My Story 📖
As I’m on this journey of self discovery, there’s been so much I’ve found out about myself that had me in shambles. Lol 😂
bare with me, because I’m nervous lol.
I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 2. In simple terms, I battle with being in a depressive state for a long period of time yet I have moments where I’m manic and feel like I can conquer the world.
Growing up - I’ve always heard bipolar being associated with crazy and I was so stressed when my psychiatrist diagnosed me. I literally wanted to hide from the world because I felt crazy.
As I’ve been working on myself, I’ve been learning more about me and my disorder. With the help of God, my family, friends, primary care physician, and therapist, I’ve learned so much about mental health and how it’s important to take care of it.
It’s a battle everyday, but I’m pushing through it & I came on here to say YOU 🫵🏾 CAN TOO! It’s hard but we have to listen to our bodies/minds and do what’s best for us.
Mental illnesses go undiagnosed all the time bc many people:
💕 are afraid of the diagnosis they may get
💕 are embarrassed
💕 don’t think mental health matters
💕 have been conditioned to not think about things on a deeper level
💕 have been raised to suppress their emotions
& quite frankly the list goes on & on.
I know because that was once me. I was conditioned to think I had to be strong. I had to not let my guard down and not be vulnerable. I was conditioned to believe that if I kept everything inside, I would be okay. 🤷🏾♀️
But deep down, I KNEW something was off. No one knows your body like YOU 🫵🏾 do. Don’t let something you feel is off become your normal. Don’t sit in it. Get up, ask questions, and take care of yourself.
I was thinking the thoughts I had mentally, and the way I felt all the time was normal. Until my therapist was like “this isn’t normal. You’ve conditioned yourself to make this your normal but there’s something greater outside of my disorder. You just have to work to get to it.”
Taking my mental health serious was one of the best things I could have possibly done for myself! I still have moments, all the time lol, but they’re easier to deal with knowing what I know now. 😮💨
It’s not easy but it’s totally worth it. The same way we pamper our outer selves for self care is the same way we must pamper our mental health. Its important to do 😊
This is part of my unfiltered & raw story. It took a lot of courage for me to get here & be able to share a post of me I once hid. 😩 Someday I hope to be an advocate for mental health 🩵 until then, I’ll keep posting on here and spreading awareness.
Mental health matters 💕 yours 🫵🏾 & mine. Let’s do this together 🩵 #lemon8challenge #unfiltered
Mental health awareness is crucial in our society today, especially for those battling conditions like bipolar disorder. Many individuals suffer in silence due to fear and societal stigma associated with mental illness. Bipolar disorder, characterized by mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs, is often misunderstood. It is essential to realize that mental health matters just as much as physical health. Advocating for mental health support can empower others to seek help and understand their conditions better. Living with bipolar disorder requires ongoing education about your symptoms and treatment options. Regular consultations with mental health professionals can provide you with the right coping strategies. Engaging in self-care practices such as mindfulness, exercise, and seeking emotional support is vital for mental stability. Being open about your struggles encourages others to do the same. The journey of managing mental health challenges is ongoing, and sharing your story can inspire others to break down barriers and seek help. Establishing understanding can foster communities of support where individuals no longer feel isolated in their journeys. Advocacy for mental health also includes educating people on recognizing signs of mental illness in themselves and others. This knowledge can lead to earlier interventions, helping individuals receive the support they need before reaching crisis points. Furthermore, it’s important to evoke a culture where individuals feel safe discussing mental health without fear of judgment; Let’s work together in creating positive environments where mental health discussions are normalized. Remember, it’s okay not to be okay. Seek help, share your experiences, and support each other in this vital aspect of life.
