This wild event took place during my first manic episode over 24 years ago. Since then, I’ve had at least 10 more episodes leading to about a dozen psychiatric hospitalizations. That’s crazy. I just said “at least” and “about.” I don’t even know how many times I’ve been manic and how many times I’ve been in the psych ward. Lol. That’s messed up!
But, even with all of this adversity, I’ve managed to carve out a comedy career spanning nearly 24 years. In fact, I started doing stand up within less than a year of my first episode. It actually helped pull me out of my depression. And it has continued to do so many times over the years.
Getting to be a comedian, while living with bipolar disorder, is a real silver lining. It’s been a life saver. Being able to make comedy and laugh at all of this pain and literal insanity has been a blessing. Getting groups of people to laugh with me, on my terms, has had the effect of helping to heal my pain and vulnerability. It’s helped me regain my confidence and sense of self. Also, owning my bipolar disorder in such a public way shows that it’s not defeating me. I’m not a broken person. Nobody feels compelled to walk on egg shells around me. That’s important to me.
I haven’t had a manic or depressed episode going on 5 years now. My psychiatrist and myself are optimistic that I can stay well for the long haul. This makes me feel proud of myself. I’m very excited to see what I can accomplish moving forward!
If you’ve read this far, thank you so much for taking the time. Please forward/share this with anybody you think would get something out of it.
Love,
JFOD
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