'I call my meds my vitality supplements'

I've had bipolar since I was 16, but didn’t get diagnosed until I was 44. I am now 52. I am either type 1 or type 2 depending on which psychiatrist you talk to.

How high was my mania? Manic enough for type 1, or only hypomanic and therefore type 2? Regardless, I have bipolar. I need lifelong treatment, routine healthy lifestyle habits and medication.

I take meds every day

I take my meds every single day. I call them my vitality supplements as mood stabilisers, antidepressants, anti-anxiety tablets and antipsychotic medication doesn't really roll off the tongue!

The American writer Andew Soloman wrote, ‘The opposite of depression is not happiness, it is vitality’.

I want to be the best version of myself

I'm bipolar and there is no cure, only management. I want to be the best version of myself for me, my three kids, my husband, parents, rescue mutt, friends and colleagues.

I work hard every day to be that best version. Taking my meds does an incredible amount of heavy lifting.

Bipolar UK also helps lift me

From the monthly in-person peer support groups to a valuable resource of credible information on the website, I lean on Bipolar UK when I need a boost, a cry, a conversation or answers.

Being my best self is a big job and I need, want, take and gratefully accept all the help that’s available. Thank you, Bipolar UK! Need a hand? Let them do some heavy lifting for you too.

To vitality!