So I suppose we all have to start somewhere. This seems like
as good a place as anywhere. Welcome to my little slice of life, one which will
now spill over into these posts. Candor has never been my strong suit so I take
on this project with a bit of apprehension. But in the end I know what I have
to say is important and I hope you agree with me and follow me through the winding
turns and twisting ways that this journey takes. We’re talking about Bipolar
Disorder. Yes, that crazy mental illness (although we can dispel the crazy
part). What makes me such an expert on the subject you may ask? Why should you
listen to me? Well, if you’re looking for a professional you’re out of luck. I’m
nothing more than someone with Bipolar Disorder, the same as many of you. I’ve
been through the highs and the lows, the rollercoaster of ups and downs. I can
speak to the challenges I’ve dealt with.
We can all agree the living with Bipolar Disorder is not
easy. It takes its toll. Lord knows I’ve felt like its beaten me, that there
will be no respite. Curled up in a ball, at those lows where the world seems to
mean nothing and you only want everything to end; yeah I’ve been there. But
then I’ve been so manic that I run inexorably forward with an energy that feels
like an exploding star. And of course there’s those mixed states, probably even
worse than both extremes.
So what is this blog going to do? Probably several things (mixed
with random internet memes). I want to share the challenges I face with you all
to let you know you are not alone if you struggle with Bipolar Disorder. I want
to bring forward the latest developments on the illness. And most importantly I
want to dispel the stigma attached to mental illness. I think this last point
is the most dear to my heart. Those of us with a mental illness have at some point
probably faced discrimination and been shunned because others do not understand
the truth behind mental illness. I’ll strive to end this (with a few cat videos
interspersed here and there). You’ll hear stories from my personal experience
as well as the experiences I have collected from others.
I hope my rambling has some weight with you all. Let’s begin
our journey forward!
