It had been an emotional roller coaster my entire life. One moment I would be on top of the world, and the next, I was crashing down into the depths of despair. I was tired of the the ups and downs; I knew I had to do something.
After a few visits to the doctor, I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. I felt relieved to finally have answers, but at the same time, scared by the implications. I had heard about the risks and possible outcomes associated with this mental illness, and I didn’t want to get stuck in a cycle of despair.
I was prescribed a combination of medication and therapy to help manage the symptoms. I knew it wouldn’t be easy to adjust my lifestyle, but I was willing to try anything. I was determined to prove that even with the diagnosis, I could be successful in life.
The medication helped to stabilize my moods, and I started to create a routine for myself. I joined a support group, and started to embrace self-care activities. Through the combination of medication, therapy and self-care, I was able to control my emotions and start to find joy in my life.
I accepted that my life would never be perfectly balanced, but I now had the tools and strategies to manage my illness. I was proud of my accomplishments and felt more in control of my life then I had ever been before.