A colourful array of emotions, 

Where to start. The past 3 years of my life have been by far the most difficult but also the most life-changing and maturing as a young adult. I was 20 years old when I was diagnosed with bipolar type I rapid cycling disorder. I was young, naïve and stubborn. I had tremendous difficulties adapting to a substance-free, medication ridden life. I also struggle with substance abuse and so the comorbidity of bipolar and addiction has been tremendously difficult. I often experience anxieties and some OCD’s. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned amongst this winding journey is that you are NOT your diagnoses. I am Ashley and I have conditions of bipolar and substance abuse, but I am not bipolar or I am not substance abuse. The same would be said if I had diabetes. I may have diabetes but I am not diabetes. I hope to share my experiences with like-minded people and erase the stigma that makes so many people fear the world of “bipolar.” We don’t fear cancer, so why do we fear mental illness.