Hi there.

My name is Afterglow, and I've been dealing with Bipolar Disorder Type 1 for six years. I've had 9 manic episodes and 8 depressions. Right now I'm in a strange phase in between. I would like to meet people like me and get support to prevent my 9th depression. I'm beginning to feel depressed despite the fact that I have family, my partner, friends... I'm studying at University and I'm becoming a well known musician, so all that's great. But nobody knows what it means to hallucinate because of mania. Or to try to kill youself because of depression. I truly know what it means to suffer, and I'm quite young. I had a very good childhood, but after that, my life has been very difficult. I'm afraid. Every time I feel decent (I'm slightly hypomanic+depressed but everyone says I'm finally fine) there's this chance I'll get depressed. And then there's regret. All those negative feelings: why did I say that when I was manic? Why did I behave like that? Urgh, I hate myself. That's what feeds my depression. I just hope I can belong to a community that accepts me for who I am and supports me and my family during the ups and downs of my condition.

Also, if anyone needs any help, I am more than glad to give advice. I know a lot about BD and how to deal with the different phases. And, not just that. I know it's important to be there when you're not feeling great. Just to be there, and to offer support.

So there you go, that's me. I hope I get to meet some of you!