Sarah’s Story

In my early years, I was often described as intelligent, sensitive, overachieving and shy.  My childhood was wrought with constant judgments from family members who called me "dramatic".  In school, I could out perform my peers academically; but socially, I was an outcast.

In my teenage years, I was diagnosed with depression and labeled as suicidal.  My few friends were also outcasts and many of them probably mentally ill as well.  My family would attribute my episodes as calls for attention.  I focused my energies on creative and intellectual outlets; like music and personal writing or reading.  The rest of my energy went into troubled relationships and sexual encounters that were dangerous.  I was ashamed of the sexual behaviors, and though I knew they were wrong, I felt I didn’t deserve better.

In school, I lost my drive to succeed academically and was underperforming.  As a result, I was unable to obtain scholarships for college. My parents insisted that I wasn't taking my medication. Expressing outward cynicism, I jealously watched as my high-performing peers moved forward to colleges with honors.

My college years were different.  As my peers struggled to balance college life, I caught up and performed well academically.  I also had an active social life and worked several jobs while going to school on a full-time basis.  It was in college that I self-diagnosed bipolar disorder.  Yet, because I was succeeding in life during my manic state, I did not seek medical assistance.  I graduated college with a bachelor's degree, a decent GPA and more work experience than my peers.

After college, I crashed and hit bottom.  I also met and fell in love with a wonderful man who I confided in about my mental illness.  It was this man who gave me the strength to seek help.  With his support, I began counseling and was officially diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

The stigma of bipolar disorder has hurt me the most.  It has prevented me from revealing my condition to friends, some family and employers. I have been ridiculed and unfairly treated by members of my own family.  I have had to tolerate discriminatory remarks in the workplace; for fear that I might be called out.  I struggle every day because of the stereotypes and misinformation about bipolar disorder.

Please join me in the fight to stop this prejudice.  People living with mental illnesses deserve your empathy and support!