Bryan
Humility and gratitude for family

In 1995, when I was 33, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I had severe manias in the beginning, but lately, I’ve only had hypomanias. I am also a rapid cycler, and suffer from severe panic disorder and social anxiety disorder.

I held the same job for 11 years, but after my symptoms became severe, I switched jobs every 1 1/2 years. During 7 difficult years of treatment I took over 8 kilograms of medications including mood stabilizers, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. My wife divorced me in September 2001. I lost my last job in January of 2001 and have not been able to work since that point. I sold all of my possessions to buy a condo in a small town near my family.

It's been very difficult, but the love and compassion of my family has really helped me. I used to make a 6-figure salary and now live on Social Security Disability. This has changed my priorities in life. The biggest reason I'm alive today is because I have two children; boys age 13 and 15. It is my duty as their father to be here for them, though I don't always feel that I'm doing a good job. I have good days and not-so-good days, but I am getting by.