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Family matters: how a mother and daughter united on a bipolar I journey

Meet Sandra, a courageous woman who has been supported on her journey with bipolar I disorder by her loving mother, Daphne. In her touching testimonial, Sandra opens up about the highs and lows of her condition and the pivotal role her mother has played along the way in helping her find balance in her life. With her mother by her side, Sandra has navigated the complexities of bipolar I disorder with resilience and determination. Together, they have worked closely with their healthcare team and crafted a management plan that works for Sandra’s unique needs.

Sandra’s Story

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Daphne’s Perspective

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Explore additional recovery stories

BPI affects people all around you, and every person with bipolar I disorder has a different experience to share. Here, you can read some of their stories to learn how they have managed their lives with BPI and how they’ve experienced recovery.

† Fictional stories.

Ana

Onset

Ana’s first experience with BPI included a hospitalization due to a manic episode. The signs of this episode were recognized by her friend Eric, who sought help for Ana. She was stabilized, prescribed medication and discharged, but was not aware that bipolar relapses were a possibility after this first episode.

Relapse

Over the next 10 years, Ana experienced 5 bipolar relapses. Her friend Eric started to flag every time he noticed a change in her mood and encouraged her to talk to the psychiatrist. She now works with her therapist to keep track of patterns that may warn of an upcoming relapse (for example, being more talkative and more irritable).

Management

Ana manages her BPI with medication, therapy and support from her friends and family. She reaches out to those she trusts when she feels symptoms re-emerging so she can get her triggers under control.

Mo

Concern

Mo was under-reporting his symptoms (for example, trouble concentrating and completing tasks at work) to his doctor as he was worried increasing symptoms would lead to a change in his medication.

Problem Solving

After chatting with his wife, Mo felt less alone and was able to open up to his doctor, who objectively re-assessed his depressive symptoms and figured out a treatment plan for him.

Helpful Tool: If you’re concerned about spotting relapses in your loved one, try using the Spotting & Discussing Relapse Guide to get started.

Resolution

After having his treatment plan adjusted, Mo’s symptoms improved; he finally began to feel like himself again. Both he and his wife were relieved they had reached out for help.

Is this a bipolar relapse?

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