The Crash: A Reality Check
At the peak of my career, I seemed to have it all together—until the crash came. A prestigious leadership program triggered a psychological break, leading me to confront my bipolar disorder for the first time. This post details the overwhelming emotions, psychosis, and the crucial moments that followed, ultimately guiding me toward my diagnosis and a deeper understanding of myself. It's a raw reflection of how a seemingly perfect life can unravel in an instant and the importance of seeking support during moments of crisis.
Childhood: How the early years can impact your mental health
When I lost my mother in 2020, I reflected often on the times we had together. My mother was an incredible woman who instilled amazing values in me that I will carry forward for the rest of my life. She taught me the value of hard work, trust, honesty, and authenticity. As a single mother, she raised me with tremendous faith in God, guiding me in her darkest moments. She was my hero, and there will never be anyone like her in my life. When she passed, I lost the biggest piece of me and my biggest cheerleader. The lessons I learned from her will stay with me forever, and I will continue to live a values-based life because of it.
Toxic Masculinity: Misconceptions Gone Awry
In this post, I explore how toxic masculinity affected my mental health and shaped my views on gender roles. Growing up with rigid ideas about men and women, I found myself struggling with biases that led to resentment and unhealthy behaviors. My journey toward embracing a healthier understanding of masculinity began when I started mentoring young women in the workplace, which shifted my perspective and positively impacted my well-being. I share my experience of confronting biases and the importance of seeking new viewpoints, including engaging in vulnerable conversations and exploring personal growth.
The Highs and Lows of My Corporate Journey: Finding Success and Confidence
In this post, I reflect on my early corporate career, the exhilaration of securing my dream job, and the challenges of rising through the ranks. I share my experiences of career success, stress, and the dangerous "work hard, play hard" mentality that led me down a path of increasing self-doubt and mental strain. The story highlights the importance of valuing relationships, setting boundaries, and recognizing the need for balance. Looking back, I wish I had prioritized my well-being and learned to say no to unhealthy expectations.
Introduction to the World: University Years
As a child, I was relatively reserved and quiet. When it came time for university, it was a big moment for my family, especially my mother, who had never gone on to post-high school education. I decided to leave Toronto to attend Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, about an hour away. It was both exciting and scary for me, especially since I had never been away from home for more than a few days. The summer before I left, I tried things I had never done before: alcohol and visiting a gentlemen’s club. I was ready for the university experience, and I found myself quickly adjusting to the party lifestyle. My first year was filled with excitement, partying, and surprisingly, good grades, despite my minimal attendance at lectures. But looking back, I see that this behavior was a sign that I was pushing myself too hard, a pattern that would eventually catch up with me.
Chapter 5: In My World, Empathy Has The Upper Hand
In this chapter, I share how embracing my Bipolar Disorder diagnosis has led me to a world where mental health is no longer a stigma. It’s a space of empathy, connection, and openness, where my struggles are part of my identity—not something that defines me. Join me in creating a culture where we openly talk about mental health, inspire others with our stories, and lead with compassion.
Chapter 4: ‘Hi I Am Shak, and I Am Bipolar’
I share how embracing my identity as someone with Bipolar Disorder transformed my life. As I opened up about my struggles on social media and in the workplace, I found purpose in changing the conversation around mental health. Join me as I discuss how vulnerability led to connection, and how speaking out sparked a movement for empathy and support in professional environments. Discover how one person’s openness can inspire a ripple effect of change.
Chapter 3: The Strength of Connection: Embracing Vulnerability while Being Bipolar.
In this post, I reflect on how embracing vulnerability helped me reconnect with myself and others. As I grappled with my Bipolar diagnosis, I found strength in opening up—first to close friends, then through therapy. Despite the fear of stigma, sharing my journey sparked deep, meaningful conversations about mental health. By embracing vulnerability, I not only healed but inspired others to share their own struggles. This chapter marked a turning point where I learned that connection is a powerful tool for resilience.
Chapter 2: Battling for My Identity After I Was Labelled ‘Bipolar.’
After my Bipolar Disorder diagnosis, I found myself caught in a struggle to reconcile my career ambitions with my mental health reality. Fearful of being seen as “unstable” or “unreliable,” I kept my struggles hidden—until I realized that embracing vulnerability was the key to both healing and helping others.
Chapter 1: Discovering the Impact of a Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis.
My journey started in the fast-paced world of corporate success, but a shocking Bipolar Disorder diagnosis turned everything upside down. In this post, I share how I grappled with mental health while chasing my career dreams, and the lessons I learned along the way. Join me as I begin the transformation that reshaped my life.