When Marina got out of the Army, she would have periods of high energy, then she would hit rock bottom. Her mother urged her to seek support. She began treatment and discovered she had bipolar disorder. Marina describes her challenges, and how treatment has helped her get back on track.
View Video TranscriptMarina:
By the second year I was seeing a Psychiatrist in the Army and he was successfully treated with an antidepressant, but it wasn't until when I got out that in retrospect I knew that I was going through full-blown mania, just going out every single day, just dancing salsa away, literally six nights a week on three hours of sleep, and then I hit rock bottom. I crashed and that's when my mother, she dragged me to go get help.
When I got better I was attending an intensive treatment program where it’s not a 24-hour thing but you go for a half a day and you do group sessions and then the one-on-one with a Therapist. And then one day I was just going through all the different depression online and then I happened to come upon, bipolar. I was like, “Oh, I remember studying that in undergrad in college ten years ago,” and I realized I had checked off all but one, and then I went back to my Therapist.
It just really didn’t occur to me but he said, “This is common, because people usually don’t seek treatment when they’re going through a manic episode because that’s when they’re having fun.” The upside, yes, you have a lot of fun, you’re the one with the lampshade and the dancing on the table that everybody wants to hang out with because you’re just funny and fun, but on the ugly side of it you’re also very irritable and you fly off the handle easily. You tend to say grossly inappropriate things, especially in a professional environment probably. I was put on a mood stabilizer so that kind of helped also curb those tendencies, so that really helped a lot.
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To manage upsetting feelings after a nightmare, focus on what's real by touching and describing objects around you. If you're unable to sleep within 15 minutes, leave your bed briefly to wash your hands or drink water while avoiding any strenuous activity. Also, talk to your family, friends, or health care provider about what you're experiencing. They may be able to provide support and help you find solutions. Learn more steps you can take on our Nightmares page.
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The first step in addressing your challenges is to acknowledge that gambling has become a problem in your life and recognize that it is possible to make a change. Practice relaxation exercises such as deep breathing to manage stress and urges to gamble. Spend time with supportive people who do not gamble, and talk with your family, friends, or health care provider about what you're experiencing. They may be able to provide support and help you find solutions that are right for you. Learn more steps you can take on our Gambling page.
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There are ways to prevent yourself from engaging in risky behavior. Plan to avoid situations that might lead to recklessness. For example, leave early or late to avoid rush-hour traffic, or arrange a ride home if you'll be drinking. Talking with your family members, close friends, or a health care provider may help you find support and resources to address your challenges. Learn more steps you can take on our Reckless Behavior page.
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