Describe Something I`m Proud of in My Journey:

Something I’m most proud of in managing bipolar disorder is my ongoing acceptance. I am grateful I understand that it will be with me for my lifetime. Total acceptance that I have bipolar was my crucial step 1.

There were many years when bipolar wasn’t at the forefront of my mind and when I would lapse in taking medication, I would eventually experience extreme paranoia, ongoing irritability and a ‘me against the world’ mentality.

I thought I could just get rid of bipolar disorder.

If I start to feel symptomatic now, I can put it in perspective and respond accordingly. I see it in a more objective sense. It feels like I am a completely different person and that brings me pride knowing how far I’ve come.

Message for those who are Newly Diagnosed:

I would say to those who are newly diagnosed, honor your feelings, however challenging they may be.

Bipolar can reveal and help categorize emotions since they can often be traced back to symptoms within a proper diagnosis.

I would say to those who are newly diagnosed, honor your feelings, however challenging they may be. Bipolar can reveal and help categorize emotions since they can often be traced back to symptoms within a proper diagnosis.

Since routine is a big part in managing bipolar, it can feel like I am just going through the motions. That’s often why I turn to creativity as a way to feel more alive.

There is a flow state I can achieve when I follow creative ideas to completion. It makes me feel like I’ve channeled a bit of grandiosity into meaningful work, even if small in scale. It can ground me, as I feel relief and a sense of purpose I may not find elsewhere.

I’ve also learned I can find peace in the day to day. The diagnosis can be used to my advantage because it is a way for me to get to know myself more deeply.

To the newly diagnosed, I hope your life unfolds without unnecessary judgement.