Why Create a Blog?

I have Bi-Polar disorder. Wow, I wrote that. It still is kind of weird to now have a name for the mental illness that rocked my world for the last four years, and as I reflect back, many years even before that. Notice, I didn’t say “I AM Bi-Polar” for that, I am not.  If you have a broken leg you don’t say “I AM a broken leg.” I am so much more than the disease I have been blessed with. And yes, I said “blessed” with. After a 72 hour manic state in 2013, where I literally did not sleep for 3 days, was uber productive at work and hyped up for my two consecutive 5am gym classes, I then dropped into a deep, deep depression. It was then I was given the diagnosis of “Bi-Polar II.”

The issue runs in my family, so by no means was I surprised rather there was a tinge of disappointment that I wasn’t able to escape the issue. However, shortly after thinking the above, I felt a sense of relief as a direction we (yes, this is a family effort) could go towards to find consistent relief. 

I will continue to share my experiences in the past and as I continue this journey. My hope is that my story will give others hope that life with Bi-Polar can be fulfilling and open up doors you never even know existed. Prior to my diagnoses, I had no clue what I was going to do as a career when I go back to work in a few years. I now have a passion for fitness and I’m considering getting my Personal Training license. I hope I can take this idea of reducing the stigma that has become from super media blitz's on horrific stories of people with mental illness. Yes, those situations are extreme and the person themselves were in dire pain and total confusion to have made the decisions that made. There are warning signs for friends, family or co-workers that someone they loved is really struggling and directions you can go to help them. 

So, let me share my experiences with you in hopes we can start a conversation about mental health. We need to determine the warning signs we should be looking out for and then the resources available to those who need help.  A big goal of mine, would be to write a book to share my experiences, ability to speak to mental health groups about my experiences and possibly partner with fitness corporations and non-profit faith based organizations to show the value that the two could have on helping people who have mental health issues. 

I strongly feel led  that this is what I need to be doing and when I need to be doing it. I have no clue on how it will all unfold but I’m looking forward to the ride. So get on board! It does take a village in these sort of social issues.