I’m sure many of you know the feeling of being overwhelmed - too much to do, too little time, or too much emotion out of nowhere. That’s how my manic mental health journey began years ago - I felt like I was always running at top speed but could never get anywhere. Over time, I learned it was more than just a busy lifestyle - it was a form of bipolar disorder that I had been living with a lot longer than I realized.
At first, it felt like I didn’t belong in any group or even with myself at times. But as time passed and after substantial help from my therapist and medication, I started to understand and take control of my emotions better. It has become easier to recognize when symptoms flare up and quickly move into self-care mode before they cause extreme disruption.
My journey with mental health can feel daunting, yet also liberating when coping skills are employed and healing takes place. Keeping an open dialogue about it is essential for managing the highs and lows, allowing me to live the life I envisioned without letting my condition define who I am.