be improved step-by-step. Then I'd help them prioritze (or triage) which step needs to be made first. After that (say getting outside for a certain amount of time for a specifed number of times a week) becomes a habit (and can be increased gradually), start the next step, and so on.  Okay I'm running on (obviously hypomanic at the moment). Hopefully, you get my point.

Perhaps you could have spelled it out simply for their overtaxed brains: give them a list of items they could do (or have other staff do) to lead Marilyn to recovery...then they could criticize for not giving them enough theory! 

That was fabulous - they will think about it. So it hit them in the face then and there, but you can bet that a good percentage of them will go home, go back to work, and think about what you said to them. No negative self-talk on this one - you will have made them think. Sometimes people need to cogitate, chew the old cud - it will have an effect and I personally think you are brilliant. My P-Doc is treating me just as you would have this mob treat others - they are out there, they can be found. My Doc's more interested in Mindfulness and routine and being watchful than medication - the only thing she thinks an a-typical antipsychotic is good for is getting to sleep!

You're a champion. Everyone wants to be themsleves, they will get it when they really have time to think about it. It's not us and them - we are all individuals and that's the message I reckon you got across - treat the person.

Well done indeed.

Narelle

John....your article was excellent.  And I think your presentation surely had a certain IMPACT on your audience.  You are a fine writer/lecturer and reporter/researcher.  I always look forward to your articles here on Bipolar Connect.

The "medicine men" may never really get where we are coming from, but we continue in our efforts. There will ALWAYS be a communication gap of sorts between our thinking (the high road) and theirs (the low road).  That's how I like to think of it.  I'll take the high road any day!

I have a fairly excellent relationship with my psychdoc - he is an excellent psychopharmacologist.  We communicate well, I know when my balance of meds is out of whack, and we work together, as it should be.  It is, however, lots of hard work and not without problematic times.

People without mental illness, generally speaking, "just don't get it" and I suppose we shouldn't expect them to.  They haven't walked in our shoes.

Judy