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Read "Ode to Bipolar Disorder, a poem describing what it's like living with bipolar disorder, written by a member of the ADAA community.

As an athlete struggling with mental health issues, there came a time when I had to step away from the physical game and concentrate on the mental game. It was not an easy decision.

Getting sick was both sudden and gradual. The timeline of my mental health disorder, or rather disorders because I endured several, was so erratic, waxing and waning, often corresponding to a momentous event in my life or the birth of one of my children or the death of a loved one.

Have you ever seen a person walking on a tightrope suspended 150 feet above a deep gorge? What do they strive for most? Balance! That’s exactly what someone suffering from bipolar disorder requires most in their life.

My mental illness began to show signs the day I turned 14. Prior to this, I lived a good life. I wasn’t extremely happy but I was content. I had some friends, I did well in school, and my family relationships were ok. But on my 14th birthday, this all changed.

Every day is a bit of a struggle. Dealing with anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, social anxiety, and ADD isn’t easy.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has helped me through my issues. I have been a part of this community for a few years now, and when I was struggling, reading relatable stories other people have posted on ADAA has been comforting. Especially at a young age when I knew very little about mental health.