In this blog, I share pieces of my life story. From childhood to teenage years up to my adult years. As someone with a mental health diagnosis, I want to show there’s more to a person than just being labeled with a mental health condition.
A lot goes into where I am now at in my personal recovery journey and my point to telling my story is to show others a diagnosis of mental illness or for me having bipolar, depression, anxiety, ptsd, history of addictions and being in recovery for workout anorexia doesn’t define me, but is and will always be a piece of me I have learned to live with on a daily basis.
My story, at times, can be triggering or stressful to read, so I need to give that warning. I am open and honest about my life, from the good to the bad and traumas I’ve experienced throughout my life. If you get easily triggered or stressed with other people’s traumas, I advise that my story may not be best for you to read.
My goal when this blog is complete is to turn it into a book. As a mental wellness advocate I want people such as psychiatrist, nurse practitioners, PEERS, fellow mental health advocates, workers in psych wards and anyone who could benefit from seeing the person behind the diagnosis and be more understanding and compassionate towards people who have a mental health diagnosis.
I’m not bipolar I have bipolar and other symptoms associated with it. I hope my story can shine a light on what is so deeply stigmatized in society.
If you are comfortable and going forward to read my story, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to also share this blog with others.
If you can relate to my story, just know you are not alone.
Once I found my comfort in advocating for mental wellness, I felt my story was an important story to tell. Not everything I advocate on is only to show the bad side of my experiences, but I also hope to show all the good as well.
Advocating can change the system for the better.
Everyone has a story, and this blog is mine.
The Outspoken Advocate 