Getting an accurate diagnosis for bipolar disorder can feel like navigating a maze in the dark. For many people, it takes years—sometimes a decade or more—to finally hear the words “bipolar disorder” from a professional. I was one of those people; it took 15 years for me to be properly diagnosed. Along the way, I…
“Is It Just a Mood Swing?” If you’ve ever wondered whether your mood shifts are “normal,” you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve been called dramatic, too sensitive, or emotional. Maybe you’ve asked yourself, Am I overreacting—or is something actually wrong? The line between everyday emotional ups and downs and something deeper—like bipolar disorder—can be confusing, especially…
There’s something impossibly hard about trying to describe what a bipolar episode feels like or looks like—especially when you’re in it. The words never quite fit. The metaphors often fall short—and sometimes, they carry stereotypes or hurtful assumptions that reduce bipolar to a punchline instead of a lived reality. And sometimes, even you don’t fully…
When you’re living with bipolar disorder — or wondering if you might be — a life chart or life map can be a powerful, eye-opening tool. It offers a visual and emotional record of your experiences over time, helping both you and your mental health provider identify important patterns that may otherwise go unnoticed. These…
A personal reflection on living with bipolar disorder, breaking the silence, and embracing the journey—from misdiagnosis to hope and healing.