Behavioral Health Articles
Carol’s Story: Helping Herself and Others to Achieve Mental Health
by Joan Martin, Contributing Writer
This December marks the third anniversary of the local Mental Health Support Group, which meets weekly at Access to Independence. The facilitator and founder of the group is Carol, an articulate woman in her mid-thirties. Her quiet demeanor belies an iron-willed determination to “live my life and not be limited” by bipolar disorder. She is also determined to help others with mental health conditions find resources and support, so that they can live, work, and succeed in a society which does not always understand or empathize with their behavioral health struggles.
Carol was first diagnosed with depression while still in high school; it was nine years before she was correctly diagnosed with bipolar disorder. During those years she graduated from college and successfully held a job at a software company without medication or therapy.
Bipolar disorder is a treatable medical condition characterized by extreme shifts in energy levels, mood, and ability to function. It usually appears in late adolescence or early adulthood and affects over 10 million Americans. Symptoms include active phases with high levels of mental and physical energy, feelings of elation, ambitious planning, impulsive behavior, and sleeplessness. Depressive phases include feelings of sadness, anxiety, fatigue, decreased energy levels, changes in appetite and sleep habits, and often, thoughts of suicide.
One of the challenges Carol faced at the time of her diagnosis—a challenge most people with mental health conditions encounter—was finding timely and affordable treatment. She admits she also had trouble with her family’s attempts to help when she was not yet ready to accept it. She is especially thankful for the support of her aunt, who expressed concerns about Carol’s struggles without judging her behavior and patiently suggested various support groups and treatments. It was “humbling to accept help” when she felt overwhelmed by simple tasks which were previously easy.
Carol encourages families to be supportive but also says, “family members can’t fix the problem.” She strongly believes that long-term progress for people with mental health conditions involves self-management. “When you own it, it becomes easier to address,” she states.
Treatment for bipolar disorder often involves a combination of prescription medications and therapy. Carol has found therapy including cognitive and behavioral components most beneficial. She mentioned that psychiatric meds are a frequent topic at the support group: “Unfortunately there is not one magic pill that fixes things. It is important for people to be persistent and work with their psychiatrist to find a medication regimen that works for their specific needs.”
Healthy eating, exercise, and sleep habits are important for mental as well as physical health. Carol enjoys yoga and finds that meditation is helpful for calming her emotions.
Activities that made her feel like she was still a productive person also promoted her recovery. At one point, when she was temporarily unable to work, she began volunteering. This provided a “positive role in society again” and built her self-esteem, and she eventually found part-time work in a field she enjoyed. Currently, she successfully holds a full-time position with an agency that helps people with mental health issues. She has not experienced overt stigma toward her illness but notes that there is always a question of whether or not to disclose her diagnosis to prospective employers.
Another big accomplishment is the support group, which is peer run and welcomes anyone struggling with mental health concerns. “We meet people where they are," says Carol, “and share our common experiences.” Members have told her they are thankful for a place to talk about their experiences, including continuing to deal with life after a suicide attempt. “People are not judged and learn they are not facing their challenges alone,” she states. The group meets at Access to Independence, 26 North Main Street, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. on Wednesday nights. There will be no meetings on December 24 or 31, but the regular schedule will resume on January 7. If you want more information about the support group, please call Carol at (607) 745-7382.
Joan Martin is a Project Coordinator at Seven Valleys Health Coalition and a member of the Think Again! Group (TAG), which promotes awareness and education about mental health needs.