Something I am Proud Of:

I’m proud of myself for never giving up on ME, even in the hardest moments. I chose every day to fight my way towards the right treatment, med combo, & therapy modalities. There were some unbelievably dark days- especially since things got so bad I ended up hospitalized. Whenever I felt the most discouraged, I’d get on the computer & research the latest advancements in medications & therapies for bipolar & that would give me hope to keep going. Once getting diagnosed, it took 9 long months to get completely stable on meds. It was pretty bumpy until 300mg of Seroquel finally gave me my brain, & life, back. Now, I’m happier and peaceful than I have ever been in my entire life. I’m so grateful for Seroquel & so grateful that I didn’t give up on myself.

Advice for Newly Diagnosed:

It all seems so daunting at first, but little by little things get easier & eventually, you’ll be able to joke about even the worst parts of BD (we all have wild stories about things we did while manic). Keep in mind that we are in a place in history where there are more effective medications and huge advancements in research than ever before. 50 years ago a bipolar diagnoses would have been absolutely devastating. Now, it is completely possible to live a great, stable life thanks to meds. The good news is there are many different medication options. The bad news is that you might have to try a few before you find the right combination that vibes with your unique brain chemistry. Don’t give up!