7.8 billion people live in this world. A small percentage of us live with bipolar disorder. That is a simple fact. A statistic. Non-negotiable.

Some of us have to be the ones who live with this disorder. Non-negotiable. I am one of the ones who contributes to these statistics. One of the select few. I am not cursed. I am not doomed. I am part of a community.

“Why me?” Its a common question. A question I don’t ask anymore. I am just as suitable for my illness as the next person. I am just as able to cope with it, to survive. Bipolar disorder can affect anyone. It does not discriminate. So, there is no reason why I can’t be one of us living with it.

I could bang my fists against the wall. I could scream to the heavens. But none of that changes anything. Nor do I wish for it to change. I am at ease with my illness. I am happy to be part of this community.

“Why not me?” I like this question more. Why can’t I one of the fighters? Why can’t I overcome the challenges I face? Why not me?

We all can stay strong. We all can move forward. We can help one another. Many of us have battles in life. Skeletons in our closets. Demons to fight. But we all can make it through.

“Why not us?”