This is a private community of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder where they can share their experiences, and gain support from each other. We welcome caregivers of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder (also, known as manic-depressive illness) is a mental disorder that is characterized by constant shift in moods between depression and elevated moods (known as hypomania or mania depending on intensity and psychosis). It also includes shifts in energy levels and ability to function on day to day basis. Please follow the community guidelines.(This is not a crisis support line.) https://www.patientsengage.com/private-community-guidelines.
Swati Agrawal on how her unbearable headaches eventually led to a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, coming to terms with the diagnosis and her experience of living with the ups and downs associated her condition. It all started with body pains. After two years of visiting numerous doctors, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I did not get out of bed for days. And it wasn’t just because of body pain, but because of lack of any will or motivation. I did not recognize myself. I was a different person…
Although the right to health care of any kind has become a legal provision for the first time in India, implementing the Mental Healthcare Act (MHCA) is still challenging to all stakeholders. Sign the petition to bridge the mental health care gap. Contributed by Mariwala Health Initiative What is the Mental Health Care Gap? If one goes by global statistics, then one in four of us will at some point be affected by a mental health issue in our lifetime. India’s National Mental Health Survey (…
Mamta Prasad, who has Bipolar Disorder shares her journey with marijuana addiction, her use of art as a release and the impact her condition has had on her relationships with family and friends. The earth is bipolar and so am I. Warm greetings to all that are reading further. Jokes apart, my story is one of addiction to marijuana and its ill effects. Psychosis and ensuing mania due to using marijuana for almost nine years. Nothing could stop me from using - not my parent’s plight, not…
Vijay Nallawala who has been running a peer support group for persons with Bipolar Disorder and their caregivers, talks about the upcoming Bipolar disorder conference in Mumbai and the value of peer support communities. Bipolar Disorder, previously known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out tasks. Well, that definition does not adequately bring across what a person struggling with it has…
Vijay Nallawala, has been living with bipolar disorder for 42 years and runs a peer support group. Here he takes us through his journey of mental and physical recovery that could be an inspiration to others affected by similar conditions. When a person affected by bipolar disorder asks his psychiatrist about the prognosis of this mental health disorder, the typical answer one gets is: 'Although bipolar disorder has no cure, it can be managed with medication and therapy.' Coming to terms with my…
And QUIT SMOKING. Akhileshwar Sahay, a seasoned industry veteran, has been living with bipolar disorder for the last 2 decades. In this interview, he talks about his troubled journey with multiple chronic illnesses including COPD, Depression, Diabetes and his commitment to removing stigma related to mental illness. How did your bipolar disorder start? What were the early symptoms? Bipolar disorder is not like influenza that it is diagnosed at once. Its roots are biological and I was…
Mala (not her real name) has been the primary caregiver for her brother Ram (not his real name) who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia for more than 15 years. Indra Venkatram writes about the challenges Mala faced as a sole caregiver in Singapore. About Ram Ram was a very bright and intelligent boy who did very well in school, studying in top secondary and junior college and also topping his cohort in his overseas university. He was the pride of his family and had great plans for his…
Author and wellness coach Vijay Nallawala, who has bipolar disorder, has lived with the manic depression symptoms from the tender age of 14. Here he recounts his arduous journey spanning three decades. You have recently authored a book ‘A Bipolar’s Journey - From Torment to Fulfillment’. What inspired you to write the book? Well, firstly, the book is not very recent. It was published globally in 2015 but is still available on Amazon.in. I was already writing candidly about my experiences as a…
Shivani Maheshwari brings you a list of 10 movies and documentaries on health released in 2017. It is a random selection, with no preference or bias. They were picked up because they featured prominently on social media. The dominance of American staple probably makes a telling statement that more work needs to be done in the health sector in India, in terms of films, features, docudramas, narratives, and motion pictures. Hopefully, 2018 will be better. Watch them if you can. Many are available…
Dr Avinash Joshi, a psychiatrist, has set up a marriage bureau for people with psychiatric and physical disabilities in the hope of providing them not just a soul mate, but also helping build a relationship on trust . You have started a marriage bureau for people with psychiatric and physical disabilities, the first of its kind in India. What spurred you to set up this unique initiative? I have set up a matchmaking site called, manomarriage.com for people with psychiatric and physical…
Women develop bipolar II disorder, bipolar depression, mixed mania, and a rapid-cycling course of illness more commonly than men and are at greater risk of such comorbid conditions as alcohol use problems, thyroid disease, medication-induced obesity…
Hello all. Did you know it is pain awareness month? Do any of you suffer from chronic pain? I also have Fibromyalgia so I also suffer from chronic pain. It is tied with mood swings. I also have a lot of fatigue. What about you? ~ Swati
Hello all,
Bipolar has had a huge impact on my relationships. Many people did not want to date someone with mental health issues due to lack of understanding and stigma. Sometimes, mood swings just made it tough to sustain a relationship. I felt…
Hello all.
Welcome to the Bipolar Private Support Group.
This is an introduction thread so that we could get to know each other better. Please do introduce yourself. Talk about things like work, family, interests, where are you from etc.!! Also,…
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