Beyond the Label: A Journey of Redemption from Mental Illness and Medication
Trapped in the System: A Tale of Mental Health Diagnosis, Medication Dependence, and the Quest for Freedom
A Troublesome Start: Diagnosis and Disbelief
Twenty years ago, my life took an unexpected turn when I began to experience anxiety-induced psychosis. This led me onto a path of antipsychotic medication - initially olanzapine and then aripiprazole. It was an uncharted journey that, unfortunately, resulted in a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, a label I have never accepted. The focus seemed to be on withdrawal symptoms rather than the root cause, the initial anxiety that pushed me into this storm.
The Unwanted Companions: Relapse and Conflict
My relapses followed a familiar pattern, often occurring 9-10 months after a hasty tapering off the medication. These episodes not only scarred me but also deeply affected my loved ones, especially my wife. Our discussions about my mental health often turn heated, rooted in her traumatic memories of my past relapses. To keep the peace, we tend to avoid the topic, leading to a simmering tension beneath our day-to-day life.
T…
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to High Roller or Bipolar to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.