Today, we recognize Bipolar Disorder Awareness Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about this complex and often misunderstood mental illness.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to those who courageously share their lived experiences to educate others and to the families who have bravely shared their stories of loss to protect others.❤️
To my colleagues in the mental health and non-mental health sectors, I urge us all: we must do better!
‼️The Urgent Need for Improvement:
Studies indicate It may take up to 10 years for individuals to receive an accurate diagnosis of Bipolar disorder, especially when presenting with the Depressive Episode of the disorder
I continue to hear this narrative in my 30 plus years of psychiatric practice!
The most common misdiagnosis is “Major Depressive Disorder” commonly known as “Depression.”
Treating bipolar depression with medications designed for “Depression” is akin to treating Diabetes with sugar alone—it can cause dangerous consequences!
‼️Identifying Bipolar Disorder: Key Questions to Consider
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To ensure the correct diagnosis, individuals and their loved ones should review their symptoms and answer the following questions :
🔴Have you experienced periods of heightened anger or excitability?
🔴Have you had impulsive or unrealistic ideas?
🔴Have your behaviors led to problems in relationships, work, school, finances, substance misuse, or legal issues?
🔴Do you have blood relatives with similar experiences
If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, it could be a sign that your current bout of depression is part of a larger disease—Bipolar Disorder.
💪🏾Speak Up and Advocate for Yourself
Even if your healthcare provider doesn’t ask, inform them of these symptoms and concerns. Your proactive communication could save your life or the life of a loved one.
🙏🏾 Together, let’s commit to doing better and ensuring that individuals receive the care and support they truly need.
