Balancing on a Tightrope

Balancing the ups and downs of Bipolar Disorder is different for every patient...including me.

{UP} Hi. I'm Rand (no, not "Randy," "Randall," or "Randolph," and my parents can't remember where they came up with the name. Even (R-Kentucky) U.S. Senator Rand Paul's legal name is "Randal" (sic).  But, that's not important here. What I'm focusing on is that like so many people, even some very famous, I am bipolar. 

{Down} Can untreated trauma that results in PTSD lead to Bipolar Disorder if an individual is already at high risk because of family history? That's the case with me.

{UP} How many people can say their first childhood pet was a raccoon? What an amazing first, best friend. I will tell you about Bandit and how I lost her.

{DOWN} Suicide attempts are sadly far too common and I've had my share. Even in the darkest days, I was still here, and I made it through.

What relationship does anxiety or obsessive-compulsive behavior have with bipolar? They can coexist or co-occur . And they do with me.

In this autobiography, I'll share the ups and downs of balancing on the tightrope of mental illness and explain how I've learned to exist and survive.