Meghan's Story

What were the steps leading up to your diagnosis?

When I was 15 I heard about an actress who had bipolar and when she talked about her symptoms I noticed I had a lot of the same symptoms. Originally my mom brushed me off but I kept a log of everything – what I ate, when I slept, what was going on in school, etc. It wasn't until I turned 18 I decided to go talk to a psychologist myself. By that time I had three journals filled with information and after he looked through them he looked at me and agreed that I had bipolar disorder.

Who has been there for you? How?

Of all the people who've been there my cousin is the one who stands out the most. She has bipolar as well, though it’s not as severe as mine, and she's helping me figure out my triggers and is helping me work through the crazy thoughts I have.

What lifestyle changes have you needed to make?

At first it was hard. I started trying to regulate my meals and making sure to eat. Then I worked on sleeping and finding time to get 8 hours of sleep a night. Just those two things alone made it a little bit easier. I was prescribed sleeping pills so that I could sleep even when I was manic.

Soon I started working out and doing kick boxing and I noticed that my appetite leveled out and that sleeping came a bit easier. I still struggle with eating a lot of times because when I'm in the manic mindset I do nothing but eat, whereas when I'm depressed I just don't eat. It's still a challenge but I'm working through it.

What accomplishment are you proud of?

I'm most proud of my professional career. I went from working at McDonald's to another restaurant, but now I have a set schedule with a job that isn't going to make me work myself to death.

What's your advice to someone else living with Bipolar?

If I have any advice to others who live with bipolar or suspect that they have it, my thing is you’re not alone! For the longest time I couldn't really talk about it because I didn't think that anyone else would understand, or care for that matter. I was wrong. There are so many people in my life who care about me and want to help me through this struggle.