At just 30 years old, I have a long track record of mental health episodes. I've dealt with childhood trauma, suicide attempt, self-harm, being a teen mom, to depression, postpartum depression/psychosis, OCD, GAD, and other things. The turning point in my life was at 28 years old, when I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This came after a severe depression/manic episode that led to severe psychosis. It took 3 hospitalizations within a year to get the correct diagnosis. My diagnosis came with shame, embarrassment, anger, and guilt; but it also brought me clarity. I now understood why I thought a certain way. Why I said certain things. Major negative events in my life made sense. Through therapy and the proper medication, I have become someone I refer to as "balanced". I never thought that I would make it to 30 years old. I thought that I would have to take my own life as a means to end my suffering. I don't feel this way anymore. Even though I am balanced, I experience a wide range of human emotion. I've learned that I don't need to let my emotions control my life. I hope to share my story and to encourage others through their personal journey.