Overcoming Bipolar
Hello, my name is Brittany. I was diagnosed as bipolar at the age of 11, along with Borderline Personality Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Asperger’s Syndrome. With so many flaws, I naturally had problems in relationships, school, work, and every other aspect of my life. I couldn’t keep friends or boyfriends, I got poor grades, and I lost every job I ever had due to my illness.
Eventually I met a man that accepted my illness and loved me anyway, and we married and had a son. However, it did not relieve my symptoms. I eventually attempted suicide believing it would spare my son of a lifetime of dealing with my illness.
After my serious suicide attempt, I finally accepted treatment. I had previously turned it away believing it would just make me seem “crazy” to need that kind of assistance. For my son, I attended therapy and took a plethora of medications, and even joined a support group.
As frustrating as it was to go through such treatment, it quickly paid off. I have had straight As in college for almost a year and no more episodes of anger or sadness that drive away my friends and family. My peers at my support group have called me an inspiration for my success. I eventually came to realize that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of; it is not a character flaw, but simply a disease that is waiting for a cure.
