Hi, my name is Emily. I am 26 years old, and I have bipolar type 1 with psychotic episodes.

I knew something was wrong when I was 15. My cousin died and I answered the phone when my aunt called to tell us. She was 8 years old. I was just getting over mono, so that tied in with this trauma; the doctors called it the “perfect storm.” From there, it was years of manic episodes, substance abuse, two rapes and emotional episodes that left me thinking it was better if I wasn’t here anymore. I still struggle daily. I am able to work, but I find myself exhausted at the end of the day from the rapid cycling. I have been in the hospital a few times, most recently for a self-harming incident, and I am still trying to get over it. I take it day-by-day, but with the support of my family, the few friends that know and my doctors, I know I’ll make it .