You Can Win Your Bipolar Battle

I’m Gregg F. Martin, a retired U.S. Army Major General. After 36 years of service, I rocketed into full-blown mania in 2014, leading to my diagnosis of bipolar disorder type 1 with psychosis and PTSD. That crisis nearly destroyed me, but it also set me on a new path. Since then, I’ve learned how to manage my condition, and I’ve been healthy, stable, and thriving for years.

Today, I’m on a mission to share what I’ve learned – lessons from the front lines of mental illness and recovery, in the hope that others can own, learn, fight, and win – just as I strive to do every day.

Mania, psychosis, and lowest point

When I experienced full blown mania in 2014 as a two-star general and President of National Defense University, I was fired, forced to retire, ordered to get a psychiatric evaluation, and hospitalized.

The good news is that out of this mental health crisis and devastation, I got a proper diagnosis, and eventually the right meds (for me, Lithium and Lamictal). If in doubt, go see a mental health professional.

On the day I was diagnosed at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Washington DC, I was in horrible condition – suicidal and broken of mind, body and spirit – but I thanked and hugged my doctor, and did not resist the diagnosis:

“Thank you doctor! Now I know what’s wrong with me, and I have a target with a face on it that I can do battle with!”

I was diagnosed in 2014 at the Walter Reed Military Medical Center

Don’t deny it, or try to wish it away. Embrace it! I decided to OWN my diagnosis, right then and there, and to learn, fight, and win!

Own your mental condition, then Learn, Fight, Win!

The following are in a summarized list – some thoughts, practices, and lessons learned that have worked for me during my lifetime of lived experience with serious mental illness:

OWN.

Own it. Embrace your condition – no shame or embarrassment – it’s okay to not be okay.

I wrote “Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness” to embrace my condition and diagnosis of late-onset bipolar disorder.

LEARN.

Learn all about your condition – on-line, videos, books, non-profit organizations, peer support, medical professionals, conferences, discussions – become an expert on your condition.

I learn from others online and at events around the world, and share my bipolar story to stop stigma and promote recovery.

FIGHT. (using the 5Ps)

Develop your recovery strategy, then go into battle – with meds, therapy, and healthy living (diet, exercise, sleep, water, low stress, etc); anchored into the 5P’s of: purpose, people, place, perseverance and perspective.

Purpose: Create your own purpose – one that inspires, energizes and drives you forward. Then, focus like a laser on that mission!
People: Surround yourself with happy, fun, friendly people who energize and lift you up!
Places: Live in and go to places that make you happy and enable you to pursue your passions.
Persevere: Never quit, never give up. Cultivate the will and spirit to fight and win.
Perspective: Maintain perspective by thinking objectively about your own thoughts, and countering those that are negative and self-defeating. Practice Metacognition.

I developed a network of happy, upbeat, interesting friends that I enjoy being with; Maggie and I live our “make-a-friend and be-a-friend” (MAF-BAF) life strategy every day.

WIN.

Create a recovery that’s built to last! Build your new life and manage your bipolar disorder step-by-step, day-by-day – choose to adopt an attitude of gratitude in all circumstances, especially when times are hard.

I found my best life.

Finally, imagine and create your own new life of meaning and purpose. Out of crisis, near death, and devastation, I’ve been reborn with a new life mission – sharing my bipolar story to help stop stigma, promote recovery, and save lives. I speak, write, lead, confer, advise, and encourage. I’ve moved from darkness to light; from death to life. This new life is my best life.

My bipolar disorder is not going to go away, but I know how to manage it, and leverage the superpowers that it gives me – creativity, compassion, energy, drive, ingenuity, strength, and more. I love my new life of purpose, health, happiness, and community. My bipolar and mental health tribes are amazing, inspiring, and global – many of my best friends, battle buddies, and closest colleagues.

I am grateful for my mental, physical and spiritual health, and for the hope and faith that fuel me.