Larissa DAndrea, 40, was diagnosed withbipolar disorder10 years ago.
People can also experience hypomanic episodes, a milder version of mania.
Heres DAndreas story about what she learned about managing her bipolar disorder during the pandemic.
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Thecoronavirus pandemichas been a challenging time for me, but its also been transformational in many ways.
Prior to the pandemic, I hadnt been on medication for bipolar disorder for four years.
At the time I wanted to have a child, and my medication could potentially cause complications.
After giving birth I stayed off that medication for another year while breastfeeding but started taking an antidepressant.
By the time the year was over, I thought I was managing okay.
Looking back, I was struggling and not truly managing mybipolar disordereffectively.
I was surviving, but I wasnt happy.
This doesnt mean I had a rain cloud over my head for four years.
But I never felttrue joyfor myself.
Like many othersduring the pandemic, I was anxious and worried about the unknown.
I also took on a new global team last June, andworking remotelymeant drastically fewer interactions with other people.
My breakthrough came when I recognized that I had thoughts about harming myselfand that terrified me.
Im privileged in having access to mental health care and a support system that many people may not have.
From there, I put a number of changes into action.
The extreme stress I experienced during the pandemic forced me to recognize that I was not really managing anything.
During the pandemic I also realized for the first time that my life shouldnt revolve around work.
I learned to develop a leadership style at work that creates a better environment for everyone.
This year has been traumatic in different ways for many people, and that cannot be underestimated.
These days I confirm to create space and schedule breaks in my calendar.
This allows me to be prepared and manage situations in a way that doesnt negativelyimpact my mental health.
Im also being more intentional about building in more time away from work.
Ive also been working on fun, creative things, like building my social impact filmmaking business.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
