Sunday 5 March 2017

Bipolar


Yet again, my favourite programme, Casualty, has used their platform to educate people about mental health, and other important issues, but this week we see the character David, flush away his medication believing he is better.  David lives with Bipolar.



Previously known as manic depression, bipolar affects a persons moods, changing from a depressive state to mania.

During a low, depressed mood, the person may feel worthless and useless which can lead to suicidal thoughts. During a manic episode, the person may feel elated, happy and can have very ambitious ideas which can lead to spending a lot of money without thinking it through.

There are various treatments for the condition. They are:


  • Recognising Triggers
  • Medication to treat main cause
  • Medication to treat mania and depression
  • Lifestyle Changes
  • Psychological Therapies.
If you or a loved one are showing any signs of Bipolar, please do not be afraid to see your GP. They are only too happy to help you get the best treatment.

For more on Bipolar visit the NHS page here

As I mentioned at the beginning, Casualty character David had, without consulting his doctor, reduced his medication and at the end of last night's episode, flushed the remainder down the toilet. He strongly believes he is better off without it after his son felt it was his job to look after his dad. He also wanted to start feeling again, claiming the medication stopped his from having any feelings at all. 

We all know the best thing he could have done was seek advice on reducing or even changing medication but there is a reason the storyline is taking this route.  To raise awareness.

So many people out there are living with Bipolar and the show want to educate the viewers, not only to raise awareness but to help the people who have been diagnosed and feel as if it is only them suffering or too afraid to get help. 

I cannot give enough praise to Jason Durr, who plays David, and the writers at Casualty for their hard work and dedication in raising awareness and the research they carried out in order to portray it in a sensitive yet powerful way,

8 comments:

  1. Well done Casualty Such an important topic. x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are great at highlighting the important issues x

      Delete
  2. I have enjoyed watching his journey and really feel for him. Hopefully there is a good outcome as didn't look good in the last episoide

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was in tears at the end of Saturday's episode. He is playing the part so so well. Really worried for him too x

      Delete
  3. I don't watch Casualty but I do think it is good that popular programmes do show what issues people have to deal with in life. I think so many people still think depression of any kind is just feeling a bit down.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes and programmes such as Casualty, Emmerdale and the other soaps have the perfect platform to raise awareness and educate xx

      Delete
  4. Oh I used to love Casualty, I haven't watched it for years. really must try and get back into it. Love that it covers such important topics and raises awareness for them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have watched it for years, I love it. Recently they have been even better at tackling the "taboo" issues. So grateful to them for it x

      Delete