RE: Psychology Addict # 52 | Mental Illness – A Straight-Forward Discussion about a Non Straight-Forward Topic.
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Oof. A touchy subject.
I have dealt with a friend who has bipolar disorder. The fact is, he is fine as long as he is on his meds. Problems only occurs when he stops doing that. After the latest manic episode, he's becoming more vigilant about taking care of himself.
I also have a loved one who I believe may be suffering from a "cluster b" personality disorder (not bipolar). The unfortunate part about that is it's harder to prove and they are high functioning in society. However, dealing with them can be a nightmare emotionally when they are acting out.
Like you said, there is still stigma attached to mental illness that people are unwilling to believe their loved ones may have issues and need help. Instead, the afflicted are either left isolated or allowed to continue their rampage against those around them.
Hello there @enforcer48 :)
What a wonderful comment! Thank you for taking the time to add yet another point of this touchy topic: that which reveals the position of those dealing with someone who has a mental illness. Further, I truly appreciate your honesty. Yes, it can be a very emotionally draining situation to be in.
Further still, highlighting your friend's experience of learning to look after himself in order to keep a productive life going just shows how mental illnesses can be kept under control and how they can be managed. This is not easy, though. But, it is far from being impossible. Rather than passive recipients of their treatment individuals with psychological disorders are active agents in their own improvement.
Finally, reading about your loved one brought to mind cognitive therapy. Whether living with a disorder or not we all can do with a little reevaluation of how we think, feel and behave :)
Thank you once again for stopping by and taking the time to leave such an insightful comment.
I wish you and all your loved ones all the best!
Abigail