Charmaine's Story

15 Nov 2010 10:26a.m.

taz wrote:

Bi Polar Disorde is a Mental Illness that can, and often dose destroy a person's perspective in their lives, from their own minds point of view. Especially without any given treatment, or medication, left unseen or uncared for, Bi Polar can be, and actually is devestating. It distorts and destoys the mind and soul of the paitent, sufferer, which in turn, can and often dose, intentionally or otherwise, have a devastating, very far reaching effect. Bi Polar sufferers, such as myself, go through extremes in thoughts, and feelings of emotions, feelings of great anxieities, panic attacks, and other similar deppression like symptoms, of the highs and lows of mental instability. What is needed to recover from this, in different levels, is huge on going support, not just from Healthcare Givers either. It's an Hollistical effort that is needed, for all sufferers, from all their known close associaties, basically. Not to be-little this girls tragic story, but I too, have been clutched from the brink of suicide, twice. So it is possible for Bi Polar sufferers to lead a healthy, as normal a life as possible.

11 Nov 2010 11:29p.m.

Buffy McKinnon wrote:

It broke my heart to hear the pain in the voice's of Charmaine's loved ones. I too suffer from Bi Polar II and I have visited the lonely place that Charmaine lived in. A place that at the time it seems only death could end the never ending circle of worthlessness that holds you there. If there is one thing I could say to her family is that it is not their fault. No matter how much they loved her or supported her without the help of the right medical team and medication this debilitating disorder was always going to have the upper hand. They can never understand why Charmaine chose death over life and trying will only cheat them of the happy memories I am sure Charmaine would rather them keep. I know this only because I escaped that lonely vortex and as I write this from a healthy place, Charmaine's story was a timely reminder for me how close I came. There is no reason in that place, there is no solace, you crave an end, an end to the repeated thoughts that haunt you all day, everyday. I always described it as a radio that was on in my head, turned up so loud it was full of static and no matter what I did I could not turn it down. Fortunately for me I was diagnosed at this very low ebb after being told I had depression and taking anti-depressants for years. I got into a program that offered intensive therapy and access to a psychiatrist, only then would the radio turn down enough for reason to enter my world. Charmaine's family and partner did all they could for her by loving and accepting her they way she was and I know when she did what she did it was not about anything other then wanting to be free and she is now. I am not Charmaine so I don't know exactly what was going on in her head, but in your story I saw myself and if I can give any insight into the way a person thinks with Bi Polar II to the family and why at the time death seemed the only way, please give them my details. I just wan them to know it was not their fault and they did all they could do.

11 Nov 2010 07:13a.m.

Mike wrote:

Ms Dragun's story was an absolute must for both the sufferers of Bi polar and those with whom share their world.Yes at times we do have major depressive episodes but unlike a pure depressive illness we also cope with major mood swings the other way.These are as debilitating as the depressions. thanks you sixty minutes. The psychiatrist(forensic) interviewed said it all on why he believed people like Charmaine and I contemplate and actually act to take away our pain in the act of suicide.NZ losses more people a year through suicide than killed on our roads yet this government has cut funding for mental health. Doesn't make sense does it ? Try and tell me road safety isn't about revenue gathering when lovely ordinary people take their own lives and the funding gets cut. Thank you sixty minutes.