Being diagnosed with bipolar disorder was the scariest thing I have dealt with in my life. I am 39 years old. I knew for a long, long time that something about me was different. I was not like everyone else – I had racing thoughts, mood swings, depression, highs, lows, a desire to sleep 24 hours a day, anger and confusion.

I went to my doctor over a period of 15 years with symptoms and was always prescribed medicine for depression. A couple of weeks ago, I nearly went over the edge, with suicidal thoughts and a range of emotions from racing thoughts to depression to anxiety. Because of that, I finally got real help.

I have started on new medication. I have been in a fog for about 10 days, but the racing thoughts, rage, anger and anxiety are gone, and I am told it will only get better.

Thank God. For a while there, I really thought I had gone crazy. It is hard to find support -- some people are scared by this illness, but others want to help. I am the same person I was last week, just a little more under control. I have yet to go back to work, that scares me, but I will keep a hopeful attitude.