The importance of advocating for yourself when you have bipolar disorder
“If you’re not getting help, and if you’re not getting relief, keep trying – just don’t give up. There’s somebody who will hear you.” -Onilegogoro, bipolar disorder patient
Transcript
As far as advocating for myself in dealing in the medical community, there's a strength you have to develop, no matter what's going on, whether you are schizophrenic, bipolar,
suicidal, whatever the issue is. You have to develop a strength. [SERENE MUSIC]
I've had so many issues, again, just not being heard. A lot of people make assumptions about people of color,
just in general. But by the time you get to medical treatment, those same assumptions are just there. Oh, you're not really trying.
Oh, you're not doing something right. I've had several doctors-- two, actually, accuse me of lying
about taking my medication. Part of the issue with that is that a lot of bipolar medication, or at least the ones that I was on,
you have to monitor through blood. I don't have to lie, number one. But then number two, there's an abundance
of proof right in front of you. It's in my blood. You can see it in the chart. I think this particular doctor accused me of lying about taking my medication simply
because I was Black, actually. There was no other reason. All the evidence was there. She saw my blood chart.
She could see the medicine in my blood. I think she was upset with herself because it seemed as though I wasn't getting relief, and I can understand that.
But to then attack me and make all these accusations does not help.
Unfortunately, everybody isn't on your side every time, or they just don't hear you. If they don't, find another doctor,
which is exactly what I did. And if that doctor doesn't work, find another doctor. If you're not getting help and if you're not getting relief,
keep trying. Just don't give up. There's somebody who will hear you. There's somebody who will hear you.
bipolar disorder
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