My name is Aubrey Good. I'd like to share with you how International Bipolar Foundation helped me change my life, and how you can help them change other lives too.
I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2010 at the age of 18. The diagnosis should have come as a relief after spending many years struggling with my mental health but I was not given the proper education or tools.
Instead I felt a deep sense of shame and loneliness that prevented me from accepting and adhering to treatment.
After many years of strained relationships, self-medication, withdrawals from college, and near-terminations from various jobs, I felt that I had reached rock bottom. Looking for an answer, I typed 'bipolar disorder' into Facebook's search tool and came across International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF)'s page. I found a community of over 250,000 people and access to all of their free educational programs and resources. I spent hours upon hours reading the lived experience blogs, watching webinars, and browsing through the scientific articles IBPF published.
It had been seven years since my initial diagnosis but it was the first time that I felt like I was not alone and that there was hope for my future.
To say that my life has been radically shifted from one of loneliness and suffering to one of community and wellness is an understatement.
Through IBPF I became knowledgeable about my illness and the various methods of treatment that can be combined to help me manage my symptoms.
This then empowered me to seek the appropriate help and be an advocate for myself so that I am an active participant in my treatment. IBPF offered me a safe place to share my experiences and the opportunity to be honest about the days where I wasn't doing so well.
I was introduced to others living with bipolar disorder and was inspired by so many who were taking charge of their illness and thriving in spite of it.
Being treated with dignity and respect restored my self-esteem and gave me the confidence that I needed to break free of the shame stigma causes; I came forward publicly about my experiences and have become a passionate advocate. I have maintained steady employment, fostered healthy relationships and created new connections with others in the mental health community, and successfully graduated with an Associates Degree.
Most importantly, I have learned that there is no shame in living with bipolar disorder or seeking help.
My life is filled with hope, support, and purpose.
IBPF has been an invaluable part of my journey to acceptance and wellness to myself but also to countless other patients, caregivers, and members of the community impacted by bipolar disorder. Without access to their resources and support, so many would still be struggling in the dark and unaware of the healthy and full lives possible.
Sincerely,
Aubrey Good
