The Dangers Of The Internet For Those With Bipolar Disorder

I was recently admitted to the hospital in a delusional upset state. Later, after talking with my family about my recent behavior, it was determined I was suffering from Internet addition.

Anyone who uses the Internet excessively runs risks. I know of people who have lost their jobs, apartments, and vehicles because they did not show up for work. They were gaming, blogging, or shopping on the Internet. This problem is even worse for people with bipolar disorder because the blinking, flashing light from the computer causes hyper alertness. The mind is stimulated into overactive and sleeplessness that can trigger a psychotic episode.

I was elated that I had found something to do that resembled working. In my life before retirement I had always been driven to work whether as a mother of five children; a student working two part time jobs; a teacher; or what ever else I did. It is a product of the way I was raised (with a strong work ethic) and can be part and parcel of being bipolar.

During this period that only lasted about two months, I was working from the time I got up around four o'clock in the morning until two o'clock in the morning. I only grabbed about two hours sleep at night and a little in the afternoon. My eyes were glued to the flashing blinking lights and the moving cursor all day and night. Even in the workforce this has become a serious problem for the general public.

Sleep deprivation can cause many things including hallucinations and psychosis. It is necessary to get eight hours sleep at night. Afternoon naps don't count. Bedtime and rising should be at the same time every night. Regular schedules are important. People who believe they have trained themselves to need only four or five hours of sleep a night are fooling themselves. Sleep is restorative for both the mind and body.

I didn't notice how delusional I was. I was writing and doing things that were very out of character. Fortunately for me, my family is very connected and we stay in contact on a day to day basis. They were able to intervene before the problem got even worse and recovery time lengthened.

The best thing that happened to me while in the hospital was that I received an explanation for what happened to me. It wasn't just stress as had always been the case before. It was simple and clear what had to be done to prevent further similar episodes.

I have not had to give up my "work" completely. As you may notice, I am still doing research and writing. The only difference is I am doing it at the library instead of at home. I is as close to a job as I can get and work is very important to me. The fact that I couldn't work was a source of depression for years after I became disabled. A real job is impossible. I can't work every day, trying to only makes me nuts. I can't be sure of what time of day I will be able to work. It can be difficult for me to make it to my therapy and doctor appointments. Somehow I do, but it isn't always easy. All of these things make me unemployable.

So, the Internet seemed to be the best thing that had happened to me in years. Writing again made me feel as though I was accomplishing something worthwhile and satisfying. I didn't feel at all disabled for awhile. I felt productive.

There have been adjustments made in my life since my hospitalization. I put my computer in storage for a year and I have added a variety of worthwhile, relaxing activities in my life. I am more social (I'm naturally something of a hermit). I don't turn down many invitations to do something with other people anymore. All in all, the results have been very positive.

I am a bit surprised to be writing something cautionary about something so wonderful. But, as we all know, anything carried to an extreme is insanity.