Being Bipolar: Flying & Crashing (Mental Health Documentary) | Only Human

One minute you’re up and the next you’re down. But what if those ups were manias, generating feelings of omnipotence and invincibility? And what if those downs were depressions so stark, that you were left feeling immobile and even suicidal? Psychotherapist Philippa Perry explores the condition known as Bipolar Disorder from the perspective of those living with it. Speaking to three very different individuals who each suffer from their own unique case of Bipolar Disorder, Philippa examines various explanations for the condition; from genetics to life experiences and looks at the variety of treatments used; from prescription drugs to alternative therapies and treatments.
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Bipolar: Flying & Crashing (Mental Health Documentary) | Only Human
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[@ryanm4769]

14:07 they did him dirty. making him look like he was crazy rocking back and forth in the beginning, but now we know he was showing off his music....

[@t-bone8976]

Bruh yeah, they didn’t have to do him like that....

[@nihil8436]

@Matityahu they even made resistance to accept "treatment" a symptom of severe mental illness.

[@pjsmith2744]

I rock back and forth man I'm not crazy though I have bi-polar type 2.

[@nihil8436]

@@pjsmith2744 are you taking psych drugs?

[@pjsmith2744]

@@nihil8436 Yep.

[@jodeedugger7570]

To all my fellow Bipolar suffers I love y’all so much it takes a heck of a strong person to live with the diagnosis we live with👊🏻💜💜💜

[@nothinwatever]

I don’t want to be strong I want to be normal 😢 (literally balling rn)

[@daynademontagnac4694]

Can’t imagine shifting from high energy to a depressive state so fast. I really respect those who have to go through it. Hope they continue to stay strong.

[@tiasan-norton3119]

This is so lovely x

[@donnaholman4538]

Dayna de Montagnac thank you! You don’t have any idea how most people think about us and use our illness against us. You are a rare beautiful gem!!!

[@forestrot666]

That's lovely of you,because it is very very difficult. Sometimes it just bitch slaps you out of nowhere. X

[@carriewilliams6707]

I wish more ppl were as compassionate and empathetic as you! Thank you

[@avalucia6039]

Dayna de Montagnac its constant battle every single day. :,(

[@raziax9603]

I was diagnosed with C-ptsd and dissociation. Seriously, it doesn't matter what you're suffering with, it's all hell.

[@gg_pearl3889]

Hey can I ask. I know about ptsd. I thought dissociation was a symptom how does it effect you and is this a disorder in its self. I hope you are well x

[@mascara1777]

Have you tried brainspotting for ptsd ?

[@carnifex8]

Depression + panic/anxiety here. It's hell on earth. Dissociation/depersonalization/derealization also is quite common for me on my menu list lol. I've spent so far 3months depersonalized but drugs are starting to bring me back. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. It's basically.. a death sentence. It's like you're dead, empty, no thoughts or too much thoughts, constant anxiety out of nowhere, even your voice sounds like not yours, your body feels numb/gone or like not yours at all, like you don't really exist anymore.. anxiety can do so much crazy stuff to you that sometimes you're afraid you're actually schizo.. hell. I dont even wanna think and write about it. I'd say the same as that woman. If not for drugs i'd be dead.

[@melissadove4664]

Amen to that

[@toiy6556]

I thought cptsd is not included in the dsm????? The most relevant diagnosis would be bpd borderline personality disorder, which many psychiatrist see as a form of bpd and are considering changing the term bpd to cptsd. This change has not uet been made.

[@sh4m4npi7ot9]

Love that Paul guy. He's got a foot in 2 worlds and can still look after his Mum. That's what you call character!

[@detroitfettyghost8492]

@John toetag Amazingly amazing comment left me.....well AMAZED! !!

[@karimaogden3875]

Couldn't help but notice that Irene,Paul's mom has better teeth than Paul. Doubt that they are her own though!. Most likely they are dentures but either way, they look better.

[@marietanner7538]

Even though he has these grandiose notions, they're good hearted notions...sounds like he wants to help others suffering in his own way

[@lukemaccallum3150]

Noe Marquez totally agree bro

[@susanburgess820]

Agreed😄😄😄👏👏👏

[@KB-mp1mw]

I'm bipolar. Staying on meds is key.

[@honeybun8259]

Im bipolar I don't enjoy doing anything anymore. And my meds don't help. I stay depressed all the time but have to act happy around family. It's a hard life to live 😢

[@isoldewasduhn]

I bet they know that there´s something wrong with you, so they try to keep up an act to make you happy. Nobody will get anything out of this. I found that honesty with your feelings and staying true to your mood is the best medicine. but i´m very well asure how bitter and scarry it is! I wish you all the best, hope you feel better soon! See you again on the manic side.

[@honeybun8259]

@@isoldewasduhn Thank you Sascha I appreciate that very much. Hope you are well . Yea my new Dr. Does not prescribe the medication very well . She's lowered my dosage on my bipolar med to one a day. Im suppose to take 2 in morn and 2 at nite. I been on it so long it doesn't work anymore . And they really don't listen. They run in and out because there's only one Dr . For a lot of patients 😢💖

[@isoldewasduhn]

@@honeybun8259 Yeah, I´m just getting out of a depression. Hid my "sad feelings" from my family, fell into a dark pit. That´s why your post jumped right at me. I tried meds but I found out they confuse me more with their side effects than actually help me understandig. Now I try educating my self, learning to trust my feelings and verbalizing what my needs are. That helps me most. But sure is a damn rocky path. Sounds like you living in a Country where you only have few options for treatment? That sucks. I live in Austria, we have great health care, also for the soul ;) But for now, all the Therropists I´ve seen, tryed to fix me like I was a machine which has to work in the "Factory of Life". I don´t wan´t to be fixed, I want to understand how to heal! I hope there is someone you can trust in your live, more than that, I hope you are the person you trust the most!

[@honeybun8259]

@@isoldewasduhn yes I live in the country in the sticks lol My Dr . Is an hr away from me and I have no car so.i.have to find a ride which is very hard cause I live way out in the woods in.TX I had 2 ladies that used to come out here, social.workers and then they said I was out of the jurisdiction so I got all messed up cause they would bring me to Dr's appts all the good Dr's are mostly in Houston And now I don't have a therapist. So I just do the best I can . I find meditation works well for me. I listen to it evernite to go sleep. And they have great music for stress , anxiety etc... I listen to Kenneth Soales and Yellow Brick Cinema a lot. I hope you do.well and thank you for listening my friend. 💕💕

[@GloomGaiGar]

You won't find any help here, sadly. Hope things go well for you.

