My Journey towards recovery from a severe mental health condition, namely Bipolar Affective Disorder type l was quite eventful.
This is a severe mental health condition that requires lifelong treatment. It’s diagnosis does not come easy as symptoms have to be classical before a final decision is made.
In my case l had a manifestation of mania with psychosis that severely affected my ability to work and relate well with family, leading to my first admission in hospital. I stayed in there for a month with other mental health patients but l could see that l was much better off. At first l was an aggressive and difficult patient but after 2 weeks l calmed down.
In my history of present illness they mentioned Substance Induced Mood Disorder but on discharge the Psychiatrist told me l had Bipolar and l wondered why there is a contradiction. However, on my second admission with similar but less severe symptoms, my diagnosis was confirmed as Bipolar type I. This gave me confidence and reassurance that l really have a serious mental health condition that requires lifelong treatment. I have been on treatment since then and l feel superb and empowered to share my story and also hear from the experiences of others who have been through similar conditions.
