A glimpse into the journey of Niamh

Hi, my name is Niamh and this is my story dun dun. Just kidding, if you know you know if not that was a Law & Order reference. Anyways, my story in a nutshell: I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety when I was 14 years old. This never felt right though, I knew in my bones that something deeper was wrong. I had for as long as I can remember had extreme mood swings and on the ups I rarely remembered anything from those weeks and months of extreme highs. Looking back on it now I am not sure how this was missed, but oh well. Fast forward to Fall of 2019 and bam Bipolar 1 rapid cycling with psychotic features during mania. Try saying that 5 times fast. Honestly, I remember the exact moment being diagnosed and thinking my life was over. My life was hard and still is since the diagnosis but I've been diligently working to ensure my mental health challenges never hold me back from what I want to do.

Now the extra boring part what all I am diagnosed with. I have diagnosed ADHD, OCD, Bipolar 1 of course, C-PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. You know because one or two isn't enough. I will get more into some of these other diagnoses later.

What do I do you ask? Not that anyone is asking, but I'm gonna share anyways because this is a blog.

I currently work full time as a manager at a non-profit and I manage a team of case managers. I recently decided to go back to university and will be working towards my masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My true loves and passions are writing, photography, and advocating for mental health.

Well, guess thats enough information to get started.

Peace and Love, Niamh