Alexandra B.
Alexandra, 20, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 15 and is now a student at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. Her mind races and her thoughts come so quickly that it's hard for her to keep up. Her writing turns from impeccable to awful. Alexandra is "well acquainted" with the manic phases. When she is in this stage, it's often hard to "concentrate on anything because there are so many thoughts coming at once." The experience is very disorienting, she says.Alexandra is well acquainted with the manic phase of bipolar disorder. When in that stage, it's often hard to "concentrate on anything because there are so many thoughts coming at once." The experience is very disorienting, she says.
Before Alexandra received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, she had her share of dark periods. "I went from being happy and doing stuff with my friends all the time to being unhappy and self-injuring," she remembers. She knew something was wrong and, fortunately, she notified her parents. Alexandra now takes medication, is in therapy, and has family support. She also has made lifestyle changes, including getting enough sleep, setting regular routines, exercising, and charting mood patterns and triggers. For example, when Alexandra has racing thoughts, she tries to "take a break and chill." Time away from the activity that is triggering symptoms sometimes helps her regain control. Alexandra is proof that bipolar disorder isn't impossible to overcome. She maintains a grade point average of at least 3.0 and is on track to graduate this year and pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer.
Before Alexandra received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, she had her share of dark periods. "I went from being happy and doing stuff with my friends all the time to being unhappy and self-injuring," she remembers. She knew something was wrong and, fortunately, she notified her parents. Alexandra now takes medication, is in therapy, and has family support. She also has made lifestyle changes, including getting enough sleep, setting regular routines, exercising, and charting mood patterns and triggers. For example, when Alexandra has racing thoughts, she tries to "take a break and chill." Time away from the activity that is triggering symptoms sometimes helps her regain control. Alexandra is proof that bipolar disorder isn't impossible to overcome. She maintains a grade point average of at least 3.0 and is on track to graduate this year and pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer.