TWAP029: Man Interrupted: Steve Bell Talks About Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder, like other mental health and neurological conditions, is not something you might recognize right away.

Steve Bell didn’t recognize it until midlife.

When he did recognize it and accept that Bipolar Disorder was part of his neurology, his quality of life improved.

You, too, can improve your quality of life when you recognize and accept yourself, including your neurological or mental health conditions.

Steve was a successful insurance agent, running his own business for many years.  When he became unemployed, the financial stress triggered symptoms he didn’t recognize.  The stress and the symptoms spiraled out of control, leaving a wake of unintended consequences.

Today, Steve’s life has turned around.  Over the last 8 years, he has coached hundreds of people to get their lives back after debilitating struggles with uncontrolled mental health symptoms.

Whether you’re just discovering your mental health or neurological conditions, or you’re in the process of doing so, his advice can serve you.  I’m so excited for you to listen and enjoy.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

The symptoms of Bipolar Disorder that he experienced (before he knew it was Bipolar Disorder)

mood swings

impulsivity

delusions of grandeur

loneliness, isolation, anger

manic symptoms – speaking very fast, thoughts racing, making cognitive connections between things that other people don’t make

irritability

problems with memory – forgetting things

panic attacks

difficulty thinking things through

tendency not to think about or consider others’ feelings

strongly goal focused, feeling that you know best, and no one else does

you’re angry at yourself after the highs and the decisions that you made 

How and why he transitioned from being a successful insurance agent with Allstate to now helping people with mental conditions live fuller lives

Steve Bell’s work background

How stress can intensify and worsen all these symptoms (financial, interpersonal)

How early childhood trauma can contribute to creating conditions

How Steve was able to get help, a diagnosis, and his recovery process

The role of psychotherapy, medications, support groups, and online education

About psychiatric rehabilitation:  “It’s goal is to enable individuals to compensate for or eliminate functional deficits, interpersonal barriers, and environmental barriers created by the disability, and to restore ability for independent living, socialization, and effective life management (including vocational and educational skills)”  (definition given by Steve Bell)

The spectrum of work

Being the best grandmother, or being the best parent possible

Volunteer work

Going back to school

Part-time paid employment

Full-time employment in a different type of position or field

Self employment 

Beautiful analogy of psychiatric rehabilitation team approach – you’re the astronaut, and you need a support team to get you to the moon.  Every support team member plays a role, but you are the central piece of the journey.

Links and Resources:

Get in touch with Steve Bell:

Phone 719.492.9335

Email – [email protected]

Connect with him on LinkedIn.

Steve Bell’s Favorite Books

The Holy Bible:  Contemporary English Version

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