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 twice. While working for a large retailer as a supervisor, I was promoted to an assistant manager within my first three months on the job.
My current job is running a hospital gift shop AND I love it. I was let go from a résumé builder job at a local museum gift shop during a hypomanic episode and that role gave me the skills to succeed in my current role.
Message for Newly Diagnosed:
You will need to advocate for yourself. Finding a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner in your area can be a great start. If one is not available, you may need to try out a few primary care doctors AND talk therapists. Not all practitioners will be a good fit for you, either.
Only you can effectively communicate how you’re feeling and what you may need. Also, do not be afraid of checking yourself into a behavioral science unit for an overnight stay or longer. Creating a plan with your healthcare pros for when mania or depression takes over is a great idea. This piece can be essential to success in mood stabilization.
It’ll be tough but aim to ALWAYS TAKE YOUR MEDS if prescribed. Mania can be a euphoric AND exciting place to be BUT I always remember how scary and out of control I felt while not stabilized mood-wise.
It gets better…
Xoxo, NED