[@druzyonyx9046]

I was diagnosed bipolar 1 since a young age.... My parents refused to get me help. And when I turned 21, I was taken under an EDO during a manic state to a hospital. Honestly, thank you for those police officers and nurses and Drs. I now have the right set of meds and receive ECT to help manage day to day basic and more.

[@unmovingminds1457]

I feel for anybody with this illness, I have bipolar type 2, a lot of my time is spent in deep depressive episodes and I deal with it on my own as well. Stay focused people it’s hard as hell but we can master it eventually.

[@hollyhocks7360]

That must be very hard for you. I hope you get support from friends or family. My niece is bipolar and we try and support her as a family. Good luck and wishing you the very best.

[@unmovingminds1457]

Thank you 🙏

[@sarawilkinson6766]

Hugs, I hear you x

[@robh4713]

Here if you need someone to talk to, I too suffer with my mental health. Might help me at the same time 🙂

[@D_skeptic]

You absolutely can master it. I have bipolar type 1 so I had both the highs, lows, & even some mixed episodes. For me, it was all about finding the right mix of medication. I take Lithium to stabalize my mood, Seroquel for sleep, Buspirone for anxiety, & Effexor for depression. It sounds like quite a list but it works. I am now able to function l normally. I still struggle with mild anxiety & insomnia from time to time but thats about it. And its nothing like what I used to deal with. Back then I'd go 3-4 days without sleeping during a manic phase (which was a bitch). The other thing I had to learn to manage my condition was to stay away from alcohol & drugs. Even certain perscription medications like prednisone have to be avoided. It takes time to figure what does & does not work for you but please don't give up. There is a way back to happiness & normalcy. I graduated college a couple years ago (with honors) & bought my first home so I did something right.

[@monicdavis6150]

Poor Ashley, I can’t imagine having to live like this.

[@TheTimekeeper011]

I’m a rapid cycler like Ashley. I’ll have a high for an hour or two hours and then immediately switch and drop into a deep suicidal depression for a few hours. Then I’m fine. And it wipes you out so much that all I can do it sleep. This all happens almost weekly. And I’m fully medicated. I was a daily cycler without meds, and my highs were higher and my lows were lower. And the other lady was spot on. Without our medications most of us bipolars would have given up a long time ago. Including me. It impacts so many areas of our lives. I’ve even had the talk with my partner that I don’t know that if I can have a child knowing they have an increased chance of bipolar. I would never want to put them through this.

[@doga1996]

@@TheTimekeeper011 please do not give birth to a child for your and their sake. Girl, dont get me wrong but we all know that we cannot even take care of ourselves, so it is really less likely for us to be capable of raising children. I hope you understood what i meant. Btw, take care of yourself, dont u ever give up on yourself, your life. Everyone's life matter. We still can go on and have a almost normal life i believe. I hope we all will get better by time. Have a nice day or night.

[@TheTimekeeper011]

@@doga1996 I do understand what you mean. Having children of my own has always been my dream. I still have some treatment options. But I know, taking on the responsibility of a parent is something I don’t take lightly. I do want to be better before I consider it. What I also think about is that I didn’t have someone there that understood me growing up. My parents aren’t bipolar and never dealt with depression, but I have (they were still supportive and helped). So any kids I have will have a parent that they can turn to and they will understand them. Life’s not easy huh?

[@jessm5506]

Ashley seemed like he was rapid cycling through his emotions like a borderline. I have CPTSD and BPD, and it feels like a rollercoaster of emotions you can't get off of. You change emotions so quickly that you feel removed from yourself afterwards. I've removed myself from public and most of my family because they don't understand my disorder. They look at me when I'm symptomatic and say, " stay away from her, she's having a bipolar moment". It's frustrating.

[@ashleighdisston342]

Just be you. Find a support system that is SUPPORTIVE AND UNDERSTANDING of what you do go through. Your family might not understand and that's okay, so do not go to them for your supportive needs. It's unfair to you, because they will not be able to .... it seems. Yes you might have some bad days, but you will also have good days. The good days take advantage and push yourself, and the bad days allow yourself to not be okay. It is okay to not be okay!! There are people that do understand and can be there for you a

[@samiosamiro404]

That Sounds horribe :( ... Why would Ur Family say Something Like this. I have BPD as Well and i give U all the strength and Love in the world to become Happy on a daily basis eventually and find people who Care a Lot about you. I do already

[@tanyajacobs9974]

I was going to say that it sounded.more.lile.BPD Very very difficult condition. I think my son has it but has been diagnosed with some other disorders

[@avalucia6039]

Unless you have it , you have no idea how it feels.

[@arikasteigerwald7337]

Precisely

[@roshanmathew9443]

Avoid oil sugar salt

[@Anna-ok9vx]

Paul reminds me of my Dad, I've really been missing him lately. My Dad always had plans to build amazing things, I miss it,

[@karenhetherington9358]

God bless Ashley, I feel for him, he is such a lovely lad. He has wonderful, loving parents, hope he finds his niche in life. 💙

[@cassandraharris442]

@@danielgerber608 He takes Valium already. It is similar to those, I would think.

[@laurenashley482]

I’ve just recently decided to go to a doctor for my Bipolar disorder and seeing this made me feel more understood and less alone❤️

[@kresivarivkah612]

Very good. I did, too. I am on Lithium. How are you feeling?

[@Blank_sp8ce1234]

I’m so happy for you hun. I wish you nothing but the best for your recovery ❤️

[@ganiaj87]

This is so sad. I have some friends that are bipolar, all of them stopped taking their meds because they said they felt zombi-ish and suicidal. I'm super proud of them tho as they have great careers and manage their illness with tenacity & positivity.

[@gabe-po9yi]

@ganiaj87. Yes, and a lot of bipolar stopped taking meds because they miss the highs where they’re filled with energy, creativity, ideas for the future, etc. It’s been speculated that many highly creative, successful performers might be on the manic spectrum.

