Living with Bipolar: One Woman's Journey Through Mental Illness, Stigma and Recovery

One such advocate is Esther Wangari, a young woman diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder, ADHD and psychosis. She shares her experience of living with mental illness, the challenges she has faced and why understanding mental health matters.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme changes in mood, energy and behavior. According to Wangari, there are different types of bipolar disorder, including Bipolar I and Bipolar II.

"Bipolar I involves full manic episodes. Mania is a state of elevated mood and energy that can become dangerous because it makes someone overly confident and more likely to take risks," she explained.

Wangari added that people with Bipolar II experience depression and hypomania, a milder form of mania.

Her mental health struggles began long before she received a diagnosis.

"My story started when I was 17, but I was already showing symptoms of depression when I was 14 or 15. From the depression, I later spiked into mania," she recalled.

Before receiving professional help, Wangari often searched online trying to understand what she was experiencing. Eventually, with support from her mother, she sought treatment and spent three months in a mental health facility.

One of the lasting effects of her condition has been memory loss.

"I have lost a large part of my memories, but what helps me remember is my journal. I write everything down. When I read old entries, I can track where I was and what was happening in my life," she said.

Memory difficulties are common among some people living with bipolar disorder and can affect daily life and personal experiences.

Beyond managing symptoms, Wangari says stigma remains one of the biggest obstacles for people living with bipolar disorder.

According to her, many people do not understand the condition, leading to judgment and misconceptions.

She also notes that maintaining employment can be difficult, while school life can be particularly challenging for those diagnosed at a young age.

"People with bipolar need a lot of care. It's important to be careful and respectful when asking questions because everyone's experience is different."

As conversations around mental health continue to grow, advocates hope that greater awareness will reduce stigma and help more people seek the support they need.