Dear IBPF,
When my daughter was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 13,
I was scared and unaware of what bipolar disorder was, and what it would mean for her future.
My education about mental illness started with reading every book I could find on the subject. What I began to learn was that bipolar disorder is a complex illness and would require my understanding of biology, neurology, pharmacology, behavioral health, social beliefs and systems, healthcare systems, medical insurance and the law.
When I expanded my search to the web,
I found you, International Bipolar Foundation
and your book, webinars, articles, blogs and social media. I discovered resources to make me feel informed in my decisions and I then had a sense of ground under my feet. I also felt the connection that I yearned for, as parenting a mentally ill child is very isolating.
To know that there were others out there that understood my experience helped me through my toughest and loneliest moments.
My daughter is now 20, doing well and leads a full life.
Our shared experiences with IBPF inspired me to support you in every way possible.
Helping other individuals and families living with bipolar disorder is my life’s work. The need is tremendous, and there is still so much work to do to create a world where mental health is equitably supported and treated.
Thank you, IBPF, for providing a platform for all people to rely on, and to fulfill my personal journey.
Sincerely,
Tanya
