“Did You Take Your Meds?”

Ever since my diagnoses of bipolar disorder–

it seems to be all anyone (including myself) could focus on.

It was the reasoning behind–

every decision.

Every event.

Every aspect of my life.

It got to the point where I lost my identity completely to the disorder.

I didn’t notice the other things that were going on in my life.

I excused and blamed everything on the newfound diagnosis.

Which allowed others to do the same.

I’ve worked hard to reclaim myself and manage my mental health the best I can.

But, now the world-my world-always immediately assume anything out of the ordinary.

A moment of triumph or failure in my life

could only be the result of bipolar disorder.

I’m more than a diagnosis.

I’m a mother.

I’m a daughter.

I’m a sister.

I’m a partner.

I’m a student.

I’m a dreamer.

I’m a winner.

I’m a loser.

I’m a bipolar survivor.

I’m a person.

Not just my mental health.

Not just one of these.

Not only these.

I may not make an incredible impact on the world.

But I will make an impact on mine.

And I will not be defined by one part of me.