Schizoaffective Man interview-Jeremy

Summary

Jeremy shares his deeply personal journey of living with bipolar disorder and Crohn's disease, revealing how undiagnosed mental illness led to substance abuse, self-destructive behavior, and a suicide attempt. After seeking help and going through psychiatric treatment, Jeremy found stability through the right medication, therapy, and the support of his wife and family. Now, as a full-time dad and artist, he uses creative expression to manage his emotions and maintains a more balanced life. Jeremy’s story highlights the importance of seeking help, the role of support systems, and the healing power of art in overcoming mental health challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jeremy grew up in Syracuse, New York, feeling isolated and different from his peers due to his emotional sensitivity and undiagnosed mental health condition.
• 😀 Throughout his childhood and adolescence, Jeremy struggled with mood swings and anxiety, which were misunderstood as mere sensitivity by others.
• 😀 Jeremy was diagnosed with extreme bipolar disorder (schizoaffective disorder) at the age of 29, after years of untreated symptoms.
• 😀 His mental health struggles were compounded by a diagnosis of Crohn's disease, which his doctors later linked to the stress of his mental illness.
• 😀 Initially, Jeremy’s treatment involved medications that worsened his condition, including Xanax and painkillers, leading to a near-fatal overdose.
• 😀 A pivotal moment came when Jeremy tried to overdose and, upon waking up, realized he needed professional help, leading him to seek treatment in a psychiatric ward.
• 😀 After months of trial and error with medications, Jeremy found the right combination, which stabilized his mood swings and helped manage his mental and physical health.
• 😀 Jeremy's support system, particularly his wife, played a crucial role in his recovery, helping him through the difficult periods and staying with him despite the ups and downs.
• 😀 Art became a critical outlet for Jeremy, helping him manage his emotions and offering a sense of control during manic episodes.
• 😀 Despite ongoing struggles, Jeremy is now a full-time dad and artist, finding happiness in his family life and creative work while continuing to manage his mental health with medication and therapy.
• 😀 Jeremy’s biggest fear is being alone, a result of his tendency to push people away during manic episodes, but he’s learned to accept himself and value the relationships that remain.
• 😀 One of the most important lessons Jeremy has learned is the value of being grateful for life, especially after struggling with suicidal thoughts in the past.

Q & A

What was Jeremy's experience like growing up in Syracuse, New York?

Jeremy grew up in Syracuse, New York, with supportive parents who provided him with unconditional love. However, he felt different from his peers and struggled with isolation and bullying throughout his childhood, which caused emotional pain and confusion.

How did Jeremy's mental health issues manifest during his childhood and adolescence?

Jeremy experienced anxiety and mood swings from an early age, which he didn’t understand at the time. People often dismissed his behavior as being overly sensitive, but in hindsight, Jeremy realized that these symptoms were indicative of manic episodes, a sign of his bipolar disorder.

What was the impact of Jeremy's undiagnosed mental illness on his high school experience?

In high school, Jeremy felt like an outcast. His classmates singled him out for his behavior, which they didn’t understand, making him an easy target for bullying. The lack of diagnosis and support made his experience even more challenging.

When did Jeremy finally seek professional help for his mental health, and what was the outcome?

Jeremy sought professional help at age 29, after struggling for years without a proper diagnosis. He was diagnosed with extreme bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder. His treatment journey involved finding the right medication, which took two years, but eventually helped him stabilize.

How did Jeremy's diagnosis of Crohn's disease relate to his mental illness?

Jeremy was diagnosed with Crohn's disease during college, and later discovered that his mental illness was a contributing factor in the development of the condition. His doctors explained that the stress from his mental health struggles likely triggered the ulcers and other issues related to Crohn's disease.

What was Jeremy's experience with prescription medication before finding the right treatment?

Before finding the correct medication, Jeremy was prescribed Xanax and painkillers, which he overused. This combination led him to a dangerous place, even attempting suicide at one point. It wasn’t until he sought help in a psychiatric ward that he began to recover and adjust his medication regimen.

What was the turning point in Jeremy's recovery?

The turning point for Jeremy was when he overdosed on Xanax and painkillers, leading him to seek help. He admitted himself into a psychiatric ward, where he received the support he needed. The experience of being around others with similar struggles made him feel less isolated, and he began to work on his recovery with the help of doctors and a stronger support system.

How does Jeremy manage his mental health now, and what role does his family play in his recovery?

Jeremy manages his mental health through a combination of therapy, medication, and creative outlets like art. He credits his wife as a crucial part of his support system, and his full-time role as a father to his two-year-old daughter has provided him with a sense of purpose. He still has occasional manic episodes, but they are more manageable with the right treatment.

How does art help Jeremy cope with his mental health challenges?

Art plays a therapeutic role for Jeremy in managing his manic episodes. Whether through painting, music, or other forms of expression, he uses art to channel his emotions and stabilize himself. It provides an outlet for him to release pent-up feelings and regain a sense of control.

What is Jeremy's biggest fear, and how does it affect his relationships?

Jeremy's biggest fear is being alone, which stems from his tendency to push people away due to his mental illness. Although he has close relationships with his wife and some friends, he struggles with the fear of losing those connections because of his unpredictable behavior during manic episodes.