Hello, my name is Laura and I was recently diagnosed with a mild case of acute mania. I am 25 years old and although the signs were pretty apparent, I'm still in shock from my doctor's conclusion. I was also diagnosed with adult ADHD three years ago, and have been medicated since that time. I have a somewhat full understanding of what this disorder means, since I have a degree in psychology. Nevertheless I'm scared for what this means for my future and possible hindrance of my goal of becoming a counselor myself.

This is a condition that runs in my family. My mother is type 1 and my grandmother suffered from bipolar disorder with symptoms of psychosis during a time when professionals did not have the current understanding and medication that they do now. I was put on 25 mg of Lamotrigine, which I take before bedtime. I've only been on it for a few days but it makes me feel a little more sedated than I'm comfortable with.

I guess my biggest challenge is just coming to terms with the reality of my situation. I admit that I've been somewhat self-destructive over the past year or so, putting myself at serious risk from decisions made without proper evaluation. I'm scared that I'll become a victim to the stigmas that are associated with having such a mental disorder. I'm hoping that I'll be able to find the motivation to overcome such challenges and assist in empowering those of us who were dealt such cards.