An Update: You are Not Alone

It's crazy to think I started this blog 2 years ago. What's not hard to fathom is that I haven't updated it since then. This is going to be a long and emotional one, so bare with me.

In the summer of 2021, I experienced my first manic episode. That same summer, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and since then, I've learned a lot. When I was first diagnosed, I remember feeling that it was so important to tell my story, to show other people that they're not alone. To be honest, perhaps I romanticized my illness a bit initially. As time has gone on, I've become shameful about my diagnosis. I've taught myself not to let other people know about it.

During this time, I've so often questioned why I have to go through this. Why me? I'm still not sure I have an answer to that, but I think I have an inkling. I like to believe that most things happen for a reason, and this is one of those. I think I have to go through this so I can help other people going through similar things. I'm not saying I like having bipolar disorder. Hell, if I could choose to not have it, I'd do it in an instant. I'd give anything to live a "normal" life. With that being said, going through this has made me stronger, and telling my story can help others. So here I am.

This February, I was hospitalized for mental health issues. I don't wanna get too into it, but it wasn't easy. I don't think living with a mental illness will ever be easy. But here's the thing I've learned over these past few years: there is hope. Granted, there is so much ugliness in the world, but there is also so much good. There have been so many people who have shown me kindness over the past few years, who've supported me. 

Here's another thing I've learned: telling your story is so important. I love the movie "The Little Mermaid" (both the 1989 and 2023 versions), and one message from that film is the power of one's voice. Your voice is so powerful. Obviously, if you don't want to tell your story, that's okay. But if you do want to tell it, this is me telling you you should. Your words have power. Your words can change someone's lives.

I want to end this by talking about one of my favorite television shows, "Skam." Skam is a Norwegian teen drama that follows a new character each season. Season 3 follows Isak, a teenager struggling with his sexuality, as he falls in love with Even, who (SPOILER) has bipolar disorder. Even's story is one that has stayed with me for so long. One of my favorite scenes is when Isak tells Even "Du er ikke alene" (You are not alone). So that's how I want to end this post. You are not alone.

Love,

Amelia