I’ve faced bipolar depression all my life. The more career stress I felt, the more vulnerable I became, and the older and less resilient I was, the less I was able to cope. Finally, I reached out to a therapist. I started to accept my diagnosis and the medications that went along with it. I began to find some stable ground.
These solutions did not come easily.
I could not have done this alone. The support of loved ones willing to make the journey to good mental health with me was critical. They listened. They worked with me to create helpful conversation about what I go through. This got us through the bad days. It helped us rebuild our strained relationships.
I still have bad days, but they are less bad than they could be. I have over-the-top happy days, too. But I am less driven by them. This is my journey of hope. I’d love to share what I learned with you—not in medical terms, but in the language of redemption. Perhaps you have bipolar disease or another mental disorder. You are not alone! And you don’t need to hide.
Instead, the world needs to accommodate you and your needs.
It’s time we throw out old negative terms used to describe those with mental health issues.
It’s time we stop ostracizing these people.
It’s time we demystify bipolar disorder.
It’s time to stop being afraid of this disease.
This change is coming on so many fronts. Olympic athletes Michal Phelps and Suni Lee talk openly about their anxiety and depression. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, starred in a documentary about finding hope within the struggle for good mental health. Every time someone shares their story, awareness grows in all of us. These brave souls are making a difference.
I am not a licensed therapist. I don’t use statistics or medical terminology. I am simply an entrepreneur with years of experience building a path through a very dark forest. I have a story to tell—one that may help you and others. I will have bipolar disease every day for the rest of my life. There’s nothing I can do about. But I can use this diagnosis to stand up on behalf of others.
