When Kim was diagnosed with bipolar there were many things she didn’t know at the time: choosing between bipolar symptoms and medication side effects; giving up hopes, dreams, and goals; being the subject of stigma, shame, and isolation. That all changed after starting the Truehope program.
When I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 7 years ago, I never imagined how devastating it would be.
I trusted that if I just took my meds, did what service providers told me, and approached my treatment with a healthy attitude, I’d be okay. I didn’t know that I’d be forced to choose between dealing with the symptoms of my illness or dealing with the sometimes embarrassing or disruptive side effects from psychotropic medications. I didn’t know that I’d have to give up many of my hopes, dreams, and goals.
I didn’t know that a stigma would be cast upon me for having a chemical imbalance and that I’d feel such shame and isolation as a result. After spending years ruining my life, I spent many years rebuilding. I was able to attain a certain level of stability on meds, but I still retained symptoms and most days felt like a struggle. Meds enabled me to keep a job, but meds were far from restorative. Meds were a big compromise.
I started on the Truehope program 21 months ago. The symptoms of the illness are gone, there are no side-effects to deal with, and I feel physically healthy and strong. I’m amazed every day how easily I do things—so many everyday activities that I used to struggle with now come so easily. I can keep a clean house; I can maintain friendships; I can plant a garden; I can maintain an exercise routine; I have hobbies.
Simple things, but they’re the stuff of life. I am so excited about my life now. I feel whole. I can actually set a goal now, and I might actually achieve it. This gives me a lot of hope for my future tha of by my illness.
I am incredibly grateful for everything that I can now do, from the small things to the bigger things. It is no exaggeration to say that I have rediscovered myself and my life.
Thank you Truehope for restoring my life.
—Kim R.