[@ganiaj87]

@@gabe-po9yi Agreed

[@rinmay1769]

She looks like she is straight out of a Tim Burton movie

[@vevict]

Her hair is definitely a look

[@paulmcdonough1093]

bad karma on its way to you for that comment its a serious subject ,

[@rinmay1769]

@@paulmcdonough1093 why so much hate, dude

[@JimmiAlli]

She looks lovely

[@tonid7522]

I’m bipolar and have been taking meds since I was in my early twenties. I hate it but I have been able to be successful and obtain a master’s degree. I still have symptoms and it’s not easy. I just refuse to stop and give in to it.

[@catherinestanley2218]

There's plenty of people who've experienced trauma in the past who aren't bipolar.

[@bobhill2483]

Trauma itself will not cause psychological disorder. It is caused by mix of many different things, especially our beliefs and learned (pathological) patterns of thinking and behaviour when dealing with painful experiences. The same way having biological parents with disorder will not cause it but observing them and learning from them (copying pathological patterns) will greatly increase the risk.

[@daisychainmilk]

Exactly. I've had extensive trauma and I've never suffered from bipolar or anything and its more likely for me to be able to have it since my biological father is bipolar. I know many people who have experienced trauma as well who arent bipolar. This documentary is so ignorant especially the part about psychiatric medication.

[@JP-gb3mq]

Lol trauma can’t cause BP, it’s simply a catalyst to potentially expose it in an individual

[@veronicabrowne2132]

And plenty of people who are bipolar who have never experienced trauma.

[@Spore5006]

I think the point being made here is that; like most(all?) conditions, there is an nature and a nurture. The best addicts are the ones who have a family lineage of it, as well as severe trauma in childhood. However, you can still be an addict and have little to no trauma to some degree, arguably not as extreme as those with trauma. That being said, you can have bipolar say 1 or 2 and manage it with meds and some DBT or whatever with no trauma. And in the case of Ashlee, his involved lots of trauma and had the arguably more debilitating form of BP 3 as well as having another component with his autism and not socializing/integrating well.

[@mothcorrupteth]

The bipolar diagnosis _is_ useful, because it helps you find other people with experiences that are closer to yours than the average person. I get what Perry is saying, and even as a bipolar I understand that she's saying it with nuance. At the same time, I want to be clear that there are aspects of all three interviewees that I can relate to, even if I can't relate to all symptoms of everyone. And that's helpful, because as the program mentions, with bipolar you feel very much alone in the world. You feel like you're speaking English, but nobody else can understand you for reasons you just can't comprehend at the time. I always recover better from an episode when I explore other bipolars' experiences, because then I _don't_ feel alone.

[@rubyvanderkuil6803]

They talk about being bipolar rather than having bipolar. We are people. Just like you have a broken leg, you arent a broken leg. And yes, we can live meds free, with the right help and support from professionals. Im lowering my meds right now.

[@notkaitlyn5368]

Ruby van der Kuil some can’t live without meds if the condition is worse enough.

[@rubyvanderkuil6803]

@@notkaitlyn5368 yes and I am one of those 😇 but I am trying to get lower quantities. Its amazing that it exists, but its not fair to say that everyone needs meds tho

[@maggimadison9253]

This is absolutely false. I was diagnosed at 12 with bipolar and NO I CANNOT survive without my meds. I have severe bipolar rage where I black out in a rage and would absolutely become either homicidal or suicidal. If you’re able to function without meds on bipolar you have a VERY mild form or you’re not actually bipolar. It’s caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain and you 100% need medication to maintain proper levels in the brain or you cannot function in society and maintain that functionality in life. Do NOT encourage people to eliminate or reduce medication, it’s irresponsible and frankly quite dangerous for 99% of people who have bipolar! It’s quite common for people with bipolar to stabilize on meds and then think they don’t need meds anymore because they’re “fixed” but that’s 100% false and leads to many many more episodes that increase in severity without medication to get them stabilized again.

[@rubyvanderkuil6803]

@@maggimadison9253 I do not mean no one needs meds, im am just saying that simply saying everyone needs them is incorrect. And believe me I do not have a light or mild form and I am 100% sure I do have bipolar disorder. But with years and years of psychiatry since I was a child, I learned to libe with it. In fact, I think it is a miracle since you are completely right about the dependency of medication, it is just not true for everyone.

[@Ang3lBag3l]

Maggi Madison and it’s actually true. You can be bipolar and not need meds. Depends on how severe. Still bipolar ?

[@FeralKimchi]

Surprised that the psychotherapist was so ignorant on psychiatric medications. I know psychotherapists don't prescribe but she should have SOME basic knowledge about the meds that many of her patients/clients are taking. She seemed to want to blame everything on trauma and environmental causes. "If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail."

[@milliejohnson4994]

I thought I was the only one that noticed this, she seemed so close-minded to medication and the idea that bipolar can be caused by genetics etc.

[@NatashaSoupy]

I agree. My therapist doesn't know a lot about psychiatric meds and it concerns me, especially now I'm experimenting trying to find the right one for me.

[@orientalshorthaircats]

I also think she's too willing to jump to conclusions based on 3 people

[@moarroz]

@@NatashaSoupy ive only done a few yrs of psych studies and i know all of the meds for every illness including in the field of neurology. I don't think I'd trust anyone who doesn't have basic pharmacology knowledge of what's paired with what illness. Are you in the UK or US? She might need a refresher course cuz over here each medication and treatment is taught in like psych 101 lmao

[@jojozepofthejungle2655]

Self awareness cured me, I wouldn't take those meds, not being able to remember the day before isn't any kind of cure.

[@VaeVictisXIII]

"have you had any drugs?" *ignores the fact he's been smoking several joints throughout their first meeting*

[@kenacarl6246]

😹😹😹😹😹😹

[@SpandexSuperstarr]

I thought he was talking about that dodgie fake cannabis stuff. People can have some weird reactions to it.

[@bregjemarieke1434]

😂👍🏽

[@kimdracula1995]

That was a rolled up cigarette buddy

[@heekyungkim8147]

Joint is not consider drugs.

[@Scotty_Russell_Music]

Philippa Perry seems lovely, some of the comments in here seem like they're from people who've not had these sort of issues. Sometimes you just need to talk stuff out of your head and have it repeated to you, it helps you calm down and start to make sense of it. Being given positive encouragement is so important, she seems endlessly sympathetic which is so valuable. She also has the humility to admit we don't have all the answers. I like her.

