Sometimes I have to step back and really think about what my life was like less than 10 years ago. I couldn’t work. I wanted to write a book, but couldn’t seem to finish one. I had relationship problems and an illness that seemed impossible to manage. This all changed when I realized management was up to me. The Health Cards were created at a time when I felt hopeless and helpless. I just knew I had to do something to get better.

My goal is the same it always has been. I want all of us to have happy and stable lives that aren’t controlled by bipolar disorder mood swings. And I especially want our family members and friends to go to sleep at night, knowing we are okay.

Here is some more information about the award:

Founded in 1996 and sponsored by Eli Lilly & Company, the Lilly Reintegration Awards honor mental health professionals and individuals battling severe mental illness for their outstanding contributions and achievements in the mental-health community. Specifically, the awards honor treatment teams, programs and services offering care and support to people with severe mental illness, and individuals with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia who are a source of hope and inspiration to their peers. Each year, those honored are chosen by an independent panel of mental health professionals. Ralph Aquila, M.D., chairperson of the Awards Judging Panel states, “For those battling mental illness, reintegration is about the journey to wellness. These recipients are the people and programs who foster this journey and are on the frontlines helping to make reintegration a reality.” Past Lilly Reintegration Awards recipients include Senator Peter Domenici (R-New Mexico), former Surgeon General David Satcher, Dateline NBC and former First Lady Roslynn Carter.

**As you can imagine, I’m pretty excited about this. I’ve always wanted to work with drug companies instead of being angry at them. I’m such a believer in bipolar disorder medications. But I’m also very aware of how difficult it is to take these drugs on a daily basis. Drug companies need to be constantly encouraged to create new medications with less side effects. I know they’re working on it, but they need to be reminded by those of us who have to take these meds. So I will make sure to speak out!

Julie