Conquering Bipolar Disorder, How Avantika Thrives As Mental Health Advocate

Meet Avantika, a beacon of resilience and self-discovery in the realm of mental health advocacy. Battling bipolar disorder from a tender age, she embarked on a remarkable journey of courage and introspection. Despite the initial challenges and misconceptions surrounding her condition, Avantika found solace and strength in seeking professional help. Speaking to SheThePeople, Avantika shared that her story is a testament to the transformative power of therapy, showcasing how it evolved from a mere option to an indispensable necessity in her life.

Conquering Bipolar Disorder, How Avantika Thrives As Mental Health Advocate

Here's her story in her own words:

"At 17, I found out I had bipolar disorder. The people around me didn’t get it. They thought I was just overthinking things and making everything up in my head. They saw it as a sign of weakness, and some said I should just “snap out of it.”

I felt really down and misunderstood, so I hid my struggles instead of seeking help. Stress piled up, leading to more breakdowns. I couldn’t connect with others, and things that used to make me happy lost their appeal. It was clear I needed therapy, not just as an option but as a necessity. Fortunately, watching me struggle, my mom stepped in and supported me. She understood how sensitive the situation was and knew I needed professional help.

That is when I enrolled myself in therapy sessions, which really changed things for me. Choosing to face my mental health issues, despite what others thought, gave me hope. It wasn’t an easy journey, but I felt a newfound strength to shape my own story. Supportive friends became my safe space to express my emotions without judgement, and I turned to activities like reading, exercising, and colouring mandalas to manage my emotions and find moments of peace.

Journaling became my go-to way to deal with feelings and helped me process my emotions better. I wrote some of my best poetry during my most difficult phases. Through my experiences, I’ve learned that seeking professional mental health support is crucial without shying away due to the associated stigma.

I want to use my story to help others feel less alone, and organisations like Amaha could be real game-changers in the mental health world. They provide mental health support and services at every step of your journey, no matter what your difficulties are. If you’re going through something, just know you’re not alone. Make sure you prioritise yourself and talk to someone. Speaking up for yourself will make a big difference, and you never know how much your journey can help others."

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