Shaun's Story
Shaun, a 24-year-old part-time musician and full-time Web site producer, is not shy about telling friends, employers, or even dates about his bipolar disorder.
"A lot of times it just comes up," he says. "People who are going to be in my life, they're going to have to accept it sooner or later."
Talking about his bipolar disorder is part of dealing with it. Shaun's other strategies include exercising — he walks or rides a skateboard — and eating a healthy diet.
Shaun first confronted mental health issues when he was nine. He was more than just a fidgety kid. Fearing a fire, Shaun would constantly check to make sure that the burners on the stove were turned off. Other times, he'd repeatedly confirm that the front door was locked.
As an adolescent, Shaun was prone to depression. Acceptance is everything to a teenager, and it was hard for Shaun to let his friends know that he had an illness — until Shaun learned that he wasn't as different as he'd thought.
One day a band mate found Shaun's prescription drugs and asked about them. Shaun told his friend that he was taking an antidepressant. As it turned out, so was the friend. The two shared a good laugh and a deeper bond.
Finally, two years ago, doctors diagnosed Shaun's bipolar disorder. And then a lot of things seemed to make sense.
For years, Shaun had embarked on increasingly grandiose projects — booking his band to perform in 30 cities in six weeks, or launching a Web site in record time. And, mostly, not sleeping.
Other times, he'd stay in bed or do nothing but watch television for days.
Shaun also had a rocky relationship with prescription drugs. Doctors prescribed numerous medications in search of the right combination for him. Complicating matters, his body chemistry changed as he grew older. And Shaun wasn't always patient enough to find a regimen that worked.
He has given up caffeine and dramatically cut down a two-pack-a-day cigarette habit.
Now, Shaun tries to guard against "triggers," like stress. Recently, he explained to his boss that he wasn't sleeping and took some time off work. Shaun says he knows he's lucky to have a job that allows him so much flexibility. In another workplace, he might not have been able to keep his position and manage bipolar episodes.
"I've adjusted routines, diet, and exercise in hopes of avoiding triggers that might throw me into an episode," Shaun says.
Visit the Bipolar Help Center to read more stories of hope.
