Jordan lives life to fullest
A young woman who suffers from bipolar disorder is backing a wo r l d w i d e campaign which aims to remove the stigma surrounding the condition.
Jordan Brown was diagnosed with type 1 bipolar six years ago and hopes that World Bipolar Day later this month will help to raise awareness.
Jordan ( 24), from West Calder, says she believes there are still misconceptions about what it means to be bipolar.
And so she is giving her support to World Bipolar Day, which takes place on March 30.
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels and the ability to carry out day- to- day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe and different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time.
Jordan was diagnosed wi t h a n x i e t y a n d depression at 18 and experienced her first manic episode two years later and after being referred to a psychiatrist, was diagnosed with type 1 bipolar.
She told the Courier: “Each day I take an antidepressant and a mood stabiliser. I still live a full life, I work Monday to Friday in a job I love, I am closer than ever to my family and friends and I am getting married this year.
“The difficulties I face can be anything from planning my day to getting myself going. When depressed I struggle to get out of bed, eat regularly and socialise, even keeping up with a group chat can be overwhelming.
“When in a manic episode I have so much energy, which leads to rapid thoughts and basically being on fastforward all day, struggling to focus on one thing to another and making so many plans to keep myself on the go.
“When my mood is settled I take time for self-care with mindfulness and checking in with myself at the end of each day and I look back on things I am grateful for and things I can improve on to keep my health stable.”
Jordan said events like World Bipolar Day are important in raising awareness of the condition and helping to eradicate stigma.
She continued: “I think the biggest struggle with bipolar is the ‘ Jekyll and Hyde’ perception. I think Bipolar Scotland and International Bipolar Foundation do an amazing job of showcasing people who suffer from bipolar disorder, and concentrate on their strengths which helps eliminate the stigma.”
Visit the website www. worldbipolarday.org, www. bipolarscotland.org.uk