I read through my journal last night, and I had compassion for myself (not self-pity) for the first time in my life. The girl who wrote those entries was just in so much pain and had been through so much; if she were anyone but me, I would feel terrible that she had endured that and I would have offered to pray for her. I would have told her that I would be there any time she needed to talk. I realized fully just what I had gone through due to this disorder, especially in the past year, and I realized that I had to be proud of myself for making it through. I could have chosen sui, but instead I chose to live despite the pain, instability, and life dissatisfaction.

I wanted to share this with my PC bipolar family because I believe that I learned a valuable lesson last night that applies to all of you. You've been through so many challenges due to this disorder, and if you're like most, you've been tempted to give up on life multiple times. Maybe you even attempted sui. But you lived through the storm. You're survivors.

Just by being alive and getting out of bed everyday despite the pain, you are doing something great. Something that most people could not handle. My psychopathology professor used to say that people with severe mental illness who still choose to face the world and do the best that they can are heroes. I think that I understand what she meant now.

So, please. Pause for a moment. Reflect on what you've done, what you've endured, and where you came from. Reflect and be proud, because you are truly a brave person for choosing life when life is anything but easy. Give yourself a hug; you deserve it!