David Mariant - The Bipolar Life Coach's Interests
General
My greatest Bipolar Survival Strategy of all is my faith in Jesus Christ, whom I believe to be the son of God who provides me love, hope and acceptance through forgiveness of my sins.
It is an honor to display videos from a new friend. Nikki's artistic expression conveys my message so beautifully and I feel these will be a blessing to you too.
I have seen psychiatric wards from the inside. I have felt
like a freak. I have been scared, confused, ashamed, frustrated,claustrophobic, and mad as hell. I’ve seen people struggling and fighting, their eyes swollen with tears. I have seen people who tried to take their own lives or end someone else’s. I’ve seen people in their deepest depressive lows and their highest manic highs, their wrists thick with bandages. And I have seen myself reflected in their faces.
I have been at death’s door. I’ve seen the depth of my own fear, all consuming depression and blood-boiling anger. I have felt unbearable sorrow. I’ve experienced dizzying mania and deep depression—and even both at the same time. I have been tied to a bed in four-point restraint. I have endured others looks—fearful, pitying, uncomprehending—and suffered the sting of discrimination, all from fear and lack of understanding.
There have also been bright spots. I have experienced kindness and compassion, people shining through for me like loving angels at my time of greatest need. Diane, my wife of twenty one years, has stood by my side during the most difficult of times. Love is important to everyone, but for those of us with bipolar, it is essential to our survival. Diane’s sustaining love has been the greatest example of love I will ever know.
It is necessary for me to be completely transparent with you, without reservation or inhibition. I am surviving bipolar disorder and it is important that you see deep within me so you can understand my life saving strategies of success. Grasp hold
of my life story and the strategies I discuss in this book and your life will be better for it. I want to convey my daily struggles and successes, both internally and externally, to help you see the danger in your own life, and the possibility for a safer and more joyous future. My experience may be similar to yours or that of a loved one. Ultimately, I want you to know that there is hope.
Many times I have referred to bipolar disorder as a “bomb,” yet the “detonator” may actually be the more significant component. The bomb itself is the genetic predisposition to the disorder that passes from one generation to the next. The detonator comprises one’s life experiences and may include unhealthy relationships, co-dependencies, and other issues. The detonation itself often results from a traumatic event that ignites the fuse. In my case, the sudden death of my younger brother began the countdown to the detonation that would occur some months later and begin my journey to hell and back. Fortunately, I learned
that there are ways to defuse the detonator and reduce and even eliminate the overall risk. Even after removing the detonator, however, the bomb still has to be handled with care.
Bipolar disorder in years past was usually referred to as manic depressive illness or depressive disorder. In this book I use the term "bipolar," "bipolar disorder", "bipolar illness" and "the disorder." I use these terms interchangeably, and will often use the term “bipolar” for easier reading.
In 1999, at age thirty-five, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I have constantly been reminded of the person I was at the time of my diagnosis and the desperation I felt. It is for those who find themselves in similar circumstances that I have returned, to provide relief from the despair and confusion I know all too well. My suffering is a bit of a paradox because the suffering is part of what helped me get through my crisis; reliving the pain actually became part of my healing process. I want to reach those with bipolar (especially the newly diagnosed), as well as their families, friends, doctors, therapists, and anyone else who has the interest and desire to understand this life-threatening illness. If you are where I was—or know someone who is—know that there really is hope for survival and a full life worth living. We need not be destroyed by our condition. You too can learn, as I have, how to be strong and how to set boundaries for our emotional protection. I have learned how to survive.
Check out my Doctor's review of my book:
"David Mariant, with his wife Diane, has written an inspiring and useful account of the nature of bipolar affective illness and how to survive it. Especially riveting are the juxtaposed experiences of Mr. Mariant and his wife during times he was floridly manic. While taking pains to avoid interfering with professional treatment, he empowers patients and their families to take charge of the illness and make active choices to cope with and even grow from their experience. He includes many immediately practical recommendations it could otherwise take years to learn, while a humane spirit of understanding, compassion and humility permeates the book. It should be required reading for newly diagnosed bipolar patients and their families.”
Jonathan Russ, M.D., Adjunct Associate Professor Emeritus, Stanford University School of Medicine
Surviving Bipolar and check it out!
I would like to meet you. Whether you deal with bipolar or depression, have a loved one who does or you just care... All of us are important and our understanding of others is vital and demonstrates love...
A treasure to be cherished, A gift from God above; Is the beauty of a friendship, Touched by unconditional love. A love that asks no questions, Believes in all the best; Never doubting, ever trusting, Withstanding any test. A love that weathers any storm, And yet that love still stands; Through the very darkest hour, It still reaches out a hand. There in that hand the sweetest gift, That you can give a friend; A heart that cares, a love that shares, That will be there till the end. A treasure to be cherished, A gift from God above; Is what I share with you my friend, An unconditional love.
Just stopping by to show some love ;) I hope you have a great week.
The full length version of my new song 'Lost' is officially on my page and I wanted to share it with you.This song means so much to me and, in this crazy world, I would be lost without the amazing family, friends, and fans that I have like you. Share it with your family and friends:)
'Lost' is officially available on iTunes!! Download it here - http://lnk.ms/1k2qx
I saw you on a friend's site, I will talk more later. have adeath in my family. I have Ptsd, Bipolar, panic attacks, anxiety,.Meds takes the edge off, but thats it..I can't hardly leave my home, only Doctor app. I'm a cutter, haven't cut in awhile, the thoughts always there. Family members tell's me it's to get attention..OMG..They do not in anyway understand. I haven't had anyone to talk to about this except in therapy..Until I need so many wonderful friends here. They are so honest, never Judge...I've had abig problem trusting...
Thanks for listening.. Many prayers & much love, Edie
