Mental Illness, Creativity, and Learning to Embrace Your Mind

I wouldn’t be who I am today emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually had I not been given my bipolar disorder diagnosis 18 years ago. I am who I am today because of my journey—from being diagnosed with what the doctors said would be “lifelong” and that I would need to be on medication for the rest of my life—to learning how to truly care for myself, and listen to and understand my mind, body and spirit. I also respect and honor whatever it has taken me to get here—even the myriad of prescription medication I was given when I was newly diagnosed.When you get diagnosed with a mental illness, it is very easy to feel alone and different, like you don’t belong anywhere. That is why cultivating a tight support system is essential to treating yourself. You don’t have to go through this alone. If you do not have friends or family that live close by then finding a support group would be the next best step, as well as developing a spiritual practice. This is often overlooked, but the most intimate relationship you can have is with yourself and whatever you consider a “higher power.”Back then I didn’t appreciate or even fully grasp why I had to go through whatever I was going through. And often times, when we are deep into our healing process, we are blind to the gift that is actually being given to us.For me personally, had I not been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I would have never embarked on the path of understanding myself on every level. I wouldn’t have the compassion and understanding that I do today for anyone going through any sort of adversity or painful situation. I wouldn’t have the perspective on life that I have today.I wouldn’t be relentless in pursuit of my dreams and helping others do the same. I wouldn’t have made myself a priority. I would have taken my life and the lives of those around me for granted. I wouldn’t be a risk-taker. I wouldn’t have been as confident as I am today. I wouldn’t have learned to speak up and take charge of my life.So yes, the entire process has made me who I am today. And I invite anyone listening to today's episode to start viewing their diagnosis or pain in their life as the greatest gift ever. Trust and believe that it is no mistake that whatever you are going through right now has a divine purpose.Links mentioned: 2021 Coworking and Planning session: vasavikumar.com/membershipConnect with Vasavi on Instagram: @mynameisvasaviSend us Fan MailSupport the show👇🏽 Join The Out Loud School — the global community to train your voice, visibility, and self-expression on camera.vasavikumar.com/theoutloudschool📣 Connect with me on Instagraminstagram.com/mynameisvasavikumar🌐 Learn more about my workvasavikumar.com