What I want to tell people about living with a mental health condition

Day to day management - stress can be a trigger, can lead to worsening mental health in anyone. With bipolar it could potentially tip someone in to psychosis if not managed (other triggers include big life changes)

And so self care and support is vital, some people might be able to work through lunch breaks but for me it's about ensuring I have breaks and separating myself from the workspace

It could be if I'm feeling tired ensuring I have a full weekend relaxing rather than filling the day full of activities

This might mean prioritising my mental health over physical health on some days eg resting rather than deciding to go on the long walk I had planned

I've learnt to prioritise things that matter, do I need to dust every weekend? No

Eg in pregnancy this can be a trigger when living with bipolar, could trigger an episode and so the person would be under a specialist team

Medications can help people keep stable - eg antipsychotic medication can help prevent the highs and also some prevent the lows too.

The side effects of these medications can have a significant impact on physical health - some antipsychotics may independently to weight increase the risk of type 2 diabetes

I have to plan my days so I take my medication at night and then can't drive after this due to the sedative effect

Someone with bipolar may also have eg anxiety, OCD, eating disorders

At the end of the day people living with mental health conditions just want to be treated like anyone else but just like other medical conditions, may need help to ensure they can take part in normal life. It can be hard to explain this and having advocates is invaluable