Though I have been open with my bipolar disorder diagnosis for two decades, it is a lot harder to be open about the day-to-day limitations I face living with this mental illness. Originally, I thought the best way to overcome mental illness stigma was to act like I was totally capable and fine with no problems despite my history of five hospitalizations for a very serious disability. Seeing that my colleagues often were inappropriately screening parties out based on believing they had mental illnesses like mine, I decided I had to look stronger than the average person. Therefore, while I disclosed my past problems, I instinctively concealed the struggles I face every day living with a mental health condition that makes it harder for me to regulate my emotions.
My 20 Years Embracing Bipolar project gave me a chance to reflect on everything and I emerged from it with one big conclusion:
I need to be more vulnerable.
That is why I’ve started to do a weekly post called Embracing Support. This is something I actually plan to e-mail to supporters in my life who sign up to receive it, and in it I will share challenges I am struggling with, the assistance I could use, and news about how I have been doing from past support. Those three topic areas form the acronym CAN, to help remind me that I can do more when I connect with support.