Describe Something I`m Proud of in My Journey:
After a decade of chaos—marked by sleepless nights, manic episodes, drug-fueled anxiety, and the weight of alcohol-driven depression—I finally found an answer: bipolar disorder. A name for the storm that had consumed my twenties.
Completely spent, I reached a point where something had to change. Life was slipping away, and I needed to find solid ground—some way to regain a sense of control.
In the depths of depression, when hope felt out of reach, I came across mindfulness. At my lowest, with nowhere else to go, I started taking small steps forward. Slowly, the climb began.
Meditation became my lifeline, my daily practice, and within it, I discovered a simple yet transformative visualization. I was taught to imagine each thought as a droplet of water falling onto a leaf, which then drifted along a stream until it disappeared into the vast expanse of a tranquil lake. Each thought dissolved, momentarily freeing my mind. And though another thought would inevitably arise, it would be new, different. In those fleeting moments of stillness, I found peace.
This practice, this quiet mastery of letting go, became a tool I now hold close and share with others. It’s not just a skill I’ve learned—it’s a testament to the strength I found within myself. And that, above all else, is something I am profoundly proud of.
Message for those who are Newly Diagnosed:
Although these life experiences were challenging, they taught me invaluable lessons. I became acutely aware of my vulnerability to stress and began narrowing my inner circle to those I truly trusted and cared about—the ones who had stood by me through it all. I delved into understanding my condition, learning about the power of food as medicine, exercise as a natural antidepressant, and mindfulness as a cornerstone of wellness.
Despite everything, I achieved a first-class degree in Fine Art and qualified as a Therapeutic Art Practitioner. While that path wasn’t the one I ultimately followed, it laid the foundation for new creative ventures. Today, I work in an art gallery and pursue my passion for painting almost daily—a joy that has become central to my life.
To anyone newly diagnosed, I would say this: stay connected to your medical team, educate yourself about your condition, and take your medication (for me, Lamotrigine has been life-changing). Most importantly, cherish those who stand by you during the hardest moments—they are your true support system. Life can be fulfilling.
