Raw Writing for the Real World of Bipolar

Bipolar Disorder is an illness that results in severe changes to a person’s mood. These vary between manic episodes of high energy to lows typified by depression. The exact causes are not yet fully understood, though there is a strongly suspected genetic link.

Bipolar can be notoriously difficult to diagnose and mental health assessments often misinterpret symptoms in their gauging of an individual’s power of reason and memory as well as emotional function. However, diagnosis is crucial to gaining control and stability.

A number of different medications, combined with psychotherapy or counselling, may be used in the treatment and individuals may need to try several different medications before finding which work the best.

In essence, there are two different primary types of Bipolar: Bipolar I, whereby episodes of mania are more prominent; and Bipolar II, whereby depressive episodes are more prominent. While both types experience mania and depressive episodes, statistics show that the suicide rate is typically higher in the latter type.

80-90% of individuals with Bipolar can be effectively treated, though it is asserted that between 25-50% of individuals attempt suicide at least once. Of the two million Americans currently diagnosed the suicide death figure is estimated to range between 3-20%.

Historically, Bipolar has been difficult to effectively treat or control and consequently life insurance companies have been quick in rejection, viewing sufferers as too high risk. In addition to being stigmatising, this can be both upsetting and demoralising to those seeking cover.

Thanks to medical advances and a better understanding of Bipolar Disorder, obtaining life insurance is now more accessible, though still fraught with difficulties and stigma.

Having adequate life insurance in place is extremely important if you have a family or dependents as it ensures that they are financially taken care of in the event of the policyholder’s death. Ultimately it provides great peace of mind.

When seeking life insurance, evidence must be provided of prolonged individual stability within work, home and social life. It is important to fully understand your diagnosis, medication and treatment and also essential that Bipolar is presented in a specific way to insurance companies.

Stability is gauged in the following ways:

• Compliance with medical guidance.
• Work, home and social life stability - drug or alcohol issues, or disability benefit are not deemed to indicate stability.
• Hospitalisation for Bipolar-related incidences with ten years may result in rejection.
• Similarly, suicide attempts or ideations recorded in the past decade may affect acceptance.

Honesty is vital when making an application since failure to do so may invalidate any policy or result in rejection further through the application process. Remember that it is possible to obtain life insurance but displaying stability and presenting your diagnosis as a controlled extension of yourself as an otherwise healthy individual is essential.

Insurance companies are still cautious with regards to who they will insure so be prepared to persuade them. Make sure to seek a life insurance agent with the knowledge to approach insurance companies to obtain the best rate of acceptance and the most competitive premium.

Jemma is a graduate who works for the web team of Life Insure, a leading UK life insurance broker specialising in a whole of market comparison. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Sociology whilst balancing her own personal mental health issues, she has a unique perspective from both sides of mental illness.

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