[@zellyxx1]

Me too

[@tandysaysyoucandoanything6758]

Someone should encourage Paul to write a book. His imagination is amazing

[@aprillockabyradford3679]

Gosh how sad. I suffer from depression and anxiety, and it is sad seeing others suffer and not know what to do.

[@stephaniepoleson8891]

This lady seems very compassionate and helpful however I’d be concerned about questioning whether a person is bipolar or not. Bipolar is a serious illness. If I didn’t take my meds I’d be a suicide risk,or dangerously hypomanic. I also see a psychotherapist and this too continues to save my life. Perhaps there is no one size fits all regarding treatment. Just don’t talk people out of taking their meds.

[@EllicottCity1]

Three very brave people willing to be filmed & educate others 👏 My dearest best friend has bipolar, my heart aches for her at times 💔

[@kaijuk]

As someone diagnosed with BPD and PTSD I'd like to say I feel for everyone here looking for an answer or information on their condition and I wish you all the very best in body and mind, I understand and hope you get the help you need to overcome... Much love ❣️

[@roshanmathew9443]

Avoid oil sugar salt

[@pinklotus2443]

how can that one lady have been suffering with biopolar for so long and taking all those meds but never seen a psychologist? u need to do both together, thats so strange to me

[@jameslivesey8322]

NHS resources are pretty stretched, as they are in every single country for mental health. Even if you do have resources available: What medication combination do you take? there are literally millions. What kind of therapy do you take? there are tons of different kinds. Male of female therapist? do you get on with them? too much or too little? are they too impractically far away? it's so difficult and so expensive to find what's right for you.

[@emmestein]

Seeing a psychiatrist has never done anything for me really. I’ve tried all available treatments for half of my life now, without any success. The only thing that has helped partially is medication. Seeing a psychologist doesn’t help all people.

[@findfit3284]

Bipolar can make everyday things, much more difficult and unpredictable for a person. This is why it is extremely important to have a supportive environment, when you are battling with mental illnesses to this extreme.

[@vitocorleone1462]

My Dad is a bipolar alcoholic and I wasn't raised properly at all. I feel like my Dad has the brain of a 15 yo at the age of 53. He once had a real estate agent over to look at his house, and he lead her to the garage and they sat in his brand new mustang (that he could not afford) and he started revving it to show of. Like I said he is 53.

[@MissGold888]

I’m sure that’s all they did...

[@vitocorleone1462]

@@MissGold888 Oh no she's older and really fat. Definitely not his type hahaha

[@lindsaysheffield]

I have bipolar, type II, rapid cycling (like Ashley). Yes, I have past trauma, and I see a therapist. BUT, in my case, time and time again, we’ve seen that once we put me on anti-epileptics (“mood stabilizers”) I am immediately fine, and stay that way for years...like, 10 years. It’s only been when those are changed/withdrawn that there’s been any problem. That said, I have several other neurological problems (some genetic, some from injury), so my case is a bit more complex. My undergrad was in neuropsych, and I went into pharmacy, so the biological/psychosocial debate intrigues me. With all I’ve seen, I think it really just depends on the individual, and ultimately the focus should be on getting them functional.

[@lizhenson4563]

Lindsay Sheffield I got put on an anti epileptic mood stabilizer called lamictal and I honestly feel like it’s put me in a constant state of mania but in a positive way.

[@hopebister6386]

Amen

[@amyp.575]

Bipolar can't cycle in one day.

[@amyp.575]

Sounds more like autism or Borderline Personality Disorder

[@lindsaysheffield]

@@amyp.575 BPD has been ruled out, but when I was in undergrad a prof that specialized in psych testing was like "umm, I can't dx you but have you ever looked into female Asperger's traits?" It really does fit, even down to the texture/feeding issues as a kid. I started realizing when I got out of academia where my weirdness was praised and into workplaces where I "didn't understand" people. Started reading a lot on boards and honestly the "skills" for Autism are way more helpful than bipolar ones. I just don't want to pay all that for an official dx, since I'm disabled and just volunteer where I'm liked.

[@missindependent5535]

Like Ashley I am on the autism spectrum, but as a child I was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder. I was the scapegoat in my family due to this. I have undergone terrible trauma. I don't believe bipolar is his true diagnosis.

[@margicates553]

That was my suspicion as soon as I saw him. I was diagnosed as bipolar 2 for a year before we came around to autism and trauma. Once I got off the meds, the mania left me.

[@catherineolivia1]

@@margicates553 Mine too.

[@dorian1491]

Same

[@tarpleyk9352]

I hate taking medication, when having someone to talk to , does tremendous delight for me. Otherwise, the weight is heavy to bare, alone.

[@aleigh-xe3pc]

My friend with bi-polar thought he didnt need his meds anymore and and stopped taking them. He went from disappearing for days on end spending a huge amount of money and going who knows where in a manic fit with his wife calling freaking out not knowing where he was at all hours of the night to 2 weeks later he left his house at 7 am got a hotel room and hung himself. His wife had to find him like that after his business partner woke up and was looking at their bank records and saw the hotel booking and alerted her about it. I don't personally care why meds work, all I know is if he hadn't stopped taking them he would still be alive right now so please if you are prescribed medication for your mental health no matter how much you think you are okay without them dont stop without professional help and support 💕

[@lindahouston9331]

I agree. If the medicine is only blocking the symptoms, at least that's a positive change. This woman seems to want to prove a point at the expense of her patients wellbeing!

[@rachaelburt1737]

Broke my heart when Paul said “mental institutions or jail cells”. I hope he has normal episodes if that’s what it calls, I’m just going by my uncles experience and I’d honestly say most of the time he’s manic, rarely depressed and will have “normal” periods but even then I couldn’t say they are really “normal”. In no way do I mean that in an offence way! Paul is clearly wonderful in his own way and tbh from what I see 7:21in seems relatively happy in his own world!

[@chrisschneider7505]

I attend a therapy group and I feel the diagnosis of bipolar is over diagnosed and psychiatrists are too quick to numb emotions. For example, drug and alcohol patients are often misdiagnosed. I think that there has to be a a satisfactory period of abstinence before diagnosing mental illness in this instance.

