What has been your most empowering moment since your diagnosis?

When my neurologist said for the lesions, I have in my brain I should be bedridden and people taking care of me. I looked at him and I told him I didn’t have time for that shit. I have a life to live. I’ve been living it eversince.

Being able to prove everyone wrong and do what I was told I wouldn't be able to do

Realizing that I'm stronger than I ever knew. I never thought of myself as weak, but not particularly strong either. But I survived a bout with terrifying bipolar-induced psychosis about a year and a half ago (it's what led to the BP1 dx), that had me believing horrible things about loving family members, feeling utterly hopeless, and believing with all my heart that I was dying. It was weeks and weeks of pure hell, but I got through it. I was able to hold on to the teeny-tiny bit of hope I had left long enough for my then-new medication and therapy regimen to kick in. Now I'm doing great! It's actually given me the courage to tackle things I never thought I had in me.

Still propelled forward and shocking everyone because I am still standing regardless. And hearing those who don't care voice their surprises how things work out and I am not in lack