Michael's Story
Michael shares his experience of living with bipolar disorder, from diagnosis to treatment and recovery, and what helped most.
"Keep putting one foot in front of the other, and view recovery as a bridge to a better place, and soon enough, you will find yourself there."
About Michael:
Michael is a self-published author with a focus on Mental Health Awareness and sharing his personal journey with Bipolar Disorder with an unparalleled candor. His memoir, (In)Sane, which is the harrowing account of his sojourn through the mental-healthcare system, recently placed runner-up in the Great Northwest Book Festival, and has been featured in speaking events for Mental Health Alliance (MHA), New York University, Columbia University, and more. He is currently working on building a social media presence on Instagram, TikTok, and more to further share his story, and help others along on the road to recovery.
WHAT WAS THE MAJOR TURNING POINT IN YOUR RECOVERY FROM BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Unfortunately, the turning point for me came when I hit rock bottom, and found myself committed to the psychiatric hospital not once, but three times, in 2018. My mania had taken over my life, and I found myself jobless, broke, and alone in the psych ward, a place that became all too familiar in the coming months. This all ended fortuitously, however, and I was finally able to get the treatment I needed. Although it took nearly a year and a half, I was able to make a recovery, and return to a normal life, although I soon found that it would never be the same.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT REALLY HELPED?
Sharing my story:
- Despite writing my memoir, (In)Sane, in the midst of my most severe manic episode and hospitalizations, it took me over 5 years to finally share my story with people in my life. Now that I have, I truly understand the benefits and catharsis that stem from finding the courage to express yourself and find solidarity in others who are experiencing the same things. Don’t forget – you’re never alone.
Medication:
- Finally receiving treatment and identifying the medication that worked best in managing my symptoms was instrumental in my journey to recovery. Although it took a tremendous amount of trial and error, as is common in psychiatry, it was ultimately worth the effort.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Simple things, like taking Vitamin D and other supplements or taking walks in the sunshine, had a profound effect on my outlook on life, and spurred on my recovery to new heights. Never underestimate the benefit of striving to be a healthier version of yourself; your future self will thank you.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER GUYS FIGHTING BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Never. Give. Up. I can’t tell you how many times I felt like succumbing to Bipolar in the tough years following my diagnosis and hospitalization. With the help of family, friends, social workers, peers, and providers, I was able to regain traction in life, and achieve things that my former self had not thought possible. It may sound like a baseless platitude, or even a cliché, but there is a phrase that has stuck with me through all of this – this, too, shall pass. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, and view recovery as a bridge to a better place, and soon enough, you will find yourself there.
-Michael J. Schiuma, mjswrites, New York, NY, US 
