Part 5/9:
Jackie reflects on her first experiences with mental health treatment at a young age, beginning at the age of 13. Though her parents were supportive and attentive, she struggled to communicate her feelings. She recalls being prescribed medication but not experiencing the typical euphoric highs associated with bipolar disorder. Instead, her symptoms primarily manifested as depression, leading to an insidious feeling of suffering without understanding.
Jackie's early encounters with alcohol at the age of 12 began a pattern of binge drinking that would characterize her teenage years. Despite being active in school and sports, she felt the weight of her struggles, often feeling like she was living a double life.