ABSTRACT
(The following true story describes the change in my moods and the corresponding reactions to them during the first significant mood disturbance of my life. This story paints the common theme among those with a bipolar disorder that someone can function at a very good level in life, and literally overnight, a dramatic life-changing mood disorder can begin. Many find it hard to relate to the beginning of the illness, and they don’t see the thoughts and feelings that a person with initial symptoms experiences. The story that follows gives an example of the thoughts and moods encountered during a first major depressive episode. The average person in our society is ignorant about bipolar illness, and this story helps correct many inaccurate, preconceived ideas. Many people with the illness, including their family and friends, have difficulty accepting the illness, but “The Light at the End of the Tunnel” shows that valuable insight can be a byproduct of wrestling with the illness. In conclusion, one may find a “silver lining” in the “cloud” of bipolar illness as I did, if one looks for it.)
