Bipolar 1

A Journey into the Unknown

On June 2nd 2025, I was sectioned under the Mental Health Act and spent six weeks in a psychiatric hospital with severe psychosis. To further complicate this, I had a suspected heart attack and a mini stroke. Not a particularly pleasant experience to say the least. The stroke left me with temporary paralysis in my left hand, which has affected my handwriting and ability to play the guitar.

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition. The resulting mood swings are debilitating in the extreme – extreme being the operative word. One moment spent with the gods and then the inevitable downswing, often leading to a section or similar form of intervention. The good news is, that with a combination of medication and therapy, the individual can return to a stable and ‘normal’ life, much as he or she experienced prior to the onset.

Below, are the triggers which are warning signs for many bipolar ‘survivors’:

sleep deprivation

alcohol and drugs

stressful situations

outbursts of irrational anger

being out of touch with reality.

It’s important to recognise that these triggers are not exclusive to the bipolar community and can impact the general population also. However, bipolar disorder has a distinct range of symptoms which enable healthcare professionals to make an accurate diagnosis. This enables the individual in question to seek the help they need and begin the long road to recovery.

Some individuals love the ‘manic’ phase, due to its alluring and often exhilarating nature. However, this brief period usually ends with a crash landing, much like a jet plane running out of fuel. To recover from the shock of such extremes and initiate a better future outcome, it is necessary to adopt a different perspective and take the recovery process seriously.

Many individuals see this regime as invasive and resent the disruption to their lives. But bipolar disorder is far more disruptive in the long-term, being detrimental to family, friendships and employment options.

It could be said that bipolar disorder robs you of half your life. But perhaps, by means of consolation, it gives you a deeper insight and a certain hard-earned wisdom gained by suffering. The learned ability to alleviate future lapses is both reassuring and inspiring. As individuals, we strive to get better, not worse and thrive by overcoming seemingly insurmountable setbacks and challenges.

Sadly, the potential for suicide is much greater in those with bipolar disorder. However, this alarming factor need not dissuade each individual from seeking help. The triggers for a relapse mentioned above are to be avoided if ongoing treatment is to be successful. Things like adequate sleep, good diet and a strong support network are vital to progress and help to alleviate the condition.

To end on a positive note, there are many examples of those ‘survivors’ who have made successes of their lives in spite of their disabilities. Many choose to speak publicly about their experiences, which helps to offset the stigma – thankfully less prevelent in today’s more tolerant society. This then offers hope to those who may feel that fate has given them no option but to give in, thereby avoiding ongoing treatment.

A little dogged persistence is also required, plus a healthy dose of black humour to cope with any down days. I wish a speedy recovery to all those like-minded souls who have endured, and wish to live a better and more rewarding life beyond bipolar disorder.