Life is full of struggles, defeats, and much more. But I’ve learned that through it all, I can still use my struggles to encourage others and even, change the world.
I recently graduated from Georgetown University. It was one the happiest moments in my life. I never thought that I would actually even graduate after I was diagnosed with bipolar and struggled with severe manic symptoms. My diagnosis occurred during the summer after my freshman year and I was forced to take a medical leave of absence. This medical leave was a difficult time in my life because I felt that missing a semester was going to crush my entire college career. Yet, I now realize that my medical leave of absence was a defining moment in my life. Not only did I get closer to my family, but I also learned a valuable lesson: the importance of relaxation, rest, and deep reflection.
When I returned to school, I found it hard to open up to people about my disability. In a way, it was a second “coming out” process. Thankfully, every time I “came out” as bipolar, people were very welcoming and opened up about how mental disabilities have affected their lives– whether it was themselves or a family member.
Unfortunately, my going through college became an even greater challenge for me as I tried to manage my bipolar. It was a totally different ball game because I never knew what lay ahead! Like most college students, I had become used to taking a full load of courses. But with my condition that had to gradually change…
I had to withdraw from various classes because at times it became difficult to manage. In certain occasions, I was stable throughout the majority of the semester, and then I would relapse– which created more challenges to finish my classes. In fact, many times, I had to ask for extensions, which at times felt embarrassing, because I had to open up to certain professors to tell them I had a medical excuse.
Although would frustrate some professors, there many others who were supportive and accepted me –even with my flaws. Sometimes I didn’t receive the grades I wanted, but I recognized that I gave it my all with the circumstances given to me. After I took a Global Mental Health class, I learned that the stigma was even greater for minorities. This class was the first time I publicly stated that I was bipolar. When I mentioned this in class, I was apprehensive. But after I spoke about my experiences I became at ease with the situation.
Throughout my Georgetown career, I also had supportive people in my life– which my experience even better. I would like to thank my Dean, professors, friends, family members and best friend for supporting me through this process.
I know my disorder will be a struggle for the rest of my life, but I also know that life will get better and I will be managing my disorder even more. Although I have struggled to find strong resources for gay men of color who are living with mental health disorders, I hope that my story can serve as an inspiration to those who may encounter even more discrimination, because of their minority status.
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