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.