About Alexa Poe, Author of the 'Bipolar Vida' Blog

I'm Alexa Poe – a 20-something student and mental health advocate, and the author ofColored Blue.

I experienced early onsetbipolar II disorderat the age of 12, and was alsodiagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder以后。我有了一个粗略的曲折道路years of trying dozens of medications and starting college with a mood disorder andsevere anxiety. However, I have found effective medications over the course of my treatment, and I have been in therapy for a few years.

Writing is my way of effectively expressing myself and my emotions and I began blogging about my experiences and coping skills in 2012. I am passionate about theprevention of suicideandstopping self-injury. I want everyone to know that it is okay to feel the things you feel and that it is okay to ask for help.

Bipolar Disorder and Importance of Hope

As a near-future college graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University's psychology program, I have met many amazing students and professors from all parts of the mental health field. I have met students living with mood and anxiety disorders, professors who were social workers helping those living with schizophrenia, HIV/AIDS, and substance abuse. I have met people from many walks of life and I can honestly say that regardless of how awful things have been or may become, I have alwaysseen a glimmer of hope. I have learned things from all of these extraordinary people who contribute their own stories of survival with mental illnesses.

My Hopes for the Bipolar Vida Blog

My goal for theBipolar Vidablog is to reach out to other young adults who live with bipolar disorder and to offercoping skills and strategiesfor dealing with everyday things, such as school and college, relationships with friends and family, as well as socializing, drinking and substance use, and also thestigma and shamethat we may face.

You can also find Alexa Poe onGoogle+,FacebookandTwitter.