I'm Living Proof: A Letter to My Younger Self

Mik knew something was wrong when at ten years old, she experienced suicidal ideation. What started as something she couldn't understand took her on a journey which ended up with her diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Now, Mik bravely shares her experience through humor and educational videos online and discusses her journey and activism with us.

MiK B is a mental health advocate who lives with bipolar disorder, anxiety, and ADHD. Mik shares her story online with others through TikTok, Instagram, and her website. She is passionate about positively impacting the mental health world through sharing her personal experiences and providing a community for people living with Bipolar disorder. Find her on Instagram and Tiktok @mikb_itme.

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When Sadie finds out she has been diagnosed with bipolar, she doesn’t know what to expect from life. Sadie details her journey with bouts of depression and dealing with binge eating while trying to navigate her way through school. Sadie discovers an empowering journey of activism, finding sobriety, and creating a community of friends who understand what she is all about.

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5 steps to take after a bipolar disorder diagnosis

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For Sierra, coming to terms with her diagnosis of bipolar II was a journey. Through her perseverance and with some support from her family she has found that she is living proof.  

Read Sierra's Letter https://www.dbsalliance.org/programs-im-living-proof/sierra/

https://www.dbsalliance.org/programs-im-living-proof/ (Learn more about I'm Living Proof )

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For Brianna, it was a long road to find the support she needed for her diagnosis of depression and bipolar. Brianna's journey helped her realize that her younger self knew that something was wrong despite people around her telling her otherwise. Brianna takes us through her story and her experiences with living with periods of mania, hospitalization, substance use and ultimately finding people who believe in her and believing in herself. In overcoming a great deal of adversity, Brianna has found that she is living proof.  

Read Brianna's Letter: https://www.dbsalliance.org/programs-im-living-proof/brianna/

If you are experiencing Domestic Violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788, find out more here https://www.thehotline.org/ 

Additional Resources 

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence | https://ncadv.org/ 

Victim Connect Resource Center |  https://victimconnect.org/ 

For James, leaving school during freshman year to focus on treatment was challenging. While feeling every one of his plans was derailed, through a commitment to his treatment, he comes to find the gratitude for those who helped him seek support. Read James’ letter to his younger self.

https://www.dbsalliance.org/programs-im-living-proof/im-living-proof-james/ (ReadJames' Letter)

https://www.dbsalliance.org/programs-im-living-proof/ (Learn more about I'm Living Proof )

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For Katrina, imagining loving everything about herself seemed impossible but in her letter to her younger self, she has come to a place in which she does. She talks to us about her journey to become the mental health advocate and podcast host she is today.

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In the last episode of the year, Dontaé and Hannah discuss some of their favorite moments shared within the first six episodes of I’m Living Proof: A Letter to My Younger Self. They also share some more about how you can get more involved with DBSA. If you are interested in sharing your own story on the podcast, we encourage you to submit your own letter. For more information on submitting your letter and read some of our frequently asked questions, see our submission guidelines.

For Shaun, being diagnosed with Bipolar II provided the clarity he needed to understand his symptoms. However, Shaun quickly came to realize, he isn’t his symptoms, and that mental health is a journey, not a destination. Through connecting with others and a strong support system, Shaun has been able to find what works for his own wellness.

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Olivia, Lauren, Johnny, and Maddie have all shared their letters and recorded a podcast for I’m Living Proof: A Letter to My Younger Self. In this special live episode, recorded during DBSA’s 2021 Leadership Summit Conference, DBSA Staff held a discussion with past participants to learn more about what it was like to write a letter to their younger selves. The episode discusses important topics and themes that came across in all their episodes. From suffering in silence to being able to self-advocate, the panel reflects on their journey to date. The podcast also covers important themes such as the role that gender and race played in their experience of a mental health condition and a discussion around the systemic level barriers these panelists faced. This panels inspiring words and the continued dedication to their wellness journeys can inspire other young adults who may be having a challenging time.

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For Gwyneth, there isn’t a time she can remember that was free of mental health disorder symptoms. Experiencing hallucinations as early as four years old, Gwyneth shares the incredible journey she has taken through treatment and hospitalizations to becoming the accomplished woman she is today: a mental health and disability advocate, and a leader. Gwyneth says her experiences of living with a mood disorder led to her becoming a creative, insightful, resilient, brave, empathetic, and empowered adult.

Read Gwyneth's Letter here: https://www.dbsalliance.org/programs-im-living-proof/gwyneth/

Learn how to submit your own story: https://www.dbsalliance.org/support/peer-inspiration/im-living-proof-submissions-and-guidelines/