Light

After years of struggles, months of medical hassles, weeks of depression and days of mental anguish, a light is shining.

A few months ago, Chris finally got an appointment with his primary care physician. She agreed to treat him in spite of his lack of insurance. She will work with him to provide the best care and medication she can.

Although she does not specialize in mental health, she understood his urgent need for treatment.

Six weeks ago, he began a daily medication designed specifically for the treatment of bi-polar disorder.

With minimal side effects, he gradually progressed towards the full recommended dosage. It’s been hard to determine the effectiveness of the medication. Bipolar symptoms aren’t typically present on a day to day basis. We are working together to be aware of triggers and symptoms. We are talking more about what he is thinking and feeling.

But life keeps coming at us at rapid speed. Sometimes leaving us too willing to forget about the illness altogether.

In a series of three highly stressful events, the last few days should have sent him into a manic rage. All of the past stressors were there.

Yet, the obsessive thoughts, the self-hatred, the feelings of worthlessness were not.

This is only a small step in the bi-polar dance. But it feels good.

The medicine is working. The awareness and the conversations are helping.

He’s becoming more and more the man he is supposed to be.

I’m grateful.