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Submitted by PatientsEngage on 31 August 2019
A person running on the beach against the setting sun

Rohit*, 52 from Gurgaon has been living with Bipolar Disorder for close to three decades now, and has realised that a disciplined lifestyle and regular exercise goes a long way in managing the condition.

What were the early symptoms and when?

The first symptoms were in 1989, after a very stressful event. A particular incident in college triggered depression at a young age, which was later diagnosed as Type 2 Bipolar Disorder.

Did you seek professional help immediately?

I sought help after a few months

How much time was spent trying to get a proper diagnosis? 

I have had to go through many doctors and therapies over the years. Diagnosis varied from depression to bipolar disorder to schizophrenia. Getting the right diagnosis was itself very challenging. What was also stressful was the search for the right professional. From psychologists to psychiatrists to spirituality to alternative therapies like vitamins, omega 3 capsules, etc, I tried everything. Finally, I turned to sports and exercising, which helped me immensely.

What were the side effects of the medicines.

Enormous weight gain as well as poor digestion. I also had brain fog. 

Since my diagnosis changed over the years, I was also put on various medications over the years. Finally lithium seems to have been of help.

How did this affect your work life – the depression, lack of interest and the brain fog.

I faced massive disruption in my career.I dropped out of one course, couldn’t participate in peer activities, couldn’t work very hard or smart (thats how I felt). I even took an early retirement in my Forties.

What were the changes in lifestyle that you adopted?

I made necessary changes in my food intake as well as in other areas like smoking, alchohol, exercise andsleep. I started eating healthier home food, stopped smoking and drinking, stopped staying awake till late hours. These steps helped me a lot. I later started exercising also, and this has helped the most. I continue to do all these things on a daily basis to keep depression at bay. I also realized that running helps a lot, which is why I have been running regularly for the last 8 years.

You also moved cities - how was that helpful?

Being closer to home and parents helped enormously. The more familiar the place from my past, the better it works for me.

What is the importance of discipline and structure?

It is absolutely necessary to keep regular hours and discipline in terms of food, sleep and exercise. Disruption in schedule should be kept to a minimum.

How do you motivate yourself to get out and exercise when you are really not up to it?

I enjoy it. I know how important it is. Sometimes the initial step to get out can seem difficult and impossible. But once I get out, I realise the benefit. That insight keeps me going. I make goals which motivate me to go. One of my close friends encourages me a lot regularly. 

Did you also see a counsellor? What is your experience with counselors?

I saw many. Talking to them - venting - helped, but the improvement was always temporary. I am not seeing anyone these days.

My condition has been better in the last 3-4 years. This year has so far been the best since the disorder struck 30 years back. But I have to do all the basic things mentioned above sincerely - nothing can be taken for granted.

What would you do differently in hindsight?

I wish I had started exercising sooner. I wasted 20 years without it. 

Did your doctor suggest exercise? 

Actually one of the doctors had mentioned it but he did not insist on it. I wish he had prescribed exercise and insisted on it as much as the medicines. 

What do you wish people would understand better?

People do not understand. Maybe it is not possible for them to understand if they have not suffered themselves. I have given up expecting others to understand. The sympathy that I get is not always useful. I continue to hope that things get really better in the future.

* Name changed on request