Sobering Up to the Truth: My Battle with Bipolar and Alcohol

In this episode of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast, hosts Terry and Carly speak with guest David Shamszad about his journey with a dual diagnosis—living with both Bipolar Disorder and a substance use disorder.

David shares his personal story of how he used alcohol to self-medicate and cope with the extreme highs of mania and the devastating lows of depression before he was formally diagnosed. He describes how his manic episodes, though they felt fun and energized at the time, led to serious consequences, and his depressive episodes left him feeling paralyzed and hopeless.

The turning point for David came after a frightening, "scared-straight" incident while intoxicated. He realized that his drinking was not just a coping mechanism, but was putting his own life and others' in danger. This moment of clarity prompted him to get sober, a decision he describes as removing "handcuffs" that had prevented him from truly addressing his mental health.

The conversation highlights the stigma surrounding mental health, especially for men, and the importance of finding a safe space to be vulnerable. David emphasizes that recovery is not an overnight process but an accumulation of "steady drops of the right message"—from therapy, books, and supportive conversations. Carly and Terry further discuss this idea, comparing it to watering a dry plant, where small, consistent efforts are more effective than a sudden, overwhelming pour.

Ultimately, the episode serves as a powerful testament to the possibility of recovery, even from deeply ingrained dual diagnoses, and encourages listeners to seek support, embrace vulnerability, and understand that healing is a gradual, ongoing journey.

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