I truly appreciate your kind words! It means a lot to know that my videos resonate with you and provide some understanding. Your journey is important, and I'm honored to be a part of it. -Rob www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
When I struggled with active addiction while struggling with bipolar disorder I ruined my whole life and relationships with everybody around me. Getting sober and managing my bipolar helped me so much. I’m still trying to repair relationships I messed up.
My ex girlfriend as of 2 days ago is BPD and a severe alcoholic. She drinks 1 bottle of champagne per day, 7 bottles a week. Before i met her, she cheated on her husband years ago, i still dont understand the story. Then she told me she as BP and i thought nothing of it because i can handle peoples tempers very well. Then recently she started exploding in impulsively and going on in middle of night. She ruined her entire family, her kids love her and when i see her so emotionally unavailable for them and myself, i told myzelf i had to leave. Enough is enough, i cant help her, and i have tried. I pray for her and people like yourself.
The anxiety of being around people was excruciating but after a few beers look out I was the life of the party. I drank and did drugs like a mad man and everyone thought I was just a party animal. I was hurting and had to soothe it
I'd like to mention gambling addiction. After I stopped drinking, I started gambling hardcore. It took me down so hard and fast it was unbelievable! Talk about chasing a feeling... the money aspect and constant adrenaline, coupled with the anxiety of the chase, kept me in a perpetual mixed state. A very uncomfortable existence! I just passed eight years without placing a bet. Yay! Thank you so much for being here.
Polar Warriors omg! You actually replied! You have no idea how much i relate to your vids! Im actually cyclothymic and struggle with mania a lot. This means a lot to me!
tara gorby it’s my pleasure! I have actually managed to respond to every comment on my channel so far. I think there are only a few that I haven’t. Literally thousands LOL. It takes quite a bit of time, but I enjoy developing relationships with people and helping others. As the channel grows, I’m going to try and find a way to do this full-time so I can continue to respond to everyone. Right now it is just a very time-consuming hobby LOL. If you ever have any questions, I will always do my best to help😊😊
Poncho i’m so glad I can help, and I’m sorry you are struggling right now. A very warm welcome to my channel. It makes me feel so good when people let me know that what I’m doing is helping. Definitely motivates me to keep making videos 😊😊😊
"It's not like I went on a mission to fuck up my life, I just didn't want to hurt anymore" That's almost my thought exactly every time I take the Valium or drink, I hate this. I want to quit Valium so badly but every time I try, I always relapse within 14 days. My whole mind and body feels like I'm actually dying now that I'm physically addicted. My dr is helping me though. Thank you so much for your videos and allowing comments so we can just get it out and talk with each other
How are you doing now? It must be extremely hard to get off benzos. I know what GABA withdrawal feels like, and other withdrawals. How are you keeping up? You got this.
Oh God this was a huge part of my bipolar story. I was severely addicted to heroin and meth when I was untreated/undiagnosed bipolar 1. Meth ripped me out of depression and heroin calmed me down when I was manic. I lost so much weight that you could see my ribs, I was experiencing severe withdrawals when I couldn't get heroin, I was smoking meth everyday, and worst of all, meth threw me into severe manic psychosis. I was only addicted for 10.5 months and it completely destroyed my life and my psyche. I'm proud to say that I have 5 months sober now. The bipolar symptoms have calmed down a lot now since I'm on the right meds and I'm completely sober! I feel so much better and stable every day, it's remarkable. I send all of my love to those who are still suffering. Keep doing your best
Im a caregiver andI really appreciate that you take the time to help others understand this illness .... you are saving lives and families,. God bless you and your family,.💓
Oh my goodness I am going to be praying for him. I don’t know what he’s going through right now, but there are ways to help without. I don’t know. I pray that you get a dual diet so no treatment. I’m just gonna pray for him to have access for dual diagnosis, treatment and spiritual health because I’m I’m guessing some people are very much scared of psychiatric health and it’s really scary when it’s more than depression. I can understand that and also just don’t want to get off their self medication but I’m lifting your son up right now. I really am and I look forward to the news of him getting the right health and coming to you guys and being supported and healed in what he has in Jesus name amen. Hi
Theres not alot out there for the alcoholic/bipolar problem. Thank you for your own personal knowledge and struggles. I believe that God is working thru you to reach me. Your videos may save my life. I barely realized that i am the manic deppressive type from the Big Book itself. Its eye opening and a relief.