[@girlinterrupted9145]

Chris Schneider There’s supposed to be, APA requires counselors to refer any client to drug and alcohol treatment if they are showing signs of struggling with addiction.

[@Martyfartini]

Like Paul, who got manic when he smoked “legal highs” Who could predict that would happen? Surely there is a difference between drug induced mania and naturally occurring symptoms.

[@theonewiththeface6258]

As a person who suffers greatly from BPII thank you so much for bringing light to our disease. It's truly a difficult life to live. We live because of people's kindness when our mind is telling us we shouldn't be here.

[@yougotaluvme]

Been sick and watching a lot. Of KZbin about mental and chronic illness. It really have open. My mind, eyes and heart. I come to realize, life isn't all about oneself.

[@tiffanycayce8701]

I suffer from PTSD depression anxiety BPD and insomnia as have since around 7 or 8 years old. I've come a long way with my mental health and can honestly say I'm in a good place now and am living a happy life. I know for a fact my diagnoses are due to severe abuse and childhood trauma. I suffered a lot throughout life but i couldn't imagine having to go trough what that man does who goes from mania to depression within seconds that must be so hard to deal with.

[@siddharthrajan24]

You are awesome.... You handle so well, i am just struggling

[@earlofcumbrae-Ground_Zero]

Interesting documentary...worth a watch. Thanks for the upload.

[@noheapai4145]

I’m amazed that when treating mental illness there’s no looking at the brain more closely to s figure out what’s happening within each individual.

[@amandaseymour9200]

Yess!! All it takes is a scan and it could explain so much!

[@MargaretBelle]

i think it might have a lot to do with us not knowing enough about the brain when it comes to mental health

[@harlietalland7586]

I have bipolar disorder and finally want to see more about it. Educate myself and feel less alone in a way. I think its important to see others with the same mental illness. It's validating.

[@crystleculling2998]

Watching this on July 18th. Waiting for Yar to take over the world.

[@heathercorinne5876]

Fousey July 18th look it up

[@karencarney7595]

Huh

[@vikingdogmanship]

I wonder how he can run a buisness like that. Did he own that place? how🤔

[@alessandroricciardi7317]

I totally get the psychotherapist’s point of view, but she looks very stubborn and unprepared on the biological causes and psychiatry in general, so I would never trust her as a patient. I suffer from cyclothymia and I’ve had it all my life, which is a very mild form of bipolarism and is mostly environmental (my mother is borderline). I instinctively trust the psychiatrists’ points of view more than hers on this matter. This said, I’m currently on therapy with a therapist and psychiatrist together and it is working perfectly for me.

[@ariannamolinari1473]

Alessandro Ricciardi Also I don't understand why they don't speak about the Lithium as the most common mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder, instead of generic antipsychotics or antidepressants. I've been diagnosed as bipolar type one this year, after 8 years in therapy with 3 different psychotherapists that weren't prepared at all! One of them also told me ”bipolar disorder doesn't exist”... Like it was Trump with climate change. The lack of knowledge in this environment is crazy and sad.

[@TT-fn1xb]

@@ariannamolinari1473 I would have thought it didn't exist too, until I started to experience inexplicable highs. Experience makes you a believer. I hope you get the help you need.

[@karencarney7595]

Ur very on-point. Detailed. The best psychiatrists/therapists/psychotherapists, are one ones that have either experienced it personally/have been significantly affected by it. Books may educate, but experience dictates the outcome of the patient ultimately, I feel.

[@alwayssunny8884]

If your mother is borderline you could have it as well. It tends to run in the family.

[@dianekimball6812]

@@ariannamolinari1473 I feel your pain. I once had a nurse practitioner tell me that hypomania," wasn't humanly possible".

[@zoe09270]

I hope they all continue to be strong but my heart truly goes out to Ashley. Such a kind soul.

[@kylew.4896]

Ugh I know that feeling...being so embarrassed about you manic episodes after people have to tell you what you did...I'm glad I got treatment and try to help those who seek it

[@rutchijoydayanan2067]

Same here. Like Everytime i remember it i told myself "why did i do that? 🤦‍♀️".

[@edieskyla8775]

My mum has bipolar she had been depressed prior to her first mania many times however she went manic for the first time at 40. A few years prior my dad had bashed her head in she was put on a medication called dexanphetamine to get her brain function back to normal after the brain damage . Shes always be overly intelligent and had lows but her bipolar was brought on my trauma both physical and mental. Shes now 52 and is doing really well two years since her last mania lithium saved her. But make no mistake medical health professionals have not always been overly helpful if someone in your family is suffering get help from many professionals not just one

[@LizzieJD]

Ashley you are a lovely person, and intelligent too. I hope all the best for you and your nice family, who clearly love you so much.

[@vix_xie]

They are battling an invisible disease that is extremely challenging. Sending healing love to them

[@lynnmarieanderson1744]

I have these issues and I feel like I’m ignored by my family and shunned by a lot of people. I was bullied in school constantly. You can just feel like you want to lash out at a world that doesn’t understand you and doesn’t want to.

[@oldandtiredshouldberetired3436]

It's important to do sleep studies on all people diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Many may not be true Bipolar but the manic episodes may in fact be related to a lack of REM stag sleep, where they get hours of sleep but no REM stage.

[@MargaretBelle]

unfortunately at least in the UK being manic once gets you labelled as bipolar. mania is intrinsically linked to being bipolar.

[@LilBabyGTripper]

I was diagnosed with bipolar and it was wrong! Ten year I suffered with the wrong medication when I actually am autistic and ADHD. It was proven when I started on Ritalin and an antidepressant without a mood stabiliser and had no mood swings. Took 10 years to revoke the diagnosis.

[@LilBabyGTripper]

Danielle Burke you couldn’t be more right! They say 80% of girls on the spectrum are misdiagnosed with BPD or bipolar. It’s so sad 😞 It sounds like your time line is almost the same as mine. I got my ADHD first and fight so hard for my ASD diagnosis.

[@thatdamnbucket9847]

It was different for me. I was orginal diagnosed with ADHD and OCD. I had this diagnosis until I was an adult then I was correctly diagnosed with autism.

