You Are Not Alone | 'ask dorothy' | A Real Life Client Story | The WISDOM podcast | S2 E45

<p> </p> 'ask dorothy' <p style="text-align:center;">You Are Not Alone | A Real Life Client Story</p> The WISDOM podcast  Season 2 Episode 45 <p> </p> My client was first diagnosed with <a href='https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955'>bipolar disorder</a> at 18. Bouts of depression cycling with longer periods of manic episodes that resulted in a six-week hospital stay. There she met a wonderful psychiatrist who she would, some 7 years later, seek out; asking if she could try medication. Her life felt unstable and spiraling; and she did not feel like herself. The young female psychiatrist would help. Therein began a lengthy relationship of weekly or bi-weekly appointments and the ever important task of finding the right combination of medications to which needed my client’s due diligence to adhere to regularly. One of the many supports that my client was encouraged to seek out was <a href='https://www.dorothyratusny.com/using-cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt-to-challenge-and-change-your-thoughts-cbt-best-practices/'>Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)</a>. She reminds me to this day of the story of seeing an article that I wrote for a local paper, together with a brief description on CBT and how it helps. <p> </p> Fast forward to present day. My support and our work in therapy, together with the foundational pillars of: sleep, exercise, healthy eating, and a balanced schedule which includes 'alone time' and meditation, are what allows this client to live and thrive in the world (with a successful career, the raising of two wonderful teenagers, and the love of a husband who adores her). Many would say that she is a perfect example of how mental health requires ongoing support; of how important it is to have the love of family and friends; and to not feel judged. <p> </p> Mental health is vital for living a happy and productive life. Many times my client has described how difficult it is for her to think clearly, to feel optimistic, and to be productive whe