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Summary of Question:	Re: Any Advice
Category:	Health
Date Posted:	Wednesday, 6/08/2005 1:30 PM MDT

Sat Sri Akal,

This response is regarding the post about bi-polar disorder. I know of people who are living with the exact same symptoms you described and please know that you are not alone. With proper medication and a strong support system (family,friends,counsellors etc) you can lead a happy, healthy life and realize all of your life goals.
You did not mention if you have consulted a physician for your symptoms as of yet. It might be a good idea to see your family doctor first and then if he/she thinks you may have bi-polar disorder, the doctor could suggest a psychiatrist (these physicians prescribe medications for mental health) who could recommend some medication to help you. I have friends who are taking a drug called Lithium and it has helped them control the mood swings. If your doctor does prescribe Lithium, you will just have to watch your salt intake (because lithium is a salt itself) and get regular blood tests to monitor the lithium levels in your system.
It is great that you are meditating and continuing with paath even at times when it becomes extremely difficult to concentrate. Regular exercise and abstaining from alcohol is very important because of the symptoms you described. Also, how you mentioned that at times it is difficult for you to remain celibate could be because of the hypersexuality associated with this illness (staying away from the temptations of drugs/alcohol is helpful with respect to this.)
On a final note, I would just like to add that mental illnesses (bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia etc.) could strike anyone regardless of age/gender/ethnicity and people living with them deserve the same amount of respect and due consideration that anyone living with a critical illness like cancer/aids etc. would receive. Mainstream society is not educated enough about these illnesses and many people wrongly assume that mental illness is something that the person can control and is just acting out for attention -- this is completely false. From what I have seen, many South Asians (people who consider themselves to be hindus/sikhs/muslims etc.) tend to assume that a person afflicted with mental illness is just "crazy" and these same people do not realize that no one has control over an illness...it just happens.
Sorry for the long msg...I just wanted the guy who wrote in to know that there is help available and you can manage this illness with medication and counselling. Good luck and take care : )

---Reply

Thank you for your reply. Yes, as I said yesterday, get help. If you haven't gotten an evaluation yet, that is the first step. With medication and a good counselor, you can have a normal life. Blessings. GTKK