Hospitals Can be a Safe Place for People with Bipolar Disorder

Hospitals Can Really Help

It’s important to remember that hospitals are often a good place for people with bipolar disorder. Many people hear the words, You have bipolar disorder, for the first time when they are in the hospital. It’s a safe place to get such life changing news.

I know this is how it was for me. My partner Ivan went into the hospital in 1994 before I had any idea of what bipolar disorder really meant. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder I (one).  The next year I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder II (two) and spent time in a hospital day program in Seattle.  So many people see the hospital as a bad place- I see it as a healing place for those of us with this illness. Of course, our goal is to create a plan so we do not have to go back, but a stay at the hospital is nothing to be ashamed of.

I have to remind myself of this when I get really sick.  I don’t want to go to the hospital. Like many people, I see it as failure! I astonish myself with my OWN stupidity.

Bipolar disorder doesn’t care how smart you are or how well prepared you are to manage the illness, it can still hit you like a sack of bricks and you have to get professional help.

It’s an illness and hospitals are often the only safe place when the mood swings are raging!

Julie

This is St. Remy where Van Gogh stayed while under treatment from his amazing psychiatrist Dr. Gachet.

 

 

 

Related posts:
bipolar disorder and going to the hospital
Can People with Bipolar Disorder Get Better?
BP Magazine Blog: Are Cortisone Shots Safe for Bipolar Disorder?