Something I am proud of in my journey:

I am proud that I have kept a fundamentally positive outlook on life, even when things got difficult. Some people may find it exhausting at times, but for me, choosing to look for the good side of things has been a way to stay connected to hope. Since 2014, I have faced many challenges, including two hospital stays, time in a day clinic, and a rehabilitation program. These experiences left their marks, but they also gave me the chance to understand myself better and to grow from what I went through.

Life didn’t stop because of bipolar disorder—it changed, and I learned to change with it. I have also been diagnosed with a rheumatic condition, which added another layer of complexity. Managing both requires a whole bundle of strategies: therapy, medication, a healthier diet, regular rest, and learning to step back a little at work. None of this is easy, but it taught me that life keeps moving forward, and that it is worth fighting for.

I am proud not only of surviving, but of learning how to live well—with self-awareness, with structure, and with compassion for myself and others. Every step, even the hard ones, has helped me build a more grounded and balanced version of myself.

Of course, I’m still not at the end of the journey. There are always things I’m working on — most of all, finding and keeping a healthy balance. I tend to go to extremes, and learning to navigate between them is a lifelong process. But I believe that’s what life is: a constant course correction. What matters is to stay aware, keep learning, and keep moving.

Message for those who are newly diagnosed:

Your thoughts and emotions are not facts. That simple realization changed everything for me. It’s easy to believe what your mind tells you in the heat of a mood episode, but learning to question it gives you freedom.

Bipolar disorder can feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t define who you are. Over time, you will find tools, routines, and people that help you stay steady. Progress takes patience, but it happens.

Most of all, don’t lose faith in yourself. You are still the same person underneath the diagnosis — just someone learning to live with more awareness and care. It’s absolutely possible to build a good, meaningful life with bipolar disorder.