Category: Stories of Hope and Recovery

Jack

Jack

Something I am Proud Of: From my teen years on, my moods and behavior were an omnipresent issue in my life. Although I excelled academically in high school, my relationships were extremely volatile, a pattern that would continue into my tumultuous college years....

Jorine

Jorine

Something I am Proud Of: After moving for the 3th time in 1 year, losing my cherished job as an art teacher, another broken relationship, hardly sleeping for months, drowning in a crippling depression, while slipping into psychosis, I’ve got diagnosed 10 yrs ago. With...

Tasjenee

Tasjenee

Something I am Proud Of: I have been living with Bipolar 1 Disorder since 2023. However my Journey did not start there. My earliest symptoms started in 2020 , shortly after the birth of my third baby. I was on maternity leave from the military and I had just had...

Ned

Ned

Something I am Proud Of: I am proud of how my career has progressed since my diagnosis. I was diagnosed in 2019 almost a year before the first wave of the pandemic. Since my diagnosis AND a few med changes , I’ve been able to succeed at work and be promoted more than...

Charles

Charles

Something I am Proud Of: After being diagnosed at the age of 23, my life was falling apart. I was kicked out of college, lost my girlfriend of three years, and just attended a medical convention in which I felt like an imposter. Even worse, I began to unravel in and...

Saskia

Saskia

Something I am Proud Of: I was 30 when first diagnosed with Bipolar type II, comorbid with borderline personality disorder. I finally reached out to a professional help after decades of hesitation thinking that I simply just a very “emotional” person. I was relieved...

Greg

Greg

Something I am Proud Of: Proud of Pushing Through the Fear of Bipolar  I’m proud that despite my early experiences with bipolar in my family, I was able to push through the fear, and accept and embrace my diagnosis of bipolar. In the late 1970s, my sister was...

Samantha

Samantha

Something I am Proud Of: Learn to rest, not to quit. These words have stuck with me through my bipolar I journey since diagnosed at 19-years-old. When I was first diagnosed, I experienced a mammoth wave of both relief – finally putting a name to the unexplained...

Aimee

Aimee

Something I am Proud Of: This marks 25 years since being diagnosed with Bipolar I disorder. After I was diagnosed, I was told I would never function fully in life and would be permanently disabled. Sadly, for many years, I believed this narrative. Thankfully, I have...

Gaby

Gaby

Something I am Proud Of: Throughout this journey, I have discovered more about myself than I ever could have imagined. My experiences with depression began in 7th grade and evolved into struggles with suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, self-harm, PTSD, and psychosis...

Betsi

Betsi

Something I am Proud Of: I have been living with the diagnosis of Bipolar 1 since 2001. It has been quite the journey and I have learned a great deal in 23 years of managing my diagnosis.    On June 14, 2024, I celebrated 10 years of stability. While it hasn’t been...

Angelo

Angelo

Something I am Proud Of: I am proud of the fact that I can live a balanced, meaningful life with family, friends, music, martial arts, and a career in cybersecurity even with bipolar disorder. I thought my life was over when I had to be rushed to the hospital and I...

Gabriela

Gabriela

Something I am Proud Of: I am grateful for the journey I’ve been through, for being diagnosed quickly, and for finding the right treatment for me. Ever since I was a teenager, I suffered from anxiety and depression, with crying spells, suicidal thoughts, and...

Jillian

Jillian

Something I am Proud Of: My experience with bipolar disorder has instilled in me a deep empathy for those navigating mental health challenges within the criminal justice system. While my journey hasn’t been without its hurdles, such as major depressive episodes...

Nika

Nika

Something I am Proud Of: My story of resilience began nine years ago. That was the year I entered law school. They asked me: “are you sure you can handle this?” Hardly scratching the surface of what my Bipolar I diagnosis meant, I said I could. It took me twice as...

Conlan

Conlan

Something I am Proud Of: I’m not going to lie, sometimes it is difficult to acknowledge the parts of me that I am proud of. Before, I found pride and value in a lot of external things: my wardrobe, my relationships with others, how I presented on social media. In the...

