Interviewer: Good evening, everyone. Today, Jan and Van will join us for an interview. Jan has a bipolar complex and self-medicates with prescription drugs, while Van battles intense depression fueled by alcohol addiction. Let’s delve deeper into their lives and hear their stories. Jan, Van, thank you for being here.
Jan: Thank you for having us.
Van: Yeah, thanks.
Interviewer: Jan, let’s start with you. Can you tell us about your struggles with bipolar disorder and how it has affected your life?
Jan: My bipolar disorder has been a constant battle for me. Sometimes I feel incredibly high, full of energy, and unstoppable. But then, there are the depressive episodes when I feel empty, hopeless, and worthless. It’s been a rollercoaster ride, to say the least.
Interviewer: And how do you cope with these episodes? You mentioned self-medication. Could you elaborate on that?
Jan: Sure. I’ve been prescribed medication for my bipolar disorder, but sometimes it feels insufficient. So, I’ve resorted to faking accidents around the house to get more prescriptions. I might pretend to fall down the stairs or have Van hit me in the ribs. It’s not something I’m proud of, but I sometimes feel desperate.
Interviewer: That sounds incredibly difficult, Jan. And who or what do you believe is responsible for your current problems?
Jan: Oh, it’s my ex-mother-in-law! She’s the root of all my problems. I blame her for everything. Even on my wedding day, she noticed a tattoo on my shoulder and caused a scene. She’s been a constant source of stress and negativity in my life.
Interviewer: Van, let’s turn to you now. You mentioned battling depression and struggling with alcohol addiction. Can you tell us more about that?
Van: Yeah, depression has been a weight on my shoulders for as long as I can remember. It’s like a dark cloud that never seems to lift. I’ve tried therapy and medications, but they haven’t provided lasting relief. So, I turned to alcohol to temporarily numb the pain.
Interviewer: How has your addiction affected your relationship with Jan?
Van: I’ll be honest; I’ve learned to manipulate Jan during her low periods. When she’s vulnerable due to her bipolar episodes, I sometimes take advantage of that to satisfy my addiction. It’s not something I’m proud of, but my depression has clouded my judgment.
Interviewer: Jan, how do you feel about Van’s manipulation? Has it strained your relationship?
Jan: It has strained our relationship. I know he’s struggling too, but seeing someone you love take advantage of your vulnerabilities is difficult. It’s a constant battle for both of us.
Interviewer: It sounds like you face significant challenges individually and as a couple. Have you sought professional help or support to address these issues?
Jan: Yes, we have. We’ve both been in therapy individually and as a couple. It has helped to some extent, but the journey is long and has setbacks.
Van: Therapy has given us some tools to cope with our struggles, but it’s an ongoing process. We’re committed to working on ourselves and our relationship.
Interviewer: Thank you both for opening up about your struggles. It’s difficult, but acknowledging the issues and seeking help is crucial to recovery. I wish you both the best on your journey to peace and healing.
Jan: Thank you.
Van: I appreciate it.
