My experience with Bipolar 1

️TRIGGER WARNING ️

Hello Everyone,

For those that don't know me, I'm a Forum Supporter for the Bipolar, Schizophrenia and Psychosis Support sub-community, and I help with a few other roles on 7cups. I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 at 14, which became a diagnosis of bipolar 1 at 26 when I was hospitalized for suicidal ideations, drug use, and alcoholism. At that point I was experiencing extreme highs where the energy and emotions went rampant, and devastating lows where I just wanted to die. The pain was excruciating, and I felt so alone because no one understood how I felt. The drinking didn't help. It was hard but after years of being in pain, it was time to seek help. That was when I called my local crisis line (the one I worked for) and asked my supervisor to help. That night I went to the psych hospital where I stayed for 7 days. I have never felt better since then.

I just wanted to share the short version of my story, because awareness is key to getting people the help and support they need. 1/5 people with bipolar 1 kill themselves, 1/4 people with schizophrenia kill themselves. We have to share our stories so that people become aware of the signs before it's too late. Don't be afraid to reach out, you never know how much it might change your life. Thank you all for taking the time to read my story :)