I came across David on TikTok, where he’s known as Bipolarguylovinglife and he instantly caught my attention. Sitting in his car, talking to the camera about his ex-cocaine dealer, who he moved into his spare bedroom in hopes of getting a discount. I was hooked.

For the first 27 years of his life, David’s world looked very different. He didn’t drink, didn’t touch drugs, went to Bible college, and married the girl he had promised himself to at 21.

But at 27, his bipolar disorder could no longer be contained. Mania took over, and the fallout was huge; trying to marry a foreign nanny while still married to his first wife, buying a nightclub on impulse, falling for someone who had to wear an ankle monitor, and committing his biggest regret: white-collar crime, with damages estimated in the millions.

Follow David on TikTok

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TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses domestic violence, self-harm, substance abuse, and suicide. Please listen with care.

The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015

https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline

Creator & host- Julia Rangiheuea

Video producer- Beaudene Perussich

Image & logo- Jasmine Rule

In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.