My guy cousin was diagnosed early in life with bipolar when he had his first manic episode his first year in college! He’s been hospitalized about 5 times but that did NOT prevent him from eventually getting his bachelors degree or becoming artistically creative with drawing.

Me, I was given my first camera at the age of 10. I’ve been artistically creative with shooting since that age, and then took up painting in my late 30s and found that I’m a really great painter! I had my first manic episode during covid, but looking back I know I’ve had bipolar for many years. I just learned how to cope with anger and anxiety and when people gave me lemons I always made lemonade. It’s something my dad taught me. It’s why I initially couldn’t believe I had the illness.

Fast forward to present day. Me and my cousin were able to hang out yesterday and had the best day ever!! I gave him a lesson at a botanical gardens on photography and we chatted about our illness. We both want to help tear down the walls of stigma associated with bipolar and we plan on doing it in 2 ways.

1. I’m going to plan out a Ted Talk. After all I’m a teacher and used to talking a LOT.

2. We are creating our own documentary. My brother does film, I do photography, and my cousin is into advertising. Plus I have connections to the film industry in California because I’ve been on an infomercial before. So.... I may be looking for some of you who are willing to speak up. 😄