Megan’s Story, Essay Example

Bipolar disorder is brain unrest that causes sudden mood shifts which lead to unpredictable energy levels and sporadic activity engagement. Individuals with such disorder have high and low levels that often lead to depression and manic episodes. Bipolar disorder can result in death if left untreated. In a documentary pertaining to the dysfunction, a graduate student named Megan discusses the affects that Bipolar disorder has inflicted on her life. During her discussion, Megan speaks of the positive effects that accompany proper medication and stress relief tactics. According to the bipolar patient, medication along with a calm atmosphere prevents manic episodes and periods of depression.

Upon being diagnosed with Bipolar disorder, Megan entered a state of denial. As a psychology major, the graduate student refused to believe that she was a victim of the brain dysfunction that causes severe instability. Megan, however, was forced to accept the reality of the diagnosis after overexerting herself to the extent of being taken to the emergency room. Although a major life setback, the graduate student was able to recover from her manic episode through proper analysis and prescription drugs. Megan now leads a fairly normal life as a wife and college graduate in pursuit of a doctorate degree.

While she does not praise medication during the interview, Megan does reflect on the importance of proper prescriptions. When questioned about her battle with depression, Megan tells the interviewer that she has only suffered three months of depression since being diagnosed with the disorder. Although these months brought about feelings of worthlessness that led to many tears, such feelings were corrected with medication. This reality presents the idea of certain portions of Bipolar being controllable through prescription drugs.

Although some parts are manageable through medication, other symptoms require alternative means of restraint. When encountering stressful moments, Megan points out that lighted candles and painting help her best. Although medication may help some Bipolar patients remain calm in stressful atmospheres, pharmaceutical means do not help everyone. Some patients need other therapeutic means like visits to the beach or neighborhood walks to keep them calm. In order to minimize the possibility of severe relapse, Bipolar patients like Megan must be open to medical and alternative forms of treatment.