Bipolar Mum Journey

To the best of my recollection, I have suffered only one significant episode of psychosis. In 2014, I was living a relatively normal life and had been prescribed 1500mg of Depakote. However, the medication caused considerable weight gain, prompting me to discontinue its use without medical consultation, a decision I would soon regret.

I do not have personal memories of the psychotic episode; my knowledge is based solely on the incident report. While my partner and children were asleep upstairs, I woke up during the night and began loudly reciting Bible verses. I was under the delusion that in order for my family and me to ascend to heaven, we would need to be killed that night by a higher power. By reciting the Bible, I believed I was sanctifying our home in preparation for our souls’ departure. My partner woke up and attempted to calm me and take the Bible from my hands, but instead of letting him, I bit him in my frenzied state. Unable to restrain me and with our children now awake, he had no choice but to call the police, a good decision given the circumstances. It may sound terrible, but I never intended to harm us. My partner said I believed that once I had sanctified the home, God would peacefully take us in our sleep.

The police arrived and took me into custody. At the station, they placed me in a cell without booking me in, as they were unable to control me either. My erratic behaviour continued until the mental health team was called in. They persuaded me to take a higher than usual dose of my medication, which induced a deep sleep. I woke up the next morning with a clearer mind. When I was brought to the desk, the desk sergeant and another officer subjected me to ridicule, branding me with derogatory labels such as “God Girl” and “The Mental Chick.” During my interview, their insensitive remarks left me overwhelmed with shame. Fortunately, I had the support of a compassionate appropriate adult, which provided some comfort during the process. The police asked my partner if he would agree to a section order but luckily he agreed he could manage me if I took my medication properly. They then released me without charge.