Being bipolar is like having multiple brains, for me it’s four; when I’m hypomanic they all work simultaneously and when I’m depressed three of them are dormant, leaving the remaining one to slow down almost to a complete stop, especially regarding creativity.
I keep myself stable by taking on board the advice of my psychiatrist and mental health worker, and by taking my medication. I also utilise the many resources now available, the main one being https://www.bipolaruk.org.
In 2015 after multiple depressive episodes I decided to take redundancy from my sales role and move a sales training role. In May 2016 I was told my role was redundant and I should look for another job in the company.
The problem was I was in the middle of a depressive episode and couldn’t face up to it.
I didn’t tell my wife until 2 days before my last day.
The business knew I had battled with depression, I’d had 3 periods where I was off for months at a time and my manager knew I had been suicidal. On one occasion I was handed a PIP on my first day back.
I left on 8th August 2016 with a small redundancy.
Two days later I tried to end my life. Luckily my brother and wife found me and called an ambulance. I spent two days in hospital and returned home with a care plan for alcoholism and depression.
I lost a career I loved, along with my self-esteem and confidence.
But it’s not all doom and gloom!
I’m now planning a new career with a purpose, something I’ve not had for 10 years, as a Life Coach helping others with mental health conditions.
I hope that by sharing my story and how I heal my mental health I can help you deal with whatever’s confronting you, either now or in the future.
