- Mrs. Natalia Malhotra, a fashion designer, shared her story of how she learned to manage her bipolar disorder.
- American Psychological Association (APA) suggests that consistent routine and therapy sessions can help ease bipolar disorder symptoms.
Bipolar disorder is one of the significant causes of worldwide disability. In India, the current prevalence of this psychological illness is 6.9%, a recent 2020 study estimated.
Mrs. Natalia Malhotra, a fashion designer by profession, talked about how she learned to manage her bipolar disorder. “I was diagnosed with this psychological problem at the age of 18,” she shared with MindHelp. She had erratic behavior issues throughout her childhood that made her parents concerned. Prescribed medication by a psychiatrist helped her prevent frequent manic episodes. But she continued to develop more severe symptoms over time.
“Throughout this journey, I’ve learned that you need to prioritize having a good treatment team, cultivating honest friendships, and practicing self-care and acceptance,” she said.
When she was expecting her first child, she was diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy, followed by major surgery. Unfortunately, these traumatic events triggered a manic episode, and it gradually occupied her thoughts.
She started posting about her personal life on social media now and then. “I began calling and texting various contacts and sharing overly personal information,” Natalia shared with MindHelp.
Priyanka, a close friend of Natalia, extended support towards her during that difficult time. She picked up on Natalia’s concerning behavior and helped her manage manic symptoms. “Priyanka showed me a text, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was extremely shocked and couldn’t even remember when I sent such a disrespectful message to her,” she said.
The consequences of the manic episodes were emotionally draining for Natalia. She was fearful of thinking if she was going to experience another manic attack episode just like she did in her childhood.
She explained that she has learned to rest and also find productive ways to keep herself occupied. “I need to accept that a chemical imbalance is not my fault and be grateful for the support I have when these episodes take place,” Natalia said.
“I really hope my story helps people who are struggling with something similar. If these symptoms are familiar to you, kindly seek a mental health specialist for evaluation and guidance. I also want to request people, if you observe similar behavior in a loved one, please check on them. Self-advocacy and support can be life-changing for a mental health patient,” she added further.
APA experts suggest that regular sleep patterns and consistent routines can ease the symptoms of bipolar disorder. It is very important to consult with a psychologist as soon as possible and attend prescribed therapy sessions regularly.
