March 30 marks World Bipolar Day. It is celebrated each year on Vincent Van Gogh’s birthday who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after his death. Another notable historical figure who has been suspected of living with the condition is Rabbie Burns, taking into account his behaviour during his life.
Originally known as manic-depressive disorder, in Scotland 1 in 50 people are thought to live with the condition. Although it can be diagnosed in teenage years, it can be difficult to diagnose and many don’t get a diagnosis until later in life. It is characterised by mood swings from lows/depression to highs/mania and is a life-long condition.
After a diagnosis of personality disorder, then paranoid schizophrenia, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Bipolar Disorder in 2009 at the age of 50.
I remained under the care of a psychiatrist and CPN (community psychiatric nurse) staying reasonably ‘stable’ but with regular, sometimes disabling, mood swings. But after a psychotic breakdown in 2019, where I was maintained in the community (avoiding hospitalisation), I began to experience greater mood swings and lengthy periods of severe depression with intervening periods of hypomania.
During one of these bouts of depression in 2022, I saw a locum psychiatrist who suggested we try a different medication. After some consideration and medical tests, I started taking this medication and within five weeks my depression lifted and I remain stable several months later. Getting the right balance of medication requires a good deal of trial and error.
Several years after my diagnosis, I became aware of Bipolar Scotland, a charity which helps people with bipolar to live better lives.
They offer peer support groups throughout Scotland where those with bipolar, families, and carers can meet to exchange experiences and discuss topics such as medication, wellbeing tools, and related topics. I have found these groups useful and informative. In many ways, it would seem bipolar disorder is very much an individual thing.
Although bipolar disorder can be very frightening and distressing for those affected and their partners/carers, through time and experience a good quality of life can be attained. Indeed, many with bipolar can hold down various jobs and periods of mania/hypomania can make people very productive and creative.
Recently, I became a See Me Proud Champion volunteer, supported by See Me Scotland and LGBT Health and Wellbeing. We aim to start conversations about mental health and tackle stigma and discrimination experienced by those with mental health issues, especially in the LGBT+ community where there is often a double-whammy of discrimination.
I recently organised an open mic night in Glasgow in connection with Time to Talk Day to showcase music and spoken word talent in the community. It provided a safe space to explore the self-stigma we often live with and ways to build resilience in our journeys of mental wellbeing.
As a way of offering peer support to those with bipolar, and in recognition of World Bipolar Day, I am organising a meet-up for those with lived experience of bipolar and queer identity on Saturday 1 April 2023.
Those interested are welcome to drop in between 2pm–5pm at Cake Make on Victoria Road in Govanhill, Glasgow. The café serves teas, coffees, hot food and a huge range of cakes. For further information please contact Rose (she/her) at rosefabae@yahoo.co.uk
If you are experiencing mood swings, with periods of low mood and elation, talk to your GP.
It might help to keep a mood chart, detailing lows and highs. Bipolar is different from the everyday ups and downs which many people experience. If you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder or have had a diagnosis for a while, go to www.bipolarscotland.org.uk for help and advice. Talking to those with lived experience can be a game changer.
Finally, always remember you’re not alone, and never be afraid to reach out for help.
