Something I am proud of in me and my wife’s journey:

One of the things I’m most proud of is that I never walked away. Even in the darkest, most terrifying moments, when my wife’s bipolar depression pushed her to the brink, I stayed. I advocated for her when her voice wasn’t being heard. I sat beside her in the ICU after her suicide attempt, for weeks, through 35 surgeries, learning how to hope again while navigating the wreckage of a system that had failed her.I’m proud that I turned agony into action, not just for her, but for our daughter, for myself, and for others who may face this storm. I confronted mental illness not as an abstract concept but as a living, daily battle. And I continue to share our story so that others may find the courage to speak up, seek help, or demand better from the mental health system.

Most of all, I’m proud that I chose love, repeatedly, even when everything seemed lost. That choice to stay, to fight, to rebuild is the most courageous act of my life.

Message for those who are newly diagnosed:

Take heart, you are not alone, and this diagnosis is not the end of your story. Right now, things may feel confusing or heavy. You may be scared. That’s okay. But please know there is hope. There is life beyond the diagnosis, rich, meaningful, beautiful life.

You are not broken. You are not your worst day or your darkest thought. Bipolar disorder is part of your journey, but it does not define your worth, your future, or your ability to be loved and to thrive. There will be hard days. But there will also be progress. Joy. Laughter. Clarity. You will learn what works for you medication, therapy, community, boundaries and with time, you’ll build a life rooted in strength and self-awareness.

Ask for help. Speak up when you’re struggling. Lean on those who support you. Healing takes time, but it is possible. You are worthy of love. You are still full of potential. And no matter how dark it feels right now, this is not the end. You’ve just begun a new chapter and there is so much light still ahead.

With strength and solidarity,

Someone who’s been there and still believes in tomorrow.