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 successive days of fronting up to a hospital to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
“For seven days in a row I presented to the hospital and got help on the eight day,” Ms Storm said.
“There needs to be more awareness of bipolar.”
Ms Storm believes, after doing research, she could have been misdiagnosed for almost 15 years.
“Bipolar is one of the highest misdiagnosed mental conditions,” she said.
“You wouldn’t think to go to the doctor (when you're feeling good) you're so full of energy and feel invisible.”
A terrifying run of low days prompted her to front up to hospital on successive days 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 through more awareness, social stigmas surrounding mental conditions would be lessened and people would be more comfortable seeking 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.
Ms Storm also volunteers with Restart Albury Wodonga, which helps people facing homelessness get back on their feet.
“After everything ... I feel like giving back to the community,” she said.
Ms Storm will travel to Wagga on Saturday to take part in the Embrace for Bipolar Webathon at Kildare Catholic College.
The webathon, which runs from 7pm to 10pm raises money for the Ian Parker Bipolar Research Fund, is a modern take on the traditional telethon.
It takes the form of an internet-based platform with a gala style dinner.
The event will be live streamed for two hours and includes a silent auction.
Tickets for the event cost $120 and include a three-course meal and four drink tokens plus a thank you gift.
Visit contactembrace4bipolar@gmail.com, or embrace4bipolar.com.au.
