My Bipolar History
My name is Kevin and I have bipolar disorder. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1997 after I tried to un-alive myself.
I was immediately committed to a state hospital where I stayed for two weeks and I was put on a medicine regimen that really did not work for me.
Over the next 25 years I would be in and out of rehabilitation centers, state hospitals and group homes because of my bipolar disorder.
in 2020 I would spend my last time in a state hospital ( I hope and pray). This time something was different. They added a schizophrenia drug to my medication regimen.
I’m not Schizophrenic, I’m bipolar, so I was confused. The doctor said to trust him and that this will help since we had exhausted most all medication regimens, I said ok.
So he put me on Risperdal, Lexapro and lithium. This medication regimen finally worked for me and I was sent home.
That was 2 years ago and I have not had a single bipolar relapse or episode. Not one. These medications work for me finally.
My Daily Routine
Now I wake everyday and take my Lexapro and lithium in the morning with my coffee. Then I do a light exercise session.
There are gonna be some bad days but nothing so bad that you can’t get through it. For me, along with the medications and staying busy really work for me.
I am on disability because of the bipolar disorder so most of my time is spent at home. So I do my house chores and work outside up until about lunch time. Staying busy is the key to keeping your mind occupied.
There are days where I hate to fight the cravings. I also still have to work through those negative thoughts that enter my head. Being consistently busy and productive helps with this.
Then I stop for lunch and I eat. After lunch I do more light chores or whatever needs to be done outside. I also listen to bipolar disorder and self help videos and podcasts. I will also check my blog and make a blog post if I can.. Then I finish up my chores and outside work.
By now, it is supper time. So I make my meal and eat supper. After supper I sit down and relax for just a little while. Then I get up and take a relaxation shower.
After my shower, I try to read books about bipolar disorder and mental health. I also listen to more self help videos about living with bipolar disorder.
I also have trouble with my thoughts during this time of the evening. But, I can generally work through it with no problems.
It’s now time to take my night medications. These meds include Risperdal, Tylenol PM and a heart medication. While I’m waiting on my meds to kick in, I will check my social media and my blog and make a blog post. Then it’s off to bed and start the whole process in the morning.
Conclusion
Living with bipolar disorder does not have to be hard. It just needs to be structured and above all, take your medications. If the meds aren’t working, talk to your doctor about putting you on different meds.
Lastly, The key here is to never stop until you find the right medication’s that work for you. And you will know when the meds are working for you. Stay strong and take it one day at a time.