Something I am Proud of in My Journey:
Living with bipolar disorder (BD) is a feat in itself. Managing a chronic illness 24/7 is no easy task. That said, it is possible to discover and maintain stability—and build a fulfilling life you can feel proud of.
I was diagnosed with bipolar I disorder with psychotic features at nineteen. I’m now forty-five. It has been a journey of adaptation—of learning invaluable lessons and understanding how BD shows up in my daily life. I’m proud that I stayed the course, committing to self-discovery, educating myself, and developing a lifestyle that supports my mental health.
When I reflect on my many accomplishments, my family tops the list. I’m proud to have raised children who are able to speak openly about mental illness. They’re not uncomfortable when the topic arises, and they have the capacity to empathize with and validate others’ experiences. Watching them navigate their late teen and young adult years with this kind of emotional intelligence gives me great optimism for how they’ll approach their own mental well-being.
There have been two defining moments of clarity and triumph in my journey with bipolar disorder. The first came after reading Changing My Mind by Margaret Trudeau. She lived in the public eye after marrying a Canadian prime minister, and her memoir was both compelling and deeply relatable. In that moment, I realized I wasn’t alone in facing BD and its untold challenges. I felt comforted knowing someone else’s experiences mirrored mine. Her bravery and candidness inspired me—and created a lasting impact on my life. That day, I made a decision that remains with me: to speak openly about my life with bipolar disorder, to advocate for those who haven’t yet found a safe space to come forward, and to help raise awareness.
As my advocacy grew stronger, so did the length of my current euthymic state. I came to understand that my story was no longer a source of shame or guilt. Sharing my lived experiences not only empowered me—it supported others who live with, or love someone with, bipolar disorder.
Message for the Newly Diagnosed:
To those newly diagnosed with bipolar disorder: Be patient and gentle with yourself—this is not just a diagnosis, it’s a shift in understanding your inner world. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, confused, or even scared. Take a breath. You don’t need to figure everything out all at once.
This is a journey of discovery—give yourself the time and space to process what this means for you. Bipolar disorder looks different for everyone. How it manifests, what triggers it, how it interacts with your identity, your relationships, your goals—all of this will become clearer over time.
As you begin to learn your patterns and needs, try to extend to yourself the same compassion you’d offer a dear friend or loved one. If they came to you and we’re unsure, you wouldn’t judge or rush them—you’d sit, listen, and reassure them. You deserve that same kindness. You are not alone.
