This is the powerful bipolar disorder story of "ordinary guy" Robert Villanueva.

Robert "Coach V" Villanueva grew up in East Bay of San Francisco amidst undiagnosed bipolar disorder. Seeking a better life away from a dysfunctional home, Robert left home at 15 and became a wrestling coach and garbageman before experiencing his darkest moments with depression and mania. At the brink of despair, Robert found solace among other patients and a glimmer of hope that would change his life forever. Through self-discovery and support from his family and community, Robert discovered new ways to live well with bipolar disorder. Now a grandparent, international mental health advocate, and bipolar disorder researcher, Robert shares his story to offer hope to others on their journey to recovery.

(00:00) Introduction

(01:55) First Symptoms

(06:01) Darkest Days: Leaving Home & Ending It

(09:40) Hospital "First Time That I Was Ever Taken Care Of"

(12:49) The Hardest Phone Call

(15:55) Learning to Accept Bipolar Disorder

(18:35) "I Don't Want to Live in Fear"

(21:33) Telling My Story Through Advocacy

(23:39) It Is Possible To Manage Bipolar Disorder

(26:20) Thank Yous & Family

(30:03) "They Believed in Me"

Learn more and share this episode: http://bipolarinthebay.com

This episode is hosted by Dr. ⁠⁠Erin Michalak⁠⁠ and produced by Caden Poh.

#talkBD Bipolar Disorder Podcast talkBD gathers researchers, people with lived experience, healthcare providers, and top bipolar disorder experts from around the world to discuss and answer the most important questions about living with bipolar disorder. Learn more about talkBD: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://talkBD.live

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