Something I am Proud Of:
I’m extremely proud of myself for finally being able to accept my diagnosis and no longer feeling like it is something I need to hide. I was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 disorder in late 2019, and was in denial until about a year later. I was on and off my medication, I was lashing out at family and friends, I couldn’t keep a job, I was in and out of psychiatric facilities, because I did not want to accept that having bipolar disorder was now a part of my life, and something that I could not handle on my own. It took me a while, but I’ve developed a great relationship with my therapists, I am on medication that works for me, I am able to function in society healthily, and I am okay with my diagnosis. I accept that this is something that I must have control over in order to be successful in my daily life, as well as my future. And now that I’ve found acceptance, I am able to share my experiences, give advice and encourage others. I feel there is power in shared experiences, and knowing that you’re not alone. Finding commonality in hardships can save lives, and I’m proud to have become an advocate for the mental health community. It’s terrifying to share something this vulnerable, as well as something that is viewed as a “mental illness.” However, I’m also the most proud of myself when I share anything that can help another person that is going through something that I’ve been through, because it is always well received, and I feel as though I make a difference in those moments.