The Bipolar Lock keeper

My name is Graham and I have a superpower called Bipolar Disorder (BD) Type 2.

I have returned to the North West (Todmorden, West Yorks) after 35 years down South.

I have bought a lovely house by The Rochdale Canal. Both the house and location have the WOW Factor. I live with my younger son (23).

This blog is about how I deal with the BD highs & lows given the stresses in my life.

Thanks for reading. I’d love it if you’d leave a comment (good or bad)

Graham

Hello & Welcome

My name is Graham Jons & I have a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder (BD) Type 2.

It is not as severe as Type 1 but I have to deal with low & high moods. I do not like the word “sufferer” as sometimes BD is a blessing. I have never been ashamed of the condition and actively share with work colleagues.

For those of a certain age, BD used to be known as manic depression. Perhaps more accurate as the highs are manic & the lows are depression.

It is perhaps best explained by the bipolar mood chart.

https://www.bipolaruk.org/faqs/track-your-mood-scale

The scale is from 0 (Severe depression) to 10 (Mania). I generally fluctuate between 2 and 8. I have never had hallucinations or been sectioned but I have contemplated ending my life in my worst episode.

I first started to have depression that impacted my life in 2011, when I worked in IBM Software Group. I had worked for them for 24 years having joined Lotus Development after Uni in 1988. IBM acquired Lotus in 1995 at which point I became an IBMer. Lotus I loved and some of my best friends were met though working there. IBM was less enjoyable. I ended up working full-time from home, which I hated. This led to me being signed off sick in 2011 and I never went back full-time, taking voluntary redundancy in 2012.

After a year or so of being treated for depression and being given anti-depression tablets, I was referred to a psychiatrist in CAMHS Maidenhead l, who diagnosed Bipolar Disorder Type 2. She prescribed meds (Lamotrigine & Quetiapine), which I will have to do for the rest of my life.

With the medication, I can function in day-to-day life but some days are better than others. I obviously prefer highs to lows (who would’nt!). Highs, I get loads done but they often lead to insomnia & I get prescribed sleeping tablets to rebalance my sleep hygiene.

I have recently moved to West Yorkshire (more about that on future posts) along The Rochdale Canal. I will be journaling about my adventures & the highs & lows

I hope you enjoy reading

Graham

Graham Jons

7 responses to “Hello & Welcome”

  1. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Hi mate

    it took me ages to take on board you had an actual condition. During your highs you’re awesome and I can’t always keep up! During your lows you’re still awesome but you lose sight of that yourself I guess. I look forward to following your blog.

    Cheers, Keith

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. Tom Parnell Avatar
    Tom Parnell

    This is really awesome Graham. Thanks for sharing your highs and lows and will follow along on your unique experience of the roller coaster of life. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Graham Jons Avatar
      Graham Jons

      thank you Tom. That’s a drink I owe you on our next crawl Sir!

      Like

      Reply
  3. Vee Avatar
    Vee

    will be so interested to hear what you have to say. My (estranged since i was 21) Dad was bipolar, so following with interest as , of course, everyone’s experience is different.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. Stuart Keeble Avatar
    Stuart Keeble

    Good luck with the blog and this new chapter in your life. The house looks amazing and I’m sure being around to support your Mum will give you much peace of mind both now and for the future. What you share will, I am sure, be an inspiration for others.

    Stuart

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Graham Jons Avatar
      Graham Jons

      thank you Stuart

      Like

      Reply
  5. Avatar
    Anonymous

    ”Youngest”

    that is all. 😉

    Like

    Reply

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