Strengthening Your Identity: While the Shadow Is in Front of You

We all know life has its ups and downs, but when Mwati Mwila was diagnosed with bipolar disorder while a college student, she thought her life would mostly be down from that point on. Not understanding why she had been chosen to suffer, she found herself on an incredible journey of questioning God, considering ending her own life, and ultimately, traveling around the world for answers that could help to heal her. No stranger to adversity, before being diagnosed as bipolar, Mwati had already experienced discrimination. After traveling from her native Zambia, she was often the only African child in predominantly white schools in New Zealand and Australia. Her parents’ strong work ethic, her siblings’ encouragement, and a move to the United States helped Mwati to strengthen her identity even when she experienced discrimination. Being bipolar, just like her earlier experiences, became one more hurdle to overcome so she could fulfill her life mission of helping others. Now Mwati shares her