[@LilBabyGTripper]

The Borderline Life, that was the same for me, but I did my own investigation and found a psychologist that didn’t need a GP referral and with my mums clateral I got my letter to put it on my GPs desk and that was that I got my diagnosis changed and my meds proved me right. I can’t be bipolar if I can have a stimulant (Ritalin) and SSRI ( aropax) without a mood stabiliser and not have a mood swing. Medication can really speak for itself sometimes.

[@nightbot9159]

Exactly what I think I have.

[@farooh20]

Check out PANDAS syndrome.. your manias and so called autism/bipolarism is all caused by a viral attack bacterial or parasitic lyme disease.. treat the cause ... vaccines are causes to illnesses that develop either at birth or shown later on in life. Being put on anti psychotic drugs won't fix anything. Trying an anti viral or anti bacterial instead . And put on long term too. Or IVIG .. please contact a PANDAS/PANS DOCTOR

[@Soderberget]

I got diagnosed with borderline and it's a living hell with all fast highs n lows. For me it was a mix between genetics, trauma and neglection as a child that caused this... I wish nobody had to suffer like this

[@01katiecakes01]

I have NEVER encountered so many ADS in one video! Insane! Don't waste your time.

[@detroitfettyghost8492]

This is a travesty of a psych therapist .... she is trying to get round pegs into square holes etc,. She's very confused.

[@flumpaustin1994]

She needs therapy.

[@detroitfettyghost8492]

@@flumpaustin1994 Yes very much lol! A good acid trip might re-sprout her wings!

[@ysabellpp]

She is trying to help, what do you do to help others ?

[@tabazail]

💯 This "psychotherapist" is useless. How does she not know what medication does and why is she dead set on the idea that its environmental rather than physiological..... And why the F*** does she look like that!?🔲🔳

[@orangesurfer563]

@@tabazail dude same thing ,I was excited to watch but after she said she doesn't know how medications works it threw me off .

[@claremcgraw9048]

I feel really terrible for Ashley, those kinds of extreme mood swings alone can be lethal.

[@laurabirli]

God bless all of the souls who have suffered and are suffering. I've been there and my heart is with you 😚❤️

[@maxludlow6629]

Bless all three. Beautiful people in their own right

[@TheHayley555]

I found this really insightful and thought provoking.

[@weirdxchicky]

I don't think Philippa should be getting as much hate as she is in the comments. She's simply doing what Psychotherapists do. More often than not, many people are just given medications that cover up the main issues. Trauma doesn't have to be being abused or loosing a loved one when you're young. It could have been an accident or in Phillip's case, not being on top all the time. Most doctors that perscibe a medication insist on either a form of Therapy or Psychotherapy in order to get to the real root of the problem. I have genetic Depression but also depression from my Epilepsy which was caused by a head trauma. I take medication, but I know that I will need therapy to help adress the mental issues that are attached to my genetic Depression.

[@MissSunshineHS]

I agree. PTSD has given me bipolar mood swings like them

[@susycremers]

love this exploration and think Ms. Perry is excellent!

[@belindahope6725]

I can be having the happiest day the drastically all of a sudden i feel like im the worst person ever and sucidal feeling. It switches drastically sometimes

[@rivb9466]

I can feel the pain. you know, there's nothing physical that shows but it's mentally painful to spiral so rapidly. And I only have depression. Imagine having manic episodes one minute then you crash the next.

[@cindyjune6490]

Bipolar runs in my family , but it was triggered by so much trauma in my life I was not diagnosed until I was 53.

[@lulumargaret]

Cindy June Me also. I was 52. Late onset diagnosis but I felt unhinged before diagnosis from culminations in psych trauma. Trigger one was due to a family separation that broke my heart. 3 psychiatrists said I have bipolar type 2. Been high functioning though. Working. Sometimes I do stupid things and have anxiety all the time.

[@mentalhealthadvocate3753]

Thank you for the upload x

[@enlightenmentbarbie]

This last bit was spot on, when she’s talking to Paul about the all or nothing thinking... I too was an only child, driven towards perfection in school by my strict parents, then I adopted that perfectionism as my own so I became the perfection police, then I decided to become a star athlete, worked hard to become a brilliant artist, and I emotionally can’t stand being just ok at something- I can’t face it. Just that alone would be difficult but added to it is my emotions and the weird abnormal ways my brain operates even outside of this perfectionism, it’s just wacky. So it’s more than just that but I have no idea how to describe it.

[@dianebays5484]

I can't even begin to understand the mood swings. Going from a great, talkative mood, to thinking the world is out to get you. I'm seeing it, first hand, and there is no reasoning.

[@roshanmathew9443]

Avoid sugar oil salt

[@Neontrifle]

Man! Talk about trying go get patient to fit your hypothesis...............A therapist only sees social circumstances effecting the patient, a psychiatrist see brain dysfunction, a cop sees bad behaviour...........If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to treat everything as if it were a nail.

[@mlawren7]

I got really lucky in that I have a psychiatrist who practices psychotherapy. He actually recommended (but not insisted) that I go off medication, and then later he prescribed me Prozac, but this was my suggestion.

[@Spore5006]

I see what you are saying , like a carpenter seeing only nails. However, I think it's common that people who go into these fields have personal experience with this and a sort of co-dependency treatment that works in their eyes is how they decide to angle it. Whether or not their critical thinking and training can get to a more proper scientific method is generally the hard part. Especially since a lot of diseases of the mind also need heavily, a spiritual, philosophical, and bonding component. I think its not the lady so much as the editing that made her look bad. She set out to make a question about if its this or that, they just made it look like she was pushing for one. Maybe she was just trying to exhaust the idea and leave you to decide. And As all of us can see, its a combination of chemicals, environment and genetics. Therefor, its best to use drugs, therapies, and keep advancing research.

[@donnaholman4538]

Paul G yes cops do see us as crazy

[@Carlsfm1]

What amazing people! Very informative.

[@morganl4445]

It's so intriguing to hear these people basically go through what sounds like drug induced highs and lows, but it's just their brains. I feel for them deeply but damn is it a fascinating phenomenon.

