My name is Sean Zagorski. I am now 19 years old, and I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was 17 at South Oaks Hospital. 

My bipolar symptoms all started in 8th grade when I was in middle school. I had no idea what was going on. I thought it was just normal ups and downs and puberty. It was so weird and new to me. I would go through lows and that snap out of it in a week. That continued for a while.

Now fast forward to my sophomore year in high school. The lows have been getting worse and worse. Due to that, I told my guidance counselor that I do not want to be alive anymore. I had no idea what to do with myself anymore. I was then admitted to South Oaks hospital, but I was only there for a short stay. I got put on a low dose of abilify and it seemed to work.I stopped taking it because I thought I was good again, and didn’t need it.

Now fast forward to my senior year of high school, around Christmas time I wasn’t getting much sleep and I thought everything was great! I was on a manic high. I eventually knew something was wrong and I told my guidance counselor that I needed help. I didn’t want to commit suicide, but I just knew something was wrong. I back at south oaks, up to 3 in the morning the first night, drawing all over the walls. I couldn’t take it anymore. I then was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I needed help and I got the right help. I was there on Christmas and got out shortly after. The 28th I believe. I was then put on medication that once again, helped a lot.

Now fast forward to May/June of my senior year in high school. I stopped taking my medication again, and I started to experience a manic high again. It was my last day of high school and my guidance counselor said I should go to therapy because she knew something was wrong. I didn’t want too at first but then I went becuase I knew something was up. My therapist, admitted me back to inpatient at south oaks and I was there from June 9th to the 20th. I got a new medication that helped a lot and to this day I still take it. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to go to my senior prom, but I was able to walk at graduation.

Through all of this, my family and friends were there every step of the way. I’ll never forget that.

What I learned was to never go off your medication unless your psychiatrist/doctor tells you too. Also, to never give up.

Mental health isn’t a topic we hear enough about it, and I hope that changes in the furture. I’m aspiring to be a mental health motivational speaker. One to help me, and two to help others who are going through tough times.

This is my story, and I hope it inspires others to get the right help.

You are not alone.