I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder at age 22 but I’m certain I suffered from depression long before that. I experienced thoughts of suicide many times during my youth. By age 27, I had attempted suicide twice. One of the attempts landed me in a mental health unit in the hospital. Since I was just about to complete nursing school, I found the whole experience inspiring and interesting, from a nursing standpoint. Eight months later, I found myself working on that very unit, as well as two other mental health units, as a nurse. I was actually helping people in similar situations as myself! A year later, I experienced a severe manic episode and was subsequently diagnosed with bipolar disorder type I. Now, a year and a half after my diagnosis, I can honestly say I feel balanced and more equipped than ever to lead a healthy life. I am happy to say that I recently was hired as a full time nurse on that very unit I was admitted to 3 years ago. I love helping and supporting people, especially youth, living with bipolar disorder and depression and feel I can really make a difference.
– by Kyra, age 29