A mental health diagnosis can feel like a punch to your self-esteem, but it doesn’t define your worth. Here’s how I learned to separate my identity from bipolar, ADHD, and depression — and the practical tools that help me move forward with grit, clarity, and compassion.

Learning to recognize my bipolar cues didn’t make the cycles disappear, but it helped me understand what was happening instead of blaming myself. Here are the signs I watch for and how they help me show myself more grace during mood swings.