I am 65, I live in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and I’ve had these issues since I was 21.

Living with Bipolar 1: sleeplessness, pain, and depression

I struggled with insomnia during manic episodes and, at other times, sank into deep depression. On top of that, back pain made everything harder, and at my lowest, I even had suicidal thoughts.

For the longest time, my Bipolar 1 was misdiagnosed as depression. Academically, I had always done well and received a Master’s degree from a prominent university. In my relationships, I was clearly struggling. Later I was having issues handling the work routine. The doctors always told me I had a depression disorder, but I knew this was wrong as I started to have ”manic” episodes. Still, I was treated with antidepressants, which made my bipolar 1 worse. When they did prescribe the right medication, it caused a lot of weight gain as a side effect. I stayed with it but came to a reduced social life as I have to take these meds early in the evening for them to be effective. I accepted this as I had made two serious suicide attempts (better to live a limited life than no life at all). I knew I had to closely follow the plan to keep myself alive.

I worked with my Cannabis Coach!

William Brown (he is the best) and I saw improvements in 6 months. If I hadn’t met William by accident in the summer of 2024, I would be on that same treadmill as always. He is so smart and gracious. Above all, he is very kind. He is so knowledgeable about Cannabis, and I knew I was in good hands.

From college use to a research-backed decision

I smoked pot in college and truly believed in its benefits. I talked to my medical team about the use of medical Cannabis for my pain, but was discouraged from pursuing that mode of treatment, thinking, “I should listen to my doctors, they must know best”..so I stopped regularly consuming for roughly 30 years until I met William, who took a detailed history of my struggles, and encouraged me to read the research. I started to realize the true potential of the possibilities for a better quality of life.

How my 6 PM routine changed everything

Around 6 pm, I smoke some THC dominate Cannabis flower in a pipe. It relaxes me, makes me happy, and, of course, makes me laugh. It helps me stay asleep, and because of the sleep aid effect, I was able to very gradually cut back a little on my bipolar/sleep meds. Because of the ability to stay asleep, I do not wake up in as much pain, and I have greatly reduced my nighttime eating. This in turn, helped me to lose 20 lbs. I was also able to go from 1 5mg hydrocodone pain pill to none. That was and is awesome. Feels great!

Before incorporating Cannabis for my condition, I had very dark days

When my bipolar 1 was undiagnosed. Unfortunately, I was treated with antidepressants, which made my bipolar worse. I resigned myself to a life of isolation, dealing with eating issues as a side effect and going to bed by 6 pm. Finally, in middle age, I was diagnosed with the right medication. It is still a daily struggle hiding this all for outward appearances. I had accepted this as my reality, even though it felt like I was merely existing rather than living.

After incorporating Cannabis

I have felt much better. Improving sleep means less anxiety and less pain. I’m starting to feel hopeful in a way I haven’t felt in a long time. My only question is, why didn’t I think of this earlier? Lol.

Overall, I have been able to socialize more and spend more time with the people I love, mainly my wonderful son. I can also spend more time advocating for homebound senior citizens.

This is Marie’s personal story and not meant to be medical advice. It is for informational purposes.

To work with a medical Cannabis professional, please visit our directory of coaches, educators, and medical professionals. Everyone's Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is different; good results start with the right approach. You don't have to figure it out on your own.

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