[@mishycrawford]

Hope all my fellow bipolars are taking it one day at a time , sure know I am It ain't easy I'll tell ya ,I'm 17 and recently been diagnosed after a suicide attempt was misdiagnosed with major depressive disorder but after my hospital trip it was official that my ups and downs weren't just the normal moody teenager "phase" makes sense when for a few weeks you feel like your on speed and then your suicidal

[@musicfeedsyoursoul8070]

Edna Mode was sooo freaking biased. Stop insisting its trauma, lady!

[@courtneymeadows2416]

MusicFeedsYourSoul right like girl chill

[@therion5458]

There are many people like this who are in denial about basic reality/genetics. Everything is a "social construct" to them. The idea that all these people got a condition as complex as bipolar disorder simply from "trauma," is idiotic.

[@karencarney7595]

True. (Sorry I have nothing witty, clever or intelligent, to add). But totally agree.

[@tiffanyroseangeles7517]

MusicFeedsYourSoul that's what they were taught ms

[@MountainGirl7771]

Not Edna Mode, she is more like Roz from Monsters Inc.

[@QueenAmethyst55]

I'm no stranger to feeling depressed but my God does my heart go out to these poor people. What a nightmare & torment for them. I really felt for Ashley. So terribly sad to have your life blighted by these mental health conditions. 😔 Paul's mother. ❤️

[@diane9247]

What Paul said near the end is so useful for bipolar people! He had a therapist who told him "I spend half my time telling people that it's OK to be average." My bipolar clients would lament that they missed the highs because they were so euphoric. I heard from chronically I depressed people that their goal was to just be happy. I would tell them both that most people they see walking around are feeling mostly neutral, with a few contented times during the day or week. Most of us don't walk around thinking, "Wow, I'm so happy!" That humorous reality-check them a chuckle.

[@outofthisworld8245]

How do i know if im bipolar

[@OlimpiaOlimpia]

Wait this makes so much sense now that I'm finally on medication. Average feels strange, like... is this what true euthimia feels like? Is this how normal people feel? I wake up just fine now, I might get tired after a day of working, but I'm not melancholic or in total despair ot sleeping 15 hours for days. On the other side I feel like I have energy, but not all the rapid thinking and everything looking in bright colors. Like... this is average. And it's a little strange. And it's okay.

[@kathleenlycan3258]

I’m bipolar and I was diagnosed later in life my early life was full of trauma. I know this disease can’t be cured but it can be controlled. I am taking medication and I am stable. I don’t just take medication I also see a doctor and a therapist.

[@prettymommy6579]

You are doing the right things my friend! Keep it up. Recognizing the problem and getting help can lead to living a normal happy life!

[@fine08ifeanyi95]

I think trauma is a leading factor to this.

[@asiadread4902]

Oh my goodness...I really hope Ashley got new meds! You don’t give Prozac to people with bipolar disorder

[@TheKatarinaGiselle]

Asia Dread that many times a day too is absolutely awful. He is NOT on the right medication. He seems sensitive and like certain thoughts trigger his rapid changes, talking about the medication really seemed to trigger his depressive state, I feel so bad for him and the symptoms the has to endure each day.

[@marwahalsabbagh4104]

I agree, I've been diagnosed with borderline and bipolar they gave me prozac at first and it drived me crazy

[@jessicascearcy2511]

Prozac is always the first go to. Sadly it has never worked for me. It makes the downs last longer. This is an invisible illness. "Oh but you look ok" my bi-polar disorder started when I was 9 with great manic episodes where I'd be awake for days. I couldn't sleep. Then the lows I could sleep 17 hours at a crack. When I was 14 I was given Prozac for the first time. I tried to commit suicide with a month of being on it. This illness is horrible and sometimes the worst place to be is inside your own head.

[@csvtvChrist]

I was on Prozac for 8 years for my bipolar. Originally, I was diagnosed with Major Depressive. But because of how I can get super delusional and high coupled with family history, almost a factory of bipolar, I have it. I just recently got on Trintellix and it didn't work out it made me sick for far too long and I would vomit every time I took it. I am someone that needs an antidepressant with my bipolar. Recently, my lows have come back and they've been very bad. So bad I can't move. I lay in bed until it subsides and do what I can in that amount of time. I dropped out of college because of it. I was suicidal and they didn't want me or anyone else getting hurt.

[@saal3387]

Asia Dread i’m on prozac and i just feel nothing I dont know when am I going to take the right medications

[@Carlsfm1]

Paul's mum is such a sweetheart.

[@monikapastor1958]

Psychotherapist Philippa Perry asked very good questions right to the point. Thank you for sharing, very informative.

[@mamaluca1958]

I was bullied from grade 1 to grade 11, l couldnt finish high school cause l couldnt take the bully anymore. I was ready to commit suicide. And l lived in a little town everyone knows everyone. At 18 yrs old l got the strength to move far, far away and start a new life. Ive never gone back home to live just visit family on holidays. It was the best thing l did. Being depressed is so hard. You feel alone, cant do anything right, you feel like you fail everything. .. so glad to see the people here are doing ok with help.🙏🙏🤗

[@Lauren72382]

I don't like how she often has that "I'm judging you" look.... 😑

[@river8760]

L.C Marie totally agree!

[@bregjemarieke1434]

Yes, exactly! She is so annoying!

[@MyStolenEyes]

I have been to a lot of therapists and psychologists. So many have this attitude. I have also honored in psychology and can see why they end up that way. I think my psychiatrist (who is awesome) explained it to me best. He said people in general don't like (or don't like to admit) when they cannot help someone. I couldn't be around her at all. I would instantly detach and probably end up yelling at her. Particularly when she started in on the medication things. I also know I wouldn't be alive without my medication.

[@yourhighnessthevampirequee7746]

She looks like Edna and Karen morphed into one person

[@pbox1]

​@@MyStolenEyes I feel like there's 3 main types of people who are physiologists/therapists (from my experience and what people have said to me) 1. I did this to "help people" even though their just doing it to make them feel like there better than other people, isn't really that helpful at all 2. someone who is genuinely trying to help people but they lack the ability to understand people on the same level that they are explaining it at, might help some people but is 50/50 if they will actually help 3. someone who has experienced mental hardships and is able to relate and understand the person they are trying to helping and is ultimately the physiologist/therapist that that person needs

[@fredfletcher9966]

I really enjoyed this. I actually agree. I studied psychology for 3 years and I am not an expert, but I have had 5 children and that is worth a lot more than a degree when working out what makes different people happy or stable or some of the reasons why they become so depressed. I think she's right. Putting everyone in the same box is ludicrous. We are all different and things in our lives that happen will change our brains along with genetics and hormones and a person's DNA makeup. I believe everyone has a unique experience when suffering mental illness

[@kirstenwilliams6056]

Fantastic documentary - fascinating!

