#98: A Better Strategy for Your Hospitalizations (And Why Life Goes On)

FROM THIS SHOW…

Mental health can take a nose dive rather quickly when you don’t know or suspect that you have a bipolar disorder. Oftentimes, the stressors of life can add up and start to pull you away from reality.

For some, particularly those with the “axis 1” variant of bipolar disorder, things that you’d normally be able to handle suddenly feel like the end of the world.

On today’s episode of The Bipolar Now Podcast, Alyssa shares with Mike how she has to deal with the stigmas of being admitted to the psychiatric ward of the hospital in her home town.

But with experience comes wisdom, and now she admits herself to the hospital only as needed—which helps her to use it in her longterm mental health plan, not as a sign of weakness, but as a beacon of strength.

You don't want to miss it!

Listen to the podcast:

Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts!  With every past episode at your fingertips, plus special Bonus Content with my guests, what's not to love! And if you're feeling generous, would you please leave me a review? It is a special treat to read each and every one of them. Just write about your favorite part of the show! :-) 

TAKEAWAYS

• Whether it’s home life or work life, or something similar, bipolar disorder is great at making you feel overwhelmed with everyday tasks. This does not mean you are incapable or irresponsible. It simply means you need to treat bipolar as your main priority.

• It’s perfectly normal to want to hide from your diagnosis, if you have received one. Reading or studying the far-reaching effects of this illness can cause you to feel fear. But it’s important to recognize that this is a disorder that can be managed quite effectively. 

• The portrayal of the mental ward at the hospital is often over-dramatized by TV and movies. Those of us who’ve been on the inside know that, overall, it is a place of serenity with a crew of dedicated professionals there to serve you. Their goal is to get you stabilized as quickly as possible.

Lifer Discussion Guide

Use the questions in today’s Lifer Guide to assist you over any hurdles you may have to clear as you address your mental health. These are special conversations!

“Lifers” are people who have unwavering faithfulness. This assures you that they’ll stick by you through all the highs and lows that are normal for a life with mental health challenges. If you haven’t nominated a lifelong family member or friend as part of your non-medical support team, what are you waiting for? :-)

The Questions:

1) Did you relate to any of Alyssa’s stories as she shared in the podcast? / Why or why not?

2) At what point would you feel the need to admit yourself to an inpatient setting for mental health?

3) Which part of the hospitalization is most upsetting to you?

4) Would you make the hospital a part of your longterm care plan for bipolar? / What about it still bothers you?

Join the Tribe!

Once you’ve had a chance to talk or journal about these things you might have a question from this episode. If so, make sure you head on over to The Bipolar Now Podcast Network on Facebook! There’s quite a few people over there who are also taking a new step in their mental health. And we’d love for you to share your story with us when you’re ready. So don’t miss out!