From June to December of 2023, I experienced a manic episode that ultimately led to an ER visit. During that time, my mind was racing and every emotion felt amplified beyond what I could handle. It began when I stopped taking the medication I had relied on for the past five years. I convinced myself I no longer needed it—only to realize later how much it grounded me.

Looking back, I see that many factors played a role in this episode—events from the past school year, the summer, and the months leading up to December. It was only after being diagnosed with Type 1 Bipolar disorder that I began to understand the full picture. I’ve since realized that to feel like my true, balanced self, I need to stay on medication.

Throughout the episode, I carried a constant sense that my time on this earth was slipping away. It felt like I was mourning my own death while still alive.