Mental health still carries too much silence. In this honest reflection, one woman shares what decades of living with bipolar disorder have taught her about resilience, acceptance, and finding strength in support.
By Carolyn Louise Erasmus
Living with bipolar disorder has been one of the defining parts of my life, but not the only one. Since being diagnosed in 1979, I’ve learned that acceptance, support, and proper treatment can make the difference between surviving and truly living. At the time, mental health support was scarce. There was little understanding, and even less compassion. Today, organisations like SADAG have helped change that by creating spaces where people with mental health conditions can connect, share, and find hope.
For years, I hid my diagnosis, afraid of how others might react. The fear of judgment was often heavier than the illness itself. But silence feeds stigma. Once I accepted my condition and spoke openly about it, I discovered that understanding often follows honesty. I no longer define myself by my diagnosis—I am a professional, a mother, a friend, and a person who happens to live with bipolar disorder.
Managing this condition is ongoing work. It means regular medication reviews, therapy, and sometimes hospital stays. Yet, with commitment to treatment, life can be deeply rewarding. I built a 30-year career in Human Resources, proof that mental illness doesn’t erase capability.
My message is simple: acceptance saves lives, and community creates strength.
