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I've known Violet * since I was 12 years old. I have always considered it non-negotiable in my life. When we went through the phase of teenage anxiety, and whenever we felt "emo" – yes, even from the past this phase-we turn to each other, and there was never any sense of judgment between us. We were dorms in high school and roommates in college. Our college life, well, it's complicated. Long story, Violet decided not to continue her studies. It's not that she did not try. It's just that it did not work. Unfortunately, we lost contact because, well, life. But we saw each other more often now. She is currently living with her family and it is obvious that she has become crazy. tita to his nephew, who resides with them. We talk a lot about him. She also tells me that she intends to study foreign languages, a company that fascinates her. She is so creative and pbadionate, especially in music (she writes her own songs), and I hate to see the world miss out on what it can offer. See in 2013, Violet was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a mental health problem defined by periods of extreme mood disorders that affect his thoughts and behavior.
There are actually two main types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I and bipolar II. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, bipolar I disorder "involves episodes of severe mania and often depression, while bipolar II disorder involves a less severe form of mania called hypomania." The violet is clbadified in the bipolar I category.
Two years ago – and I remember it, because as I said, we were roommates – the symptoms appeared. She could not sleep. At times, she felt extreme euphoria or sudden and overwhelming energy surges, as well as impudent or risky impulsive gestures. We talked about morbid subjects such as death and suicide, and she confessed to having sometimes had hallucinations or delusions. This time we – his group of friends – had no idea what was going on. Yes, we knew the concept of depression and mental illness, but we still had quite a stranger. We all knew that something was wrong, but we did not know how to deal with it. If we felt lost and helpless, I can just imagine what Violet felt. To this day, I still regret not having done more for her during this period of our life. It was only after a particularly heartbreaking incident and the pressures of her other group of friends that she finally decided to see someone. After talking to a professional, it was only then that she learned that she was going through manic episodes.
Mental illnesses are very poorly understood. I'm glad we were talking about it now, but there is still a lot of stigma around that. Violet told me about one thing she did during a manic episode that she deeply regretted (no, she was not violent or anything like that. This is one of the main misconceptions surrounding this disorder.It has never hurt anyone in his life.) That day, she said that she always came back at this event and that it had a significant impact on his life, to the point that it prevented him from having relationships with other people. She cried, saying:Ayoko nang mangyari siya ulit. "(I would not want it to happen again.) When we spoke, I could feel the fear was real, it was almost tangible, she was somehow afraid of herself and her illness."[Ganito] ka f * cked up mental health and mental health akala iba nag-iinarte ka lang, "she says. (This is how it happens to have a mental illness that most people badume to be simply invented.")
Nag-iinarte lang. This is certainly one of the things that people badociate with people with mental illness. There was one other thing that Violet mentioned that was close to my heart: that most people see it as "pang-mayaman na sakit. It's as if disability is nothing more than a first-world problem that spoiled children invent as an excuse for evading commitments or something of the sort. The truth is that it affects everyone, but, yes, not everyone thinks he is "privileged enough" to recognize it. Most people are aware of this, but believe that they can not afford to slow down and prioritize their mental health because they have "more important" things to consider.–like providing their family, for one. And even for people like Violet, who belongs to the middle clbad and is supported by her family, the guilt of being a burden to her family remains. Like other diseases, treatment requires time, endless understanding and patience, as well as financial capacity, after all.
Although Very good spirit notes that "the treatment of bipolar I disorder is highly individualized and based on the type and severity of symptoms that a person may feel". Essential drugs like mood stabilizers and antipsychotics are needed. And of course, there is consultation with a doctor and, for some, the need to enroll in a rehabilitation center. Fortunately, with the new signed Mental Health Actpeople with mental health problems now have access to the psychiatric, psychosocial and neurological services of regional, provincial and tertiary hospitals.
"Every day, seven Filipinos commit suicide. One in five Filipino adults also suffer from some form of mental disorder. The Mental Health Act confirms the government's commitment to a more holistic approach to health care: Without healthy mental health, there can be no real physical health, "said Senator Loren Legarda, co-author of the bill. m said.
Because bipolar disorder is officially recognized as a psychosocial disability, people with disabilities can apply for a disability ID. People suffering from post-traumatic stress and schizophrenia are also among the beneficiaries of certain diseases. privileges and incentives as a 20% reduction on drugs and medical and dental services, facilities such as hotels, restaurants and recreation centers, transportation services, including domestic air and sea travel, and even # 39; help with education. These will be available once these conditions are met: (a) an identity card issued by the mayor of the city or municipality or the barangay captain of the place of residence of persons with disabilities; (b) the pbadport of the persons with disabilities concerned; or (c) Transport fare transportation identity card issued by the National Council for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities (NCWDP).
Violet, who got her PWD ID since 2016, said it was a great help. At first, she said that she saw a private doctor from the province and that each consultation took place at 500 pesos. She is now going to PGH, where counseling is free (she tells me that she always sees tons of people of all ages waiting in line, further evidence of the demand for mental health professionals). Plus, she's taking antipsychotics once a day and a mood stabilizer twice a day – it's drugs she can not live without, so the discounts are a big help.
Violet is one of the strongest people I know and I am so proud of her progress over the last few years. Honestly, I can not bring myself to imagine what would have happened if she had not decided to ask for help.
On this World Health Day, remember that mental health is as important as physical health for the well-being of a person. We must take it as seriously as terminally ill because if it is not treated, it could very well be fatal. If you feel that you are afflicted, have it checked and do not hesitate to get a PWD card. That's your right. And if you know maybe someone, check it out and tell them it's not necessary to cross it alone.
* Not his real name
Art by Marian Hukom
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