Something I am Proud of:

It was March 2016. My apartment was chosen, and my boxes were packed. My move-in date approached, but my mood took a turn for the worse. I didn’t end up moving out on my own anytime soon. Five years later, my little sister began applying to colleges. I wondered if it was finally time for me to start something new too. I took a chance. Now I have a full-time job, my own apartment, and live 1,500+ miles from my childhood home. I am independent, and I’m still stable.

Advice for Newly Diagnosed:

If you have just been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, don’t be ashamed to take medication. If the first medication doesn’t work, don’t lose hope. It’s a continuous process of trying several different things. Research on your own and speak up when you and your doctor are looking into something new. Talk to your doctor about side effects, and don’t expect results immediately. I have lost sleep, slept too much, gained weight, lost weight, etc. in an effort to find my correct “regimen.” When you’re stable, you will look back and be proud for not giving up.