“I live with Bipolar Disorder Type 1. It has been very difficult to manage and the decade of my 20’s was very hard. I was hospitalized many times, attempted suicide many times, and even underwent ECT treatments.
For the past 3 years, I have been living in mental health recovery with my illness. It doesn’t mean I don’t have difficult days or moments, and I still get depressed or experience hypomanic symptoms from time to time.
But my quality of life is much better now. I think this is due to a lot of factors that include: Taking my medicines as prescribed, seeing a therapist, having a good support system of family and friends, faith and a faith community, good sleep hygiene, regular exercise, and looking for the simple joys in life through my pug dog, crocheting, and reading.
I believe recovery is possible for anyone who is willing to try and make effort, and for people who can find grace for themselves and others. I believe by sharing our stories of mental health and recovery we can destroy the stigma surrounding mental illness. Writing has also helped me tremendously. I blog about my life and experiences with others at davewisematters.com“
