A Pivotal Turn

My journey took a pivotal turn at the age of 25, a year that was simultaneously marked by significant life achievements and a personal unaware struggle with mental health. It was a time when I had seemingly attained everything I had always desired – a loving partner, a rewarding job, and a home of my own. However, this period was overshadowed by underlying chaos, an unspoken struggle with what would later be diagnosed as bipolar disorder.

The Impact of Loss

This diagnosis came a year later, in the aftermath of a devastating personal loss – the death of my beloved father. His departure, triggered by societal pressure, left a profound impact on me, leading to complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and a harrowing journey through grief and self-discovery.

Navigating the Ups and Downs

Amid the ups and downs of personal grief and professional responsibilities as a grade one team leader, homeroom teacher, and advocate for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), I experienced my first manic episode. This led to an initial misdiagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), an error that would take a toll on my mental health. Despite the strain, I was fortunate to receive understanding and support from my superiors, Dr. Steven and Ms. Jameka. Recognizing my distress, they guided me to the company's counselor, catalyzing my path toward the correct diagnosis and subsequent recovery.

Seeking the Truth

Still, I felt a nagging need to seek a second opinion, a choice that was spurred on by my aunt, Dr. Marwa Yahfouf. It led me to Dr. Nizar Hojaili, a skilled psychiatrist who correctly diagnosed my condition as bipolar disorder. His accurate diagnosis brought along appropriate treatment and opened the doorway to the understanding and healing I had been seeking.

Empowering Others through Sharing

Embracing my experiences, I launched an Instagram page, 2wenty5.coaching, a platform that enabled me to share my personal journey with bipolar disorder, CPTSD, and the grief that enveloped my life. It quickly became a beacon of hope for many others, fueling my commitment to mental health advocacy.

Equipping Myself to Make a Difference

Determined to better equip myself to guide others navigating similar challenges, I delved into professional development, earning six certifications in mental health and personal development. Today, I stand as a Certified NLP Practitioner, Associate Leadership & Executive Coach, Life Coach, Organizational Development Coach, and Hypnosis Practitioner, and hold a certification in Coaching Essentials in Neuro-Semantics. These credentials, coupled with my lived experiences, offer a unique, empathetic, and informed approach to mental health support.

A Mission of Empowerment

My journey has thus transformed into a mission – a mission to leverage personal adversity for advocacy, to encourage others to face their struggles, seek help, and perceive their experiences as catalysts for growth and empowerment. Through sharing our stories, we can help to reduce the stigma around mental health and create a world where everyone feels safe to express their feelings and seek help without judgment.