6/6/20 ^^^Inside the mind of a Bipolar Survivor

Pal,

This is what I had in mind based on our discussion just now.

Btw buddy, the Universe had spoken.  I just realized that we have so much in common.  You are indeed a soulmate.

Cheers brother.

Sine cera,

SJ
6/6/20

More than 20 years ago Sharudin Jamal was a successful consultant running a thriving training company.  His clients span from the Government of Malaysia, semi governments, banks, insurance companies, manufacturing sectors, public listed companies and nonprofit organizations.

However in 1999 he was afflicted by one of the most peculiar illnesses.  Due to the extreme pressure of the Asian Financial Meltdown, Sharudin was diagnosed with Bipolar Affective Disorder.  His world as he knew it crumbled.  He lost his business, then a high paying job and eventually his sense of purpose.  For 2 decades he had to battle with an insidious enemy.  He was sucked into a world that not many understand.  As the fastest recovering patient according to his doctor, Sharudin now is on a crusade to share his experience dealing with mental illness.  He hopes by doing that more people are aware  of the suffering experienced by those with mental disorders.  To him the journey towards peace, sanity and robust health was battling with what many considered as madness and ambiguity.  He survived purgatory to bring you this story.

Presentation Outline:

• The unlikely journey
• Through the looking glass - The forensic of the illness
• The importance of support system (medication, family, friends)
• The 11 signs of mental illness
• The most important element of all 

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Ice breaker:

When I mention mental illness, what comes to your mind?

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American Psychiatric Association

Signs & Symptoms

If several of the following are occurring, it may useful to follow up with a mental health professional.

• Sleep or appetite changes — Dramatic sleep and appetite changes or decline in personal care
• Mood changes — Rapid or dramatic shifts in emotions or depressed feelings
• Withdrawal — Recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
• Drop in functioning — An unusual drop in functioning, at school, work or social activities, such as quitting sports, failing in school or difficulty performing familiar tasks
• Problems thinking — Problems with concentration, memory or logical thought and speech that are hard to explain
• Increased sensitivity — Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch; avoidance of over-stimulating situations
• Apathy — Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity
• Feeling disconnected — A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality
• Illogical thinking — Unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to understand meanings or influence events; illogical or “magical” thinking typical of childhood in an adult
• Nervousness — Fear or suspiciousness of others or a strong nervous feeling
• Unusual behavior – Odd, uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior

One or two of these symptoms alone can’t predict a mental illness but may indicate a need for further evaluation. If a person is experiencing several at one time and the symptoms are causing serious problems in the ability to study, work or relate to others, he/she should be seen by a physician or mental health professional. People with suicidal thoughts or intent, or thoughts of harming others, need immediate attention.

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Honey,

Today I found out a bank wanted me to talk about my experience as a bipolar patient before we weave into the topic of wellness.

Here is my introduction of who I am.  Just sharing with you my excitement.  I am a keynote speaker before the actual program.

I hope you are happy for me.  This is my debut after a 10 years hiatus.

I am not worried about the presentation.  I am more worried if they ever visit my blog; Dreams of Mirrors.  I wrote some unconventional stuff there LOL.

Love you always.

Sine cera,

SJ
6/6/20

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Sharudin Jamal

@sharudinjamal

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16s

@elsDines

Honey, I cannot contain my excitement. I got an invitation as a keynote speaker to talk about Bipolar Disorder in front of some senior executives of a large bank. I emailed you my introduction. Let me know of your thoughts... Take care.

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