First brush with hypomania

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This photo was taken roughly 6 years ago. I was 2 months into my first hypomanic episode and still feeling completely uninhibited and euphoric, but having to consciously tone down my behaviour as people around me were noticing. My family and friends were concerned but I was in complete denial that anything was wrong.

I felt amazing, why would they want to bring me down? On this day I showed up late for a funeral because it wasn’t a big deal. I was drinking and shopping way more than usual. Trying to befriend strangers. Sleeping very little but feeling energised after a few hours. Taking dangerous risks because I felt invincible. I felt on top of the world, but I was oblivious to the harm I was doing.

Bipolar Diagnosis snippet

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6 and a half years ago I had my first hypomanic episode and was diagnosed with Bipolar Type 2. I have never shared my story except with those that were really close to me and saw me go through it.

For years I’ve started drafting my story but I stop because it’s too painful to relive and I’ve carried such deep shame for so long. But I’m learning to look back at this time with more self love and compassion. I hope others can do the same.

Watch this space, full diagnosis story blog coming soon… 😬🤍