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.

(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

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