In the past, there were not many medical assistances to anyone who suffered mental illnesses. Those who suffered psychiatric or mood diseases were a burden to their loved ones and left to live in a mental institution or were left on their own. Nowadays, the medical advances we made in education, medicine, and technology can identify or diagnose diverse types of abnormal mental illnesses and/or mood disorders. Out of all the psychological conditions, Bipolar Disorder (also known as Manic-Depressive Disorder) is a disease that is currently misdiagnosed or misunderstood. Also, it is often grouped under other mental conditions. This abnormal condition can cause physical, cognitive, and psychological distress to patients and their loved ones and …show more content…
The sufferers of this disease are prisoners of their brain chemistry and are unable to make decisions and lead productive and happy lives. Kenneth Fox (2007) has personal experience in dealing with a loved one having Bipolar Disorder. His wife Wendy had suffered clinical depression, which eventually manifested into manic depression after the birth of their daughter, Kim. Then, she was later diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder after the birth of their son, David. Over the years, Kim was a very happy and productive person. Unfortunately, her symptoms had worsen and her personality changed. She became very erratic, depressed, delusional, violent, and suicidal. She kept her medications a secret from Kenneth because she felt shameful of her condition. She canceled appointments with her therapist because she felt she was fine. Some therapists threw up their hands while psychiatrists prescribed her a lot of medicine and electroshock therapy. Wendy had run-ins with the police or authority figures. It was an emotional see-saw for Fox and his family. Kenneth Fox suffered emotional and physical abuse from his wife for several years. These violent acts occurred often while he slept. On top of these events of bodily harm, there was emotional turmoil as well. Wendy eventually tried to commit suicide by overdosing on pills. Eventually, Kenneth could not take the toll of caring for his wife anymore. Fox (2007) stated he divorced Wendy and tried to gain custody of his Kim and David. The court system denied his request and left sole custody of their children to his wife instead. He was devastated, not only because he suffered, but Kim and David will have to suffer their mother’s manic depressive episodes as well. He believed the public safety net, such as the police, court systems, and social welfare agencies, were often unhelpful and irresponsive. Denial, lack of