Hi! My name is Chelsea, and in 2010 I was diagnosed with Bipolar Type 1 disorder. In 2009, I was 19 years old taking university courses, on a world-level cheerleading team, and working part-time. I had a heavy course load and when exams hit, the stress caused my first manic episode. It was a hard year, I actually missed all my exams and “came to” in a different city. I was fired from my part-time jobs, at Moxie’s and Montana’s where I was making tips as a server to pay my tuition. I’m not sure if this was the hardest year of my life, as there have been so many.
It took about 6 months to get into the mental health system in Nova Scotia. I struggled with depression and the shame of what I had done to my life. Eventually, a year later, I was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder type 1. I only shared my diagnosis with close friends and family. Some reactions I received.
“Wow, I hope you don’t shave your head like Britany Spears!”
“So does that mean your crazy.”
“But you so high-functioning”
At this time, all me or anyone knew about Bipolar Disorder was depicted in the media. I had no example of what I could be other than Britany Spears based on the media diagnosing her. I struggled for a long time with self-worth, could I ever amount to anything? No matter how hard I tried a manic episode could ruin everything. I made this my deep dark secret that I would hide from the academic and professional world for 14 years.
I have spent 15 years in the mental health system, and also have been diagnosed with CPTSD and Substance Abuse Disorder. I have accessed government resources and private resources. I work very hard on my mental health and sobriety(over 2 years), because I have to in order to have any quality of life. I am smart, and I work hard. I am active, and I go to bed early to get 8 hours of sleep. I eat well, I drink 3L of water a day. I meditate and pray multiple times a day. That is why I am high functioning because I put in work that no one sees. I want to share with people the things that have worked for me,
from private and government resources, from a lifetime of hard work.
My Grandmother Violet passed away this year, she was a strong compassionate woman. I have started this foundation with the money that she left to me, to do something good for the world. UV rays and sunlight are a great way to increase dopamine levels naturally. On my worst days, if all I can do is get out for a walk in the sunlight, that is okay. Please reach out if my mission resonates with you.
Chelsea Burdon, P.Eng
