Something I am Proud of in My Journey:
If I can be proud of myself for one major thing, it would be my resilience in looking for treatments and help throughout my mental health journey. It has not been easy.
I was diagnosed with a bipolar disorder when I was 19 years old after a behavioral health hospital stay, changing my diagnosis from what we originally thought was a major depressive disorder. I was monitored for a long period of time and mania symptoms became very clear to my treatment-resistant psychiatrists. It all made sense. But finding ways to manage this disorder became a full-time job.
Electroconvulsive therapy, medications, and other treatments affected my body and memory in extremely debilitating ways. Still, I persevered with the help of my amazing support system and medical team and am happy to report that I am currently in a stable and comfortable place with my diagnosis, medication, and therapy.
Message for Newly Diagnosed:
My message to the newly diagnosed is that life can be beautiful, fulfilling, vibrant, and full of love with a bipolar diagnosis. While manic and depressive episodes can be brutal, and the transitions between them can be very difficult, I have seen so much empathy, peace, and zest for life come from people that have a bipolar disorder.
Seek out those that will support you and never be afraid to ask for help. There are resources and treatments out there to help propel your life forward with stability and grace.
