by Jamie Hebert

Created on: May 16, 2008   Last Updated: June 11, 2008

I was a young woman of twenty eight when I received the diagnosis. I was horrified at the news. No one in my family had ever had a mental illness. What was wrong with me? It took me two years of fighting, shedding many tears, tossing my medications in fits of denial- to accept my diagnosis. Then it took me another two years to adjust. But, I did adjust. I would like to share a word of encouragement to the newly diagnosed that there is a possibility of a fruitful life even after being diagnosed with a mental illness.

I have four beautiful, dynamic children who have been my main support system since my nervous breakdown. We have a beautiful relationship despite being told that my diagnosis may ruin my family life. I have managed to finish my college education. I graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2004 with Distinction. I accomplished this in spite of my doctor strongly discouraging me from going back to school. I achieved this after having to drop out my first semester back due to panic attacks. I was an Elder in my church while raising my children and attending college. I did this and I did it well. I had a cheering squad supporting me and encouraging me to achieve. I contunied to live in spite of my doctor telling me that I would be handcuffed to this disorder like a person handcuffed to a chair. I refused to accept that statement. I have fought and I have won. And, I will continue to fight. I refuse to allow my disorder to destroy me as it does many. I will fight to the end to have a beautiful and fulfilling life. I deserve it.

Today, one decade later, I am medication free. I still have a diagnosis of bi-polar disorder, but I live my life with no medications. I am stable and I am not emotionally depleted. I am happy and satisfied with my life and my mental well being. It did not happen over night. It did not happen easily. I manage my illness in other ways. I live a simple life and stay away from trauma and emotional upheaval. I have a job that i love, but I maintain an emotional boundary with my clientele (I am a case manager). I watch my diet and stay away from excessive carbs such as refined sugars and starches. I eat meat and lots of vegetables. I try to exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes at a time. I talk to family members who are understanding and supportive when I feel blue or uncertain. I would say I micro-manage myself. I would like to encourage anyone who has been given the same information I received, a sentence of being

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