Photography by contributor Katie McLaughlin, a teenager from Connecticut. Katie was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder and anxiety when she was thirteen years old. She has since been hospitalized many times due to both manic and depressive episodes. Thanks to medication, therapy, family, and friends, she is finally starting to live life to the fullest… one photo at a time.

About this photo: “It has been about four years since I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and now I have a lot to reflect on. I have become a stronger person and learned how to successfully cope with my problems. Although I had my ups and downs, I am glad to say that I am now living a balanced life. The struggles were worth it and they give me something to look back on and feel proud of because I got through it. It’s always good to have a self-reflection to see how far you’ve really come in terms of how healthy you are mentally. Should you go to more therapy? Is your medication making you feel worse? Should I ask for more help? These are all questions you should ask yourself if you’re unsure about your mental health. Reflecting on your past will help you be more successful for the future because you now know what methods work and don’t work for you. Take it one day at time and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

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