Hello, my name is Theolar Jones. I am 20 years old and from Chicago IL. It is difficult to tell my story a lot of the times; only because I'm not sure which traumatic situation to start with. However, the focus of this petition is to bring light to the hospitalization process for individuals that are diagnosed with Bipolar, Manic Depression Disorder. 

 

   This summer I have been hospitalized for two manic episode on two different occasions; taking away more than half of my July. Neither hospitalization helped me, neither was needed.

 

   The first hospitalization left me with severe anger issues and depressive symptoms. It took the support from my friends and family to help recover from it. But during that time my parents had me sign the power of attorney over to them while I was in recovery and not in my right mind. I face many challenges every day to revoke the power of attorney so I can use my own voice to tell you my story.

 

   However, not even two weeks later I was in the hospital again for another manic episode. This time it was worse. When I left the hospital I was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder; also known as: multiple personality disorder.

 

   This summer I have struggled a lot to keep my mental health in check, but the lack of control I have had, has made my summer so much more harder to deal with. Prior to my last hospitalization I had a therapist that I saw twice a week and a psychiatrist I saw once a month. 

 

   I stayed on top of my mental health. But with the diagnosis of bipolar, any ounce of confidence that makes other people uncomfortable will get you landed in the hospital. I'm at a point now where I can't do much, my hands are tied with the power of attorney because my parents can send me to the hospital at any moment.

 

   The purpose of this petition is to bring light to the irreversible damage individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder face when they are hospitalized when they are mentally competent. Because when I got out the hospital the second time, I developed a very bad stutter and I could not think my thoughts completely. I was diagnosed with Autism in 1st grade and that was the first time I ever felt truly autistic.

 

   I believe in holistic healing. Western pharmaceutical medicine has been a big part of my recover so far but natural healing has brought me to the point of being able to write my story; and this isn't even half of it.

 

   I believe there should be a better system in place to distinguish rather or not a person is a danger to themselves or others. A more lengthy screening process would help make sure people with Bipolar Disorder are receiving the right treatment.

 

   Staying in tune with your mental health and wellness is very important. I am a mental health advocate because I need people to hear my story, even when I am not ready to share it. It is up to you to share it and help my voice be heard. I appreciate all the support from my friends and family, and I send my best wishes to everyone that signs this petition. Peace.