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I am a patient with bipolar disorder. For a long time, I struggled to find meaning in life and even contemplated ending my own to escape the unbearable pain. Although my condition is now relatively stable, the illness and the medications I take continue to affect my life profoundly, impacting my studies, exams, relationships, and daily routines. I have also become more emotionally sensitive than before.

However, I have learned to accept my emotions. I used to consider my emotions a flaw, but I’ve come to understand that emotions are a natural part of being human—a mechanism of self-preservation that allows us to feel the highs and lows of life. Now, I embrace my emotional self, strive to coexist with my feelings, and have learned how to manage and live in harmony with them.

From a young age, I aspired to become a doctor. After experiencing this illness, I have gained a deeper understanding of the journey faced by individuals with mental health conditions. This has strengthened my resolve to turn my pain into a source of help for others. I have developed a strong interest in psychiatry, not only to better understand my own condition but also to acquire professional knowledge that can support others facing mental health challenges or emotional distress. My goal is to help them explore their inner worlds, understand their emotions, alleviate their pain, and walk with them through their darkest moments. I am inspired by the saying: “If you’ve been through the rain, offer someone else an umbrella.”

To prepare myself for a future in medicine, I have participated in various activities to broaden my horizons. These include earning a first aid certification, attending a summer medical program at Cambridge, shadowing doctors in clinics, and designing an AI platform to connect psychiatrists with patients. Regardless of whether I ultimately become a doctor or pursue another career, I am committed to helping others and working to change the stigma and misunderstandings surrounding mental illness in society.

Today, more and more people are struggling with mental health issues. None of us can predict if we or those around us might one day face a mental health challenge. Regardless, we should all pay more attention to mental health. By doing so, we can feel more secure when emotions overwhelm us and offer greater care and understanding to ourselves and the people around us.

I hope to raise public awareness and understanding of mental health issues to dispel misconceptions and stereotypes. While we cannot fully experience another person’s life, which makes it difficult to truly understand their feelings and decisions, I believe that if we are willing to engage and communicate, we can extend empathy to others. Even if complete understanding is impossible, mutual respect is always achievable.

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