What’s it Like to Live with Bipolar Disorder? Dayna J. Shares Her Perspective
Note: March 30th is World Bipolar Day, where the world comes together to raise awareness of a mental health disorder that affects nearly 6 million Americans, each in a distinctive way. We aim to help raise awareness with this inspiring patient interview.
By Dayna J., author of Shine Bright: Seeking Daylight in the Darkness. Dayna is an executive at a nonprofit organization and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in her field. She loves to travel, is about to celebrate her 19-year anniversary with the love of her life – and she is living with bipolar disorder.
Q. Can you share a bit about your journey, from the first symptoms to treatment?
A. I first started experiencing severe insomnia in 2006, when I was 26 years old and living in another state. The sleeping pills I was prescribed were not effective. After months of insomnia, I experienced symptoms of psychosis and paranoia. I was hospitalized for three weeks, which was when I got the bipolar diagnosis. I was terrified.
After two years in and out of the hospital and a suicide attempt, I finally became medically compliant and worked with the treatment team to achieve functional recovery. I have been fully compliant, and fully functioning, for nearly 15 years now. If you met me today, you’d never know.
Q. What was the defining moment that helped you move from being debilitated by this condition to living a regular life with bipolar disorder?
A. There were a couple of defining moments. First, my inpatient psychiatric care team told me that if I didn’t take my medications as prescribed, I could face a long-term hospitalization, which could be as long as three years. Second, an outpatient physician suggested that I apply for disability benefits, because I’d never be able to work again. I was floored. It was inconceivable to me that I would not be able to work.
Those two conversations really whipped me into shape. I didn’t want to give up my life, my independence, my ability to work. In my view, relying on disability would have been the worst-case scenario.
Q. What is important in helping you manage your condition effectively and live a satisfying life with bipolar illness?
A. There are a few components:
- Having an awesome relationship with a psychiatrist you trust, like I have here at Inova with Michael Moore, MD
- Having a therapist with whom you can work through challenges or hurdles you’re facing
- Making sure your lifestyle supports wellness, including healthy food, exercise, enough sleep and enough water
- Being completely compliant with you medication routine (If the medications you’re on aren’t working well for you, there are other options)
If you do those four things, you’ll be fine.
Q. What do people need to know about bipolar disorder?
A. There are many people living with bipolar disorder with very little impact on their day-to-day lives. You probably know someone with bipolar disorder. It’s an invisible illness, and if it’s well managed, you’ll never know the person has it. But if it’s not properly managed, it’s a very destructive illness.
Q. How would you help someone talk openly about their mental health challenges?
Every person experiences mental health challenges to some degree at some point. It’s not your fault. I would also emphasize that when you’re unwell, you need to do everything in your power to become well again. That’s your responsibility, to yourself and to those you love.
Q. As you look back on your care journey, what lesson have you learned?
A. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that working with a great psychiatrist makes all the difference. Dr. Moore has the experience, knowledge, and intellect to treat the disorder and the compassion to treat me as a fellow human being. It’s hard, and there are lots of barriers, but keep looking until you find the right psychiatrist for you.
Q. What can a family member or friend do to support someone with bipolar illness?
A. Communicate that you love them, and you want them to be well. Ask them how you can help them be successful. Educate yourself about the disease and what to expect. Here are a few good resources for patients and loved ones:
Q. Is there anything you’d like to share?
A. For someone who is newly diagnosed, the most important I want individuals and loved ones to know is to have hope. It does get better. Address the problem, take the time you need to recover and know that anything you want to do is still possible.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Learn more about Inova Behavioral Health Services.