Bipolar in the Bay: Garbageman, Wrestling Coach, and Advocate from CREST Bipolar Disorder Network

In June of 2024, Robert got the opportunity to speak on the TalkBD Bipolar Disorder Podcast. He speaks about his identity as a garbageman, wrestling coach “Coach V,” father, husband and grandparent. He shares his struggle with symptoms and how this led to an appointment with his general practitioner who then referred him to a psychiatrist who diagnosed him with clinical depression. Various manic symptoms began in his life along with suicidal thoughts. As a result, he was hospitalized, he shares about finding this to be a safe place. This stay taught him the importance of self-care and ultimately allowed him to find ways to cope. Shortly after, he met a woman who was fearful of others finding out she has bipolar disorder, this inspired him to become a mental health advocate. He ends with explaining how his work as an advocate began and what he is doing now.