Teetering On A Tightrope, Steve Wilson's Bipolar Journey

Send us Fan Mail **Host:** Amy**Guest:** Steve Wilson – Author of *Teetering on a Tightrope: My Bipolar Journey*Trigger Warning:  This episode discusses sexual abuse, please do not listen if this is a trigger for you.In this deeply insightful and powerful episode of "Advancing with Amy / Mental Health Warrior & Neurospicy Mama," we sit down with Steve Wilson, the author of *Teetering on a Tightrope: My Bipolar Journey*. Steve takes us on a raw, honest, and profound journey through his struggles and triumphs with bipolar disorder.### Episode Highlights:- **Traumatic Beginnings:** Steve shares the harrowing experience of being assaulted at nine years old and its long-lasting impact on his mental health.- **Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis:** We dig into Steve's initial clinical depression diagnosis and the later realization that he is bipolar. Discover the turning point that changed his life trajectory.- **Medication and Recovery:** Learn about Steve's experiences with different medications and how lithium, despite severe side effects, helped him function until a kidney transplant became necessary.- **Support Systems:** The crucial role of family, support groups, and professional therapy in managing bipolar disorder. Steve discusses the importance of having a solid support network.- **Government and Mental Health System:** A candid critique of the government's handling of mental health services and the burden of navigating through a flawed system.- **Life Lessons and Advice:** Steve leaves our listeners with invaluable advice on perseverance, seeking help, and advocating for oneself in the mental health journey.### Why You Should Listen:- **Personal Storytelling:** Steve's narrative offers an extraordinary glimpse into the lived experience of someone navigating bipolar disorder from childhood trauma to adult resilience.- **Educational Insights:** Gain an understanding of the complexities of bipolar disorder, medication trials, and the importance of correct diagnosis.- **Actionable Advice:** Whether you are personally affected by mental health issues or know someone who is, Steve's story provides actionable advice and hope.- **Advocacy and Awareness:** Be inspired to advocate for better mental health services and support systems.### Key Quote:"The biggest thing I have found is that you can never give up. You can't get a cure for bipolar, but if you keep working to get better and not giving up on the things a psychiatrist and therapist suggest... you can have as good a life as I have." – Steve Wilson### Read Steve's Memoir:*Teetering on a Tightrope: My Bipolar Journey* is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.### Tune In:Join us for an episode filled with couSupport the showJoin a community of great women talking about living with mental health and/or neurodivergent struggles and supporting each other through life.  Currently free for a limited time here. Get a free WHO AM I Journal to learn more about yourself: https://advancingwithamy.comSign up for Amy's newsletter: https://advancingwithamy.kit.com/newsletterSupport the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2434582/supporters/newWE NEED YOU! Want to be a guest on Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate? Send Amy Taylor a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/advancingwithamy