Aníta

Aníta

Something I am Proud Of: What I am proud of in my journey is that I never gave up, no matter how hard things got. I always found a way to power through the darkness after a manic episode, and the trauma that can come along. I have been in a mental hospital 4 times...

Jamie

Jamie

Something I am Proud Of: I was diagnosed with Bipolar I at the age of 18 following six years of inexplicable behaviours, emotional dysregulation, and suicidal ideation. In my final year of high school, I dropped five courses, and the future I had always dreamed for...

Lee

Lee

Something I am Proud Of: I am proud of what was once impossible; some stability living with Bipolar 2 through a consistent routine. After 15 years of drinking, gambling, and yelling at those I love; I no longer drink,I workout 3-5x/ week, eat healthy, sleep 8 hours,...

Che’

Che’

Something I am Proud Of: There have been countless times where I felt like I just couldn’t “do life”. In my most recent series of episodes, I quit my job that I once loved, I showered 3 times a month on average, I wore the same clothes I slept in...

Mariah

Mariah

Something I am Proud Of: Hi, I’m Mariah. I’m 22 years old and I currently live in Italy. Here’s my story of dealing with Bipolar 1 disorder (with psychosis). I got diagnosed in February 2022 after I found myself in the psychiatric ward lying on the bed and...

Rosario

Rosario

Something I am Proud Of: After my first and only hospitalization, I learned to be more mindful of my moods, what causes me distress, and to look after myself. Before my hospitalization, I was a “moody,” and “dramatic” person, and of course I still can be those things,...

Lisa

Lisa

Something I am Proud Of: Despite my diagnosis of Bipolar I, and despite the highs and mostly lows I experience, I was able to earn a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology which included a 6-month practicum of therapist training in a psychiatric hospital. This...

Fatima

Fatima

Something I am Proud Of: I’m proud of how far I’ve come and how I keep pushing on. When I was first diagnosed I was really scared and I didn’t understand my diagnosis. There was so much internalized stigma going on. It’s taken time and effort but I’m finally at a...

Ellie

Ellie

Something I am Proud Of: As of today, May 13th 2022, I am celebrating my One Year Out Of Hospital milestone. This is just incredible. Throughout the last seven years, I was treated with the wrong meds and misdiagnosed with BPD (which I don’t have) alongside my...

Michelle

Michelle

Something I am Proud Of: I’m a mother. A good one. I practice intentional, positive parenting and try to be as patient as I can. I am always thinking of how situations affect my child. This is drastically different from what I had as a kid, where I was an extension of...

Molly

Molly

Something I am Proud Of: I’m very proud of how far I’ve come the past year. I’m staying out of the hospital, spending time with friends and WORKING at a job I love (I’m a direct support professional for individuals with disabilities). Meeting these goals hasn’t come...

Mallory

Mallory

Something I am Proud Of: I was diagnosed with Bipolar Type 1 at age 19. Since then, I worked hard to educate myself on the illness and accept that it is not something to be ashamed of. I shared about my illness with friends and family knowing that I might need them to...

Courtney

Courtney

Something I am Proud Of: I am most proud of how far I have come in my life, as a result of seeking a diagnosis and committing to my treatment. I never imagined I would make it this far into my life, let alone be in the financially, mentally, and physically stable...

Kathy

Kathy

Something I am Proud of: When I look back on all my achievements and accomplishments since my diagnosis at 17, what fills my heart with the most joy is being able to help others who are currently struggling with their mental health, by using the insight I gained from...

Amanda

Amanda

Something I am Proud Of: I thought if people knew how I felt, I would lose everything. As a kid I experienced trauma, abuse and struggled with addiction. At 14 I was admitted for psychiatric care after a suicide attempt. After that I felt like I needed to pretend...

Jessie

Jessie

Something I am Proud Of: After spending time educating myself and seeking support, I feel proud of my understanding of my diagnosis. Learning what works for me has been huge in helping guide me on my mental health journey. I’m also proud of connections I’ve made after...

