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, but at least not within the throws of Mania. My overall victory is the fact I haven’t found myself within the walls of a psychiatric hospital for six years since my initial visit thanks to medication, coping skills, and having a better understanding of my illness, as well as myself due to my diagnosis.
Advice for Newly Diagnosed:
This disease bears down on all things that makes us human: our moods, the way we see and experience our world, the way we think, and our ever-changing capacities of energy, will, our imagination, our desires to create, and our determination to live when we don’t feel like living. My advice to the newly diagnosed is to seek treatment with a professional, be honest with them, and try every avenue of treatment available to you that they prescribe to you until you find something that works for you – because you only know yourself, and mental health services are there to get you to a place of base, normal functioning. I would advise you to implement healthy coping skills. Practice a good diet, exercise, and do things that bring you joy.