About Alexa Poe, Author of the 'Bipolar Vida' Blog

I'm Alexa Poe – a 20-something student and mental health advocate, and the author of Colored Blue.

I experienced early onset bipolar II disorder at the age of 12, and was also diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder later. I have traveled a rough and winding road – years of trying dozens of medications and starting college with a mood disorder and severe anxiety. However, I have found effective medications over the course of my treatment, and I have been in therapy for a few years.

Writing is my way of effectively expressing myself and my emotions and I began blogging about my experiences and coping skills in 2012. I am passionate about the prevention of suicide and stopping self-injury. I want everyone to know that it is okay to feel the things you feel and that it is okay to ask for help.

Bipolar Disorder and Importance of Hope

As a near-future college graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University's psychology program, I have met many amazing students and professors from all parts of the mental health field. I have met students living with mood and anxiety disorders, professors who were social workers helping those living with schizophrenia, HIV/AIDS, and substance abuse. I have met people from many walks of life and I can honestly say that regardless of how awful things have been or may become, I have always seen a glimmer of hope. I have learned things from all of these extraordinary people who contribute their own stories of survival with mental illnesses.

My Hopes for the Bipolar Vida Blog

My goal for the Bipolar Vida blog is to reach out to other young adults who live with bipolar disorder and to offer coping skills and strategies for dealing with everyday things, such as school and college, relationships with friends and family, as well as socializing, drinking and substance use, and also the stigma and shame that we may face.

You can also find Alexa Poe on Google+, Facebook and Twitter.