In this reflection from a Courage Circle conversation, I open up about the realities of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the middle of a high-stakes career. What followed wasn’t just recovery—it was reckoning with shame, workplace stigma, and learning to advocate for myself and others.

CMHA’s Hope in Motion isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s a movement. In this personal reflection, Shak shares why he rides each year, what this ride means to him as someone living with bipolar disorder, and how visibility, movement, and community can make all the difference. 💜

Empathy changed the way I see mental health. This chapter reflects on the power of understanding and how it can reshape the conversation around Bipolar Disorder.

Owning my diagnosis was a turning point in my journey. In this chapter, I share how I learned to embrace Bipolar Disorder, break stigma, and advocate for mental health awareness.

Being labelled ‘bipolar’ came with a weight I wasn’t prepared for. In this chapter, I reflect on how I battled with my identity, overcame stigma, and found strength in my diagnosis.