In 2012, I had the first episode of mental illness as an undergraduate in the university. It started when I was about to write my exams. I began to display strange behavior, I was confused and kept saying awkward things. I found it difficult to study for my exams as I became restless and hyperactive. Before I knew it, I began to destroy things in sight and those of my roommates were not spared either.
This got my roommates scared and they both vacated the room for me when they noticed something was off about me. As soon as they left, I locked the door. When they returned from where they went, I denied then entrance into the room. This infuriated them and I was reported to the hostel authorities. When the porters came to knock on the door,I refused to open the door and they resorted to bringing down the door.
As a result, I got admitted in University College Hospital (UCH) for that first episode. Not too long, I was discharged and placed on medications but I did not stick to the drug regimen as taking drugs was something new to me. Since then, I have had roughly 6 episodes with the next one being tougher than the last.
At a point I saw a private doctor who suggested my diagnosis was bipolar disorder and not psychosis and he placed me on more medications in addition to ones I was given earlier. I did not stay long on this drug regimen as I saw a psychiatrist at UCH who changed the drugs back to my first prescription.
However, the last episode was the worst ever and ECT was passed through my brain twice. My drugs were reviewed and I was placed on drugs and injection.
My mother has been very supportive as well, ppas my sister. My sister being a medical doctor administers my monthly injection largely because I was tired of the waiting time and the bureaucracy that exists in our hospital. My mum also supports me financially since I quit my job because I could not combine it with my masters degree.
I would say this illness has humbled me. I find it difficult to concentrate in class as my mind wanders a lot but I get by. I also find it hard to read and assimilate which is reflecting on my grades but I have been told to listen to audio recordings which would catch my attention. I had to call off my relationship because I feel I deserve better. Also, my former boyfriend accused me of hiding my health condition from him which was a lie. I was open about my illness, I guess he was afraid of staying with me.
Concerning my career, I am still looking for a direction which was why I picked up a masters form. I have been symptom free since January 2017 and I can only ascribe my wellness to the good people in my life, my friends and acquaintances. I also enjoy peace of mind and I joined a support group of people that are struggling with the ailment and it has given me the much needed strength to forge ahead.
