Pyeongtaek Yonsei Hospital, which consistently treats bipolar disorder.

 

My own recognition of having bipolar disorder made it difficult to go about my daily life from others' perspectives, but despite that, I gradually improved while continuing to live.

 

It was after finishing college that I suspected I might not have bipolar disorder. Until then, I had thought that my mood swings were simply due to my personality. I would be extremely excited and passionate at times, only to suddenly fall into deep depression...

It was so difficult to ride that extreme emotional roller coaster, but I just went along with it... telling myself it was my fault and getting through it.

One day, I fell into depression again and couldn't get out of bed for several days, and those around me gently suggested that I consider going to the hospital.

Although I felt resistance, I realized I couldn't live like this anymore, and out of desperation, I ultimately turned to Pyeongtaek Yonsei Hospital.

 

The doctor listened carefully to my symptoms and diagnosed me with bipolar disorder. A flood of complex emotions came over me, and on one hand, I felt a sense of relief that my pain had been given a name... but on the other hand, I was afraid that I was truly a sick person, a person with a mental illness, and that I had been stigmatized.

 

I'm also afraid of how others look at me as someone who goes to the hospital.

I was also afraid of the gaze of others who looked at me because of bipolar disorder.

However, the doctor explained that bipolar disorder is simply a disease caused by chemical imbalance in the brain, and that it can be managed through proper treatment, and that anyone can develop it. Inspired by this, I gained the courage to try treatment.

 

Honestly, many hospitals rotate staff quickly due to the high number of patients, but I was impressed by the director's effort to focus on each individual patient.

For your reference, the deputy director only comes on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, so visiting on those days can help reduce waiting time. It might be a good idea to visit then.

 

It's been about a year since I received treatment.

The treatment process has not always been smooth. There were times when my condition worsened and I felt like giving up, but I continued to go regularly, gradually adjusting my medication and feeling that I am slowly overcoming extreme thoughts.

It feels a little easier to maintain daily life. Of course, there are still bad days...

I still can't say that I am completely healed, but I think I have gained a perspective that allows me to view my emotions more objectively.

 

I will have to live with this bipolar disorder in the future as well, but still, I no longer feel as afraid as I used to. Bipolar disorder ultimately varies in severity, and I believe it is something I can manage well.

Even if it's not this hospital, if you think you might have bipolar disorder, I encourage you to visit a hospital.