Warning ⚠️ Readers discretion is advised.
Bipolar disorder, or Manic depression, is a long-term mental ailment. A disorder that is not yet curable permanently but has treatment, counseling, and medication to control the symptoms and decrease the person's life impact.
Today is another appointment with Dr. Mordecai, a psychiatrist and younger brother of Martin. The counseling is going smoothly as usual since I am willing to participate in every session.
Dr. Mordecai is currently discussing a physical activity I can try to do. So far, in the past six months since I started receiving psychotherapy, my moods have somehow been quite stable because I am able to keep my emotions and moods from shifting.
"What are your concerns?" He's asking me questions after questions. What did I do when I was feeling extremely irritated? Do I interact with other people aside from my family members? Am I annoyed by the way he asked? Simple questions, but sometimes it took me minutes to respond.
I squeeze Martin's hand, who's beside me.
Dr. Mordecai wrote something on his white pad while observing me. Nabanggit ko na may nakakapagpabagabag sa akin mula ng simulan kong maging malapit muli ang relasyon sa magulang at sa dalawa sa tatlong kuya ko except from my grandparents.
I became frigid toward my grandparents. In another way, I avoid them at all costs.
"Can cutting ties with family members who were toxic towards me make me feel better? There's been upheaval going on for me whenever I cross paths with them." Nagtatanong ako at sinasabi narin ang aking nararamdaman.
Gusto ko nang umalis ng mansyon upang magkaroon ng katahimikan ang buhay ko. I am triggered so much by just seeing both of them. Ilang beses akong sinusumpong sa tuwing lalapit ang Lola at Lolo ko sakin.
My psychiatric nurse, Iwa, entered the room to give him the results of the previous talk therapy. They used the printed results to compare and see any progress from the latest to the past.
She's a stay at home nurse. Palagi kong kasama sa mansion, kaya nahihirapan makalapit ang Lola at Lolo ko dahil ang mga utos lamang ni Martin ang sinusunod nito. She's a former MMA fighter who was undefeated until she decided to become a nurse.
"Ms. Salem, I cannot tell you whether it will make you feel better or worse by cutting them off in your life. Pwede mong balikan ang pinag-usapan natin patungkol sa mga bagay na maaari mong gawin tuwing ikaw ay makakaramdam ng matinding pagbabago ng mood or emotion. From that, you can decide on your own if removing them off will make you feel better." Tumango ako sa kaniyang tinuran.
"Toxics make our bodies sick and unhealthy; the same goes with toxic people who are only contributing negativity to our lives." Dr. Mordecai nodded to what I've said.
Kinuha nito ang papel para sa gamot marahil ay magsusulat ng panibagong reseta na kailangan kong inumin.
"Should you ask my brother for celebration? The results stayed normal, which means the psychotherapy we are conducting for you was effective. Although it's good to hear, we might have to reduce your intake of mood stabilizer. Para hindi ka maging dependent sa gamot. I list down here some places you can visit alone or together if he wouldn't allow you to travel without him." His expression was neutral. I can't tell.
Siya ang doktor na tumingin sa akin noon. Hindi ko nga nakilala dahil inahit na pala nito ang beared. Dr. Mordecai Hassan is the youngest and only bachelor of Hassan's first generation.
Martin was the second-eldest son, while their oldest brother was the current president of the country. Their third brother before Mordecai was one of the elected judges of the federal supreme court of Switzerland.
