Question from a Reader:
Are Hirose Ryouko and Ken suffering from the same illness?
Considerations from a Health and Legal Perspective
Recently, I received a question about whether Hirose Ryouko and Ken share the same illness. While they have the same diagnosis, it’s essential to recognize that their conditions and symptoms can vary significantly. Within bipolar disorder, there are Type I
and Type II, and the impact on their lives can change drastically depending on the proportion of manic and depressive episodes. Working in a judicial scrivener’s office, I often realize how crucial health is in the legal world. For instance, when a client has a mental illness, it’s vital to carefully assess how it might affect contracts and legal procedures. The law is not a cold entity; it requires an understanding of human emotions and states.
Understanding the Diversity of Conditions
Even with the same diagnosis, individuals like Hirose Ryouko and Ken have entirely different circumstances. Some may experience lengthy manic periods, while others might predominantly face depression. In such cases, it’s crucial for us to adopt an attitude of understanding towards others. No matter how much knowledge we possess, we cannot truly match the voices and feelings of those with lived experiences. Having studied psychology at university, I feel I have some understanding of such illnesses. However, there are many things that can only be learned through direct interaction. For example, when I learned that one of my clients had bipolar disorder, I initially struggled with how to approach them. When they were in a manic state, they were incredibly energetic, but in the next moment, they could become deeply depressed. I found myself bewildered by these changes, gradually deepening my understanding.
Sharing Personal Experiences
Recently, while reminiscing about such experiences, I had a day when I overindulged in snacks. While watching a movie with friends, I got carried away with popcorn and chocolate, only to realize later that I had eaten too much and regretted it the next day. I’ve come to recognize that even these small incidents can impact mental health. What kind of experiences do you have? I would love for you to share your stories about interacting with others who have similar illnesses or your strategies for maintaining mental health in daily life in the comments. I hope we can create a space where we can learn from and support one another.
