“Never give up or be afraid to be who you are.”

Share your stigma experience.

Telling my story is part of a healing process for me. I want to help others who are afraid to accept their disorder. I went 10 years knowing that I had been diagnosed but only went to therapy for a month or two in between episodes. Once I was feeling better I would ignore the signs of mania because that was my first love. Mania was like an addiction. I first started to see signs of my disorder on my honeymoon to Italy. I maxed out every credit card we had shopping to the extent we had to call my mom for money to eat. I then took that money and spent our last 300.00 on Gucci shoes for our 10-month-old son. My husband ended up leaving me after we returned to the states and I went into a depression where I was unable to take care of my son which soon caused me to be hospitalized. After my last episode this month, I actually realized how serious not taking care of your health can be. I can’t imagine anyone suffering as long as I did without the proper help and support. Now I am currently in therapy and taking my medication, I am starting to feel normal again. This last year has been a total blur because I tried to face this issue alone. One of the most important things I learned was to recognize my triggers. It’s important to find good coping mechanisms whether it’s mindfulness, yoga, self-actualization, affirmation, or even support group to help in a situation that can alert crisis. What keeps me on the right path most of all is clarity. Being able to feel and know me. To wake up and feel in control of my life. I learned the first step to taking control is action.

How did you overcome this experience?

Accepting my bipolar disorder and learning my triggers. Practicing good coping skills to keep your mind in the present.

Help others by sharing a brief, positive message.

Never give up or be afraid to be who you are. Having a voice brings life into our world.