Don't Be Alarmed: Living with Bipolar Disorder

Matan's Post:

My name is Matan Eliyahu, and I have bipolar disorder.

So what exactly is bipolar disorder? (from Wikipedia)

Bipolar disorder, commonly known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental disorder characterized by extreme and cyclical mood swings, often independent of external circumstances. It's an affective disorder, meaning it relates to mood. During an episode, a person's mood can swing from mania — an extremely elevated mood — to depression. The disorder is defined by periods of these mood swings that can occur in cycles. Years of stable mood can pass between episodes.

That's just a taste. Did I scare you? I'm sorry. But this is life. And it's not easy.

I've learned to live with it and understand that it comes and goes. I've learned where it stems from after meeting various psychologists, and yes, also medication helps me avoid these swings.

Matan Eliyahu

I lead a normal life — I laugh, go out, have fun, etc. I have amazing friends who support and help me, and I owe them my life. I have a loving and supportive family. It wasn't easy explaining my situation to them. I didn't tell them about the psychologists I consulted until I found the best one. They helped me meet with a psychiatrist when I felt the need.

Let's be real — if we think about it, we all have some kind of disorder, to varying degrees. It's typical for most people to have minor quirks, and that’s considered 'normal'.
Mine is just more amplified... but it's not a big deal.

This is where you come in — I'm not asking for money, not for support on any platform, and not advertising anything. I just want to make one request — to all those who judge, fear the challenge, or deny it, please try to accept, listen, understand, and give yourself a chance to comprehend.

Because those of us dealing with such conditions know that when people around us judge — we fall, because we give 200% of ourselves to our surroundings. We don't get mad or sad on purpose; it's beyond our control even if it seems like it. We just want a hug, affection, and a kind word.

Don't be afraid or panic. When you see someone having an anxiety attack, for example — hug them tightly, with all your heart. It helps the most.

Show empathy, show understanding, we are not bad or unbearable, we are not seeking attention or pretending, we're not lazy and we're not avoiding anything, we just don't feel well. That's all.

So friends, bipolar disorder is just a big name... but I am Matan first, I am a person first.