Mental Health 👩‍⚕️🚑🏨

I think I should be transparent. I am diagnosed bipolar I. Bipolar I disorder is defined by manic episodes that last for at least 7 days (nearly every day for most of the day) or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate medical care.

In 2017, I went to Vancouver to visit my friend and instead I got arrested, hospitalized and diagnosed. I have been on an anti-psychotic called Abilify that is injected monthly into my arm ever since.

Abilify balances the levels of dopamine and serotonin in your brain to regulate your mood, behaviour, and thoughts. At first I rejected the whole thing, but as the saying goes, if you can't beat em', join em'! I acted so crazy that now, I've got this psyche-doctor breathing down my neck. I'm suffering the consequences of my actions.

I feel better, though. Sleep, eating right and exercise are all contributing factors to my good mental health. Not to mention, I have a job and my schedule is full. A good schedule is a key factor in success, if you ask me.

👨🏻‍⚕️

Updates: I went to the Montfort for my usual shot in May 2025 and my doctor was there, grinning from ear to ear. He explained that I was now going to get my shot every 2 months, but the injection had to be in the butt. I have since gotten my first Abilify butt shot, and it hurt for 72 hours afterwards. I’m fine though. I’m going to tell my doctor the “butt Abilify” works wonders! 💉