Bipolar disorder is becoming more prevalent in our society today. Despite the growing knowledge of it’s effects, this disorder is still not recognized for what it should be; a physical disorder. Most people label those of us that struggle with bipolar as mentally unstable thus dismissing this disorder as a true ailment that affects our daily lives. I will discuss how people can deal with bipolar disorder despite the stigmas that are out there. I use a Christian perspective on the disorder and how it affects people of faith, overcoming the perceptions that others have of bipolar disorder.
Jonathan Nelson is an Elementary Physical Education teacher and Head Boy’s Basketball Coach in Iowa, with a Master’s degree in Education. He has been a teacher for 13 years and a basketball coach for 15 years. He is married to his wife Alicia, and has three beautiful girls. Jonathan struggled for many years with depression but continued to go undiagnosed figuring it was a spiritual issue or that he just was not a good husband or father. After years of frustration, he was finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2008. Since that time, his life has turned around and he has been able to overcome the difficulties associated with bipolar disorder. With the help of his family, he was able to write the book Straightjacket Memories and share his life story.