Nikki Storm rides a roller coaster of emotion each day, from manic dizzying highs to devastating lows.
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Despite this whirlwind of emotion it took eight days of fronting up to a hospital in a row for her to be diagnosed with bipolar
“For seven days in a row I presented to the hospital and got help on the eighth day,” Ms Storm said.
“There needs to be more awareness of bipolar.”
Ms Storm believes she could have been misdiagnosed for almost 15 years after doing some research on bipolar.
“Bipolar is one of the highest misdiagnosed mental conditions,” Ms Storm said.
“You wouldn’t think to go to the doctor (when you're feeling good) you're so full of energy and feel invisible.”
However, it was a terrifying run of low days which saw her front up the hospital eight days in a row when she was finally diagnosed.
“I was in a manic depressed state, I was scared of how I felt and needed help,” Ms Storm said.
She hopes that through more awareness social stigmas surrounding mental conditions will be lessened and people will be more comfortable asking for help.
“We need to get rid of the stigmas around mental health,” Ms Storm said.
“If I can make a difference in one person's life I would be happy.”
A support group for people with bipolar has recently been started in Albury called Mood Swingers.
Aside from being a member of that group, Ms Storm also volunteers with Restart Albury Wodonga, an organisation helping people facing homelessness get back on their feet.
“After everything I’ve been through I feel like giving back to the community,” Ms Storm said.
To continue making a difference Ms Storm will travel to Wagga on Saturday August 8 to take part in the Embrace for Bipolar Webathon at the Kildare Catholic College.
The webathon is a modern take on the telathon – it is a internet-based platform with a gala style dinner – and will run from 7pm to 10pm raising money for the Ian Parker Bipolar Research Fund.
The event will be live streamed for two hours, and will include a silent auction.
Tickets for the event cost $120, with tables of 10 available. The ticket includes a three-course meal and four drink tokens plus a thank you gift.
To find out more information on the webathon such as sponsorship details or how you can donate, contact embrace4bipolar@gmail.com, or go to embrace4bipolar.com.au.
