Mental Health Today #34 Mental Health Today With Steve Wilson
We had the privilege of hosting Steven W. Wilson as a guest on our podcast, where he shared his powerful memoir, "Teetering on a Tightrope: My Bipolar Journey." In this deeply personal book, Steven takes readers on a chronological journey through his lifelong battle with bipolar disorder.
The memoir begins with Steven as a nine-year-old boy, completely unaware of the life-altering challenges that lie ahead. From a horrifying day at the theater to suicidal thoughts, an attempt to harm his father, and subsequent hospitalization, Steven provides a raw and honest account of his struggles with bipolar disorder. He delves into his sometimes uncontrollable mind, sexual dysfunction, overwhelming anger, and the immense impact these experiences had on his life.
Despite the hardships, Steven also highlights the moments of normalcy and joy he experienced with his family and friends. Through his story, he aims to demonstrate that individuals with bipolar disorder can still lead full and productive lives.
"Teetering on a Tightrope" emphasizes the importance of balance in the lives of those living with bipolar disorder. Steven draws an analogy to a person walking on a tightrope, striving for balance above a deep gorge. Balance becomes the ultimate goal for individuals navigating the challenges of bipolar disorder.
The memoir explores various milestones in Steven's life, including his traumatic experience of rape at the age of nine. He candidly shares his desire for suicide and his attempt to harm his father, as well as his journey through therapy and the ups and downs of using prescribed psychological medications. Steven highlights the crucial role that one-on-one therapy and finding the right combination of psychiatric medications played in his recovery.
As someone who has battled bipolar disorder for most of his 73 years, Steven has become a leading advocate for mental health. For the past seven years, he has facilitated two mental health support groups in Phoenix, Arizona, drawing from his own experiences and those of others to provide valuable insights into real-life bipolar disorder.
"Teetering on a Tightrope" is not only a personal memoir but also a call to action. Steven urges readers to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and seek the support they need to rebuild their lives. His book, released on January 24, 2023, serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness and understanding of bipolar disorder.
We were honored to have Steven W. Wilson as a guest on our podcast, and we invite you to reach out to him at swwilson.wilson@gmail.com if you are interested in having him as a guest on your podcast or engaging with him in any other capacity. Together, let's share our stories, raise our voices, and help break the stigma around mental health.For more of Mental Health Today, visit our:
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Mental Health Today With is a new branch of The Jar, funded by The Jar foundation.
Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not necessarily represent the views, beliefs or opinions of Mental Health Today With. Our goal is raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health by sharing our platform with professionals in the space. That being said, our guests are not a representation of Mental Health Today or The Jar Foundation.
For more about Mental Health Today, visit our:
Website: https://www.mhtpodcast.com
Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/bHTLsrp5D2s
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Mental Health Today With is a branch of The Jar, funded by The Jar Foundation.
Disclaimer: The views stated in this episode are our guest's opinions and do not necessarily represent the views, beliefs, or opinions of Mental Health Today With. Our goal is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental health by sharing our platform with professionals in the space. That being said, our guests are not a representation of Mental Health Today or The Jar Foundation.