“"It is not the bruises on the body that hurt. It is the wounds of the heart and the scars on the mind."
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- Aisha Mirza

“One in four adults and one in ten children experience mental illness, making it a reality that touches us all,” states a case study. Just as our physical health, mental health is equally important, and it’s about time we took care of it, talked about it, and stood by those struggling with it. Mental illness, including bipolar disorder, affects millions of people globally, yet it's still stigmatised, misunderstood, and silenced. Nevertheless, that silence has to be broken. In this blog post, we will explore the realities behind bipolar disorder, episodes of highs vs. lows, and personal narratives that reveal the truth about stigma and offer hope for all.

Highs and Lows

The mind is a maze of contradictions, and the journey is unpredictable. Life with bipolar disorder is a rollercoaster. This disorder is associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. Individuals with bipolar disorder show mood swings. These shifts can last for hours, weeks, or months and interrupt your ability to carry out daily tasks. It is an exaggerated sense of thinking of themselves as superior and unique, with little evidence to support these beliefs. The highs and lows of bipolar disorder serve as a poignant reminder that mental health is a delicate dance between darkness and light.

The Silver Screen and My Story

Some notable movies that portray bipolar disorder on the silver screen include Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Frantic, The Soloist in Hollywood, and 3 in Kollywood.

Photo by  Jake Hills Team  on  Unsplash

The movie “3” revolves around Ram and Janani, who met as teens and fell in love. His actions become more erratic as he gets older, and he is ultimately diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Even though he is ill, Janani decides to marry him, hoping that she will be able to support him through his struggle with the illness. Nonetheless, the disorder strains the relationship between Ram and his wife, which ends up tragically. The film endeavours to demonstrate the difficulties that are encountered by people living with bipolar disorders as well as their families. In this case, Rama’s character undergoes dramatic mood swings, which at times result in a state of excitement or depression, affecting his relationships and daily activities. The movie further portrays how this condition leads to failure in marriage, social life, etc.

Photo by  MI PHAM Team  on  Unsplash

As I sit down to write this blog, I remember the challenging journey I went through. While growing up, I observed this disorder take its course in my family, with both the ups and downs of their emotions. There were times when my sister and I would be left feeling uncertain and anxious due to our parents' mood swings. Sometimes they would be flying high with energy, while other days they could hardly get out of bed in the morning. Understanding it at that age was difficult for me as a child. I felt lost, frightened, and unsure of how to offer help to my parents. By the time I became a teenager, I began to realise that bipolar disorder was a part of our family's story. Our family has experienced the devastating effects of bipolar disorder, including tragic decisions and long-term consequences.

But I've come to realise that having a family history of bipolar disorder doesn't mean I'm destined to develop it. By learning from my parents' experiences and taking proactive steps, I can reduce my risk and create a better future for myself.

Message of Hope

If you have bipolar disorder, you should know that you are not alone. Although the darkness may be overpowering, it is not everlasting. The highs and lows will feel like rollercoasters, but you can make it. It is fine if everything is not alright. It is okay to ask for support. To be honest, seeking assistance exemplifies bravery rather than cowardice. You can seek advice from your close ones, connect with a support group, or consult mental health practitioners. Even the tiniest win has to be celebrated. Every single time you wake up, cook food, or talk to someone else, it is a good thing. Creativity, passion, and energy are not bad things; they’re advantages.  This could mean drawing, playing instruments, or writing stories. You are made of desires, not symptoms. You should never allow your future to be dictated by bipolar disorder, but instead take it as an opportunity for growth and development. There is no need to go through this by yourself.

There is hope. There is healing. There is a way forward, even on the darkest days. 

For professional support, reach out to a therapist at Heart It Out today!