[@whipchick90]

My ex-husband's bi-polar just appeared in his late 30's. He took his own life when he was 41. Very sad.

[@toucan4207]

I’m sorry to hear that. That’s really awful 😥

[@caracalcontinuum3118]

Sorry for your loss. My grandma was bi-polar and has tried taking her own life.

[@MrRecklessryan]

Sorry for your loss, that is very late for a male. My mother is Schizoaffective. A one in ten chance of inheriting this illness scares the shit out of me.

[@blessedplace9257]

I'm so sorry. My best friend just took her own life two nights ago. She suffered her whole young life. She was only 22

[@sylwia7060]

This is awful,I lost my boyfriend 17 years ago- it still hurts,I do sometime Even talk to him,he is allways with me in a good way,it Will get better🌹 sending You lots of love and Light♥💜💙💚💛 I' m a girl 38y , Greetings from faraway Norway 🤗🌌✨

[@christinechambers8133]

I suffer from BPD and wasn't diagnosed until I was in my 30s. The depression and the immobilization is a robber. I love the manic cycle but it has gotten me into trouble.

[@vavavoom6816]

You are such a lovely man! Thank you for this video.

[@Nataliedjnsaofhdjs0fj]

I love this Doc I feel like it's so personal and so real. Thank you!

[@poptart6662012]

man, when im manic i am so on top of the world. i can see around corners. I can fly.

[@enterbalak]

Best feeling hey

[@karencarney7595]

That's a sign of high energy and intelligence. Use it to ur advantage, NOT ur detriment.

[@microbios8586]

Yeah. I get it. I've done some crazy things in retrospect. 😨 I can't believe I had the self-confidence. I used to dumpster dive for hours on end in the middle of the night..hardly sleep...go to work...repeat every day. Kinda funny

[@aniamunoz1959]

I can run Google, Facebook, amazon and do a better Job than trump ! I am fast cycling, going from lows to highs my family are amazing they allow me my bipolar they love me as I am. I have been taken aside at work "are you having a high?" no I'm just happy today, also asked at work to stand up at a team meeting and explain my BP okay then at the next meeting let's discuss your haemorrhoids???? That'll be fun? Much more interesting than my BP? 😊 That was asked of me 2 years ago, mental health has not come far has it, we talk about it, we have leaflets to read and people nod and are empathetic, living with it is different for everyone, there is no such think as BP 1 and 2, there is BP and it is very individual. This is a disgrace to give this air time,i am 5 minutes into this and it upsets me so much, for an educated person as she pertains to be, she has no clue, with no research at all. She should stick to what she knows, or maybe she needs to go back and learn more.i don't explain me as I'm me, and bipolar is part of me, it doesn't define the person I am, however it's me and take me or leave me as I'm happy, and the highs are amazing. I get so much accomplished, I run a business helping others. I love my life its precious, I don't want to be here either, it's a battle a serious battle, will I win the battle in my head? Documentaries like this, like must things in life should be lead by the people that have a connection to the condition, situation, issue, that's only my thoughts on this. I feel like I'm watching a Britain's got BP, making a mockery of these lovely 3 people living their extraordinary lives. Instead of spending money on this program, give it to the people researching mental health.

[@Jo-ph9zo]

@@microbios8586 did you find any cool stuff?

[@calamitynatalie8590]

This really seems like yet another battle of psychotherapists vs psychiatrists...instead of working together...

[@rscottenglish]

A very good conclusion that she's come to. We are all unique individuals who have been shaped by unique circumstances. I believe the world will be a better place for us humans if we develop a greater capacity for empathy, forgiveness, and compassion for one another.

[@saintsinner7565]

Paul is such a colorful character, I hope he manages to live in that life full of those ups and downs

[@samhyde6395]

I have bipolar disorder type II and the second lady said she constantly hears all her thoughts in her head on a stream of dialogue, that's part of bi polar? If so I never knew that's one of the worst things that happens to me and it's so hard to explain cause it's like having voices in my head but it's not.

[@nocturnalmeatpie2200]

I have bipolar I with psychosis and yes, I hear voices and dialogues

[@Sharon-sw7mr]

I was confused about her comment about hearing a voice in her head. Is she having auditory hallucinations, psychosis, or does she mean it in another way like her own voice thinking which would not be a hallucination? Psychosis is a part of mania and not hypomania. She was introduced as having hypomania.

[@shell-westaustralia8522]

Noise more than voices...slamming doors

[@roshanmathew9443]

Avoid sugar oil salt

[@annekeolivier7157]

Trying to draw conclusions about a disorder using 3 people with different underlying problems (dementia, chilhood neglect, autism) is really not very scientific. And concluding that both genetic and enviromental factors are involved... really not a very original idea.

[@sofiatsanidou3715]

Wow, i didn t expect to see that so many of you think that this hypothesis is wrong.. I really found it very interesting

[@davidmartin2442]

Wow! Very informative. Thank you!!

[@freemekawaii2747]

I'm intrigued by her hair. It's awesome

[@mojokg13]

Yes I love it!!!

[@karimaogden3875]

Her hair reminds me of "Pepe Le Pew" LOL!

[@christylinck4493]

"When he has that manic thing.." LOL where did they find this goofball doctor? 🙄

[@forestrot666]

She reminds me of a therapist I walked out on 4 sessions in. I tried giving her the benefit of the doubt but everytime I wanted to throw the stupid plug in waterfall at the wall.

[@GalacticEgg]

Right? She kept on with getting him to talk about "trauma," like that isn't really how BP1 works lady

[@tonyrox5]

the trash with that skunk hair style...

[@eimaj3185]

tonyrox5 someone with bipolar doesn’t always have trauma...why can’t people understand that!!

[@jordanwise3523]

Frfr

[@SofiaoJerry]

Her conclusion at the end is GOLD

[@sven888]

Human beings desire nothing else but to love and be loved. It's very simple. Love one another! Be kind to each other, hold each other, comfort each other. Thank you.