Billy

Billy

Something I am Proud Of: I am a shy guy with poor self-esteem, so I didn’t have many friends, was bullied, and traumatized as a kid. Things got worse when I left home to pursue my bachelor degree. I was unaware about my condition and behavior, until it reached climax...

Katie

Katie

Something I am Proud Of: A victory of mine while having this diagnosis is that I got married, held my job for over a year and love it, bought a house, got a dog, and managed to maintain a lot of stability through it all. My biggest victory is knowing I need to take my...

Ashley

Ashley

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...

Amanda

Amanda

Something I am Proud Of: During the battle of finally getting my diagnosis, I’m extremely proud of my ability to keep fighting to get answers, fighting for anyone to listen and fighting to stay alive. I have always thought my voice was my strongest weapon or super...

Mel

Mel

Something I am Proud Of: I was diagnosed with Bipolar I at age 21 after my first manic episode. After my diagnosis, I went 6 years without a psychiatrist as I was lost in the waitlist system. I eventually had my second manic episode, which was more severe. In my...

Jess

Jess

Something I am Proud Of: I was diagnosed with panic disorder and OCD at 6 years old – I had near-daily panic attacks and was self-harming. My mood issues started when I was 10, but most doctors were reluctant to diagnose a preteen/teenager with Bipolar. Fast...

Hannah

Hannah

Something I am Proud Of: I’m very proud to be at a place in my life where managing my mental illness no longer fears like an insurmountable task and more like a regular part of my daily life. While it’s still a full-time responsibility and can be a lot to contend with...

Beth

Beth

Something I am Proud Of: I am proud of myself for having the wherewithal to recognize that something was wrong. I always thought that I was suffering from depression, but my gut was telling me it was more than that. I took the steps needed to connect with my therapist...

Phil

Phil

Something I am Proud Of: I am proud that I have been able to maintain a healthy and stable life for the past five years since being correctly diagnosed (though I have lived with this condition for over 20 years). I attribute this to consistently taking my medications...

Ana

Ana

Something I am Proud Of: I always thought that my mental illness would get in the way of pursuing my passions and dreams. However, consistent therapy and the proper meds have been game changers for me. After my first year of consistent therapy and meds, I was able to...

Salsabiela

Salsabiela

Something I am Proud Of: I was diagnosed recently, but I’ve felt something was wrong in me since June 2021. Finally, I dared to go to a psychiatrist in October 2021. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and of course I was shocked. My courage was to tell my...

Vina

Vina

Something I am Proud Of: I’m most proud about my life that got back on track. It was as series of destructive behaviors that ruined my education, career, and relationships. At times I could be the life of the party, and most times I felt like a shell of a...

Ashley

Ashley

Advice to Newly Diagnosed: Diagnosis does not mean ruination. Your diagnosis can feel like it’s taking over the trajectory of your life, but you are the creator of your path, and acceptance will come with time. I wholeheartedly believe that knowledge is power....

Kathryn

Kathryn

Something I am Proud Of: I am proud of myself for completing school. I was struggling with a manic episode and then slipped through a long depression. I even had to delay my final project, but I did it! It’s only been about nine months since my diagnosis, but I feel...

Abigail

Abigail

Something I am Proud Of: Before my hospitalization & diagnosis, I thought I had control over my mental health. I thought the really bad days were canceled out by the really good days. I thought my suicidal ideations were just intrusive thoughts that came and went....

Chloe

Chloe

Something I am Proud Of: I’m proud of owning up for my actions and my mistakes. I never used my mental illness as an excuse for my behavior, but I was letting it take control of me. I used to do things that would destroy my relationships, not only with others, but...

Savannah

Savannah

Something I am Proud of: It was March 2016. My apartment was chosen, and my boxes were packed. My move-in date approached, but my mood took a turn for the worse. I didn’t end up moving out on my own anytime soon. Five years later, my little sister began applying to...

Fernando

Fernando

Something I’m Proud Of: When I was 20 years old, I experienced my first panic attack, and for 7 years, I’ve struggled with depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Last year, I suffered my first psychosis episode and was admitted into a psychiatric...

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