Something I am proud of in my journey:
I was diagnosed with Bipolar after a lifelong of struggling with depression and then being hit hard by postpartum depression after my second baby. I have sadly lost two members of my family because of mental health and I have made a very clear decision in my head that I will fight every single day to be with my family and not only see my kids growing up, but be present with them and find my joy again. Something I am really proud of in my journey is that I have not let the narrative of my family’s history define or overshadow my own. It would have been easy to fall into the fear, shame, and silence that often accompanies generational trauma but instead, I made a different choice. I chose to seek help, to accept the support, and to surround myself with specialists and people who love me and who could hold space for my healing when I couldn’t do it alone. That decision has not come easily, but after lots of therapy and healing done.
Acknowledging my diagnosis and taking responsibility for my mental wellbeing has given me the control I need to keep my health steady. It hasn’t always been easy, and have been days full of doubt, or shame, but I’ve built a strong foundation. I take my medication. I have a care team I trust. I’ve learned to create and protect boundaries, even when it’s hard. And perhaps most importantly, I’ve stopped hiding parts of myself to make others more comfortable. This stability has offered me the opportunity to be an advocate and use my platform and my art to share other people’s stories and do my part in cutting through the stigma that still surrounds mental health. None of that would have been possible without first finding my own balance, seeking professional help, and learning to set healthy boundaries. My biggest struggle has always been internalizing society’s definition of “normal”, and losing myself in proving I am alright. It took me a bit to accept that I’m living with a chronic illness, but that doesn’t mean I’m incapacitated. My bipolar does not define me, I am a very strong and kind person with very clear boundaries set to give me the life that I know I deserve. My kids are growing up seeing me living the best life, and we talk very openly about how our brains are wired differently.
Message for those who are newly diagnosed:
The best thing I did for myself was to build a team of people and specialists I fully trust and to let them help me. This journey isn’t easy, and it’s okay if it takes time. Finding the right balance, whether it’s the right medication, therapy, or simply feeling safe to speak about your diagnosis takes patience and lots and lots of trials. There may be grief for the life you thought you’d have, but there is also space for healing, connection, and a new kind of strength. Check in with yourself and your body regularly. Track your sleep, your moods, anything that might help you understand your patterns and then listen to what your body is telling you. Seek help when you need it, and set boundaries to protect your peace. You matter the most.
