Healthy Minds | Bipolar Disorder, Part One: A Conversation With Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D.

The psychologist and MacArthur Fellow shares her experience as both a researcher and someone living with bipolar disorder, exploring the latest information about diagnosis and treatment for this mental illness that often strikes young adults during an already vulnerable time of life.

[@eileenhay5697]

Kay you’re a great example of living well with bipolar. I also admire your capacity to express and explain your personal experiences of depression and bipolar disorder giving hope to others to help them overcome their trauma. It’s not until one experiences mental illness that you learn the seriousness of depression and other mental health problems, and how you can overcome them. Thank you for your sage comments and advice.

[@jonesilvasilva]

Being bipolar is not a death sentence: I have bipolar disorder tipe 2 with comorbid ADHD. I have been through tough times in life, but I didn't accept being bipolar and didn't follow treatments, so I was always in crises. After being hospitalized for 12 days and undergoing treatment and convulsive therapy, I got better and accepted the diagnosis. Since then, I haven't had strong crises anymore. My life has changed: I went to university, studied Law, became a lawyer, did postgraduate studies, and work a lot. I live a normal life, but I avoid coffee, energy drinks, and alcohol. I exercise six times a week and sleep at least six hours a day. Additionally, I regularly see mental health professionals: I go to a psychologist twice a month and to a psychiatrist once a month. I take slow-release lithium carbonate as prescribed. We continue the fight with great determination. Disorder Type 2. My family does not know, even when I was hospitalised a few years ago. They did not find out because my two partners at my law firm organised everything with the psychologist and psychiatrist. Only my partners know about my bipolar disorder. My current girlfriend does not know that I have bipolar disorder. I am working with my psychologist to decide whether or not to tell my girlfriend. I believe the worst part of life for someone with bipolar disorder is the stigma and prejudice. Everyone thinks a person with bipolar disorder is always aggressive. I have never been aggressive with anyone, even during moments of crisis. I have never driven a car irresponsibly. I live a normal life, work a lot, and study constantly because my profession requires me to stay updated. However, I do take my medication. My advice to you is: don't expect doctors, psychologists, and medications to perform miracles in your life; you have to do your part by taking all the medications correctly, always visiting your doctor and psychologist, and never lying to them. I even wrote a mathematical formula for us bipolars to stay well: B + MP + P + EP = NLS. B (bipolar), MP (psychiatrist), P (psychologist), EP (self-effort), NLS (normal life and success). Never give up. Good luck, greetings from Brazil.

[@debblayney7132]

This discussion is helpful, and I learned so much in a short amount of time. Thank you both.

[@andrewudstraw]

PCE exposure as an infant has been shown to increase the likelihood of bipolar. I was born at Camp LeJeune in the middle of the toxic time and sure enough, became bipolar. It has had a devastating impact on my legal career, mostly due to the stigma and biases of other judges and lawyers.

[@carolinamendes6134]

❤

[@ThePrinceOfArt]

Thanks for giving up on me. I would of had u out regardless if were a.woman

[@sadie159]

What happened?

[@hempenasphalt1587]

There is not actually much science behind this illness.