This video absolutely saved my life today- Thanks Rob. Saturday I ran to the hood and got some Heroin and it lasted thru the next day and now today I really needed to hear every word on that video. Excellent. I got off a really severe hellacious drug binge 10months ago and I'm way stabilized. My psychiatrist has not come close to explaining my bipolar in such clear, concise, down to earth ways. I was a hyped out, drugged out street animal on my last big binge and of course I had no real understanding about any of it. I did that 3 days ago almost so I could stop obsessing and prove to myself that I could do it and sure, it wasn't that good but I knew from hard experience I will never go down that long road to hell again BUT I still had some kind of bipolar withdrawals today and this video helped me calm down- thanks sincerely
I used to drink a fair bit. I've been on Lithium for around three years now and haven't drank for around the same time... Use to use some other drugs as well especially when manic.. Gave up smoking 6 months ago 😀...
yehyeh Does the Lithium help with the depression episodes? I can't seem to get a grip on the depression and the episodes are getting longer and stronger.
Stephanie Russell Hi. I still have episodes of depression. Perhaps not as frequent or long. From what i understand Lithium has a very mild anti depression in it.. I still get a little manic at times too. I think i have a bit of both at times (depression and mania like anxiety really).. This is getting a little long winded lol.... Are you on Lithium? Maybe go see your psychiatrist as i know it's not uncommon to have Lithium as well an an anti depressant to help with the depression if you suffer it. 😊
yehyeh Im not on lithium but if it will help, I'll take it. I'm going to ask my doctor as you suggest. My depression is debilitating. It can last a week at a time and it's ugly. I can hardly hold onto my job. I lost my last job because of this illness. Of course I made excuses with my employer but the truth was the bipolar disease.
I am wondering if he and all of us can get together I watch a lot of sites like I know bipolar. Hope there’s living well with schizophrenia. There is there’s some for autism and there’s a lot of crossover for a lot of us with these issues. I think even a lot with chronic fatigue, but I think if there’s a way for us to get together and really carry power in lobbing in the government and in the workplace and then schools Schools allowing us to invest in our education and growth and helping us with job so we don’t get lost in the system and we don’t get accepted and then pay her 30 to 60,000 and then get kicked out when they don’t know what’s wrong with us and we need more than anything to be able to be normal and safe in the world and a lot of that would help at our self medicating like it would show up. You know if you could show up in the world not normal it would help a little bit, but I would just be so much awareness and coming out gender and all of that is coming out. We need to normalize this and we need to have normal lives.
I found out about bipolar disorder when I quit smoking. It destabilized my mood and I had a hypomanic episode. I didn't even know it was happening until I became so depressed I couldn't stop crying. Thanks for the video
That's interesting - I went into a full-blown manic episode about a month after I stopped drinking alcohol, and a week after I stopped taking Zoloft for my depression! The first was by choice (booze suddenly didn't taste good, and felt wrong), the second by accident - I thought my teenage son had taken Fentanyl and I went into a fight mode, and forgot about my meds. I went to ER and the psychiatric hospital and was told I was bipolar 1, for the first time. I did a lot of research about bipolar disorder since then and it seems to be a common misdiagnosis: people with bipolar disorder get meds for depression, which can actually make bipolar worse, or bring on a manic episode, or both. What I didn't know is that quitting booze could have an effect on the mania as well, or at least that's what it seems like. Thank you guys for sharing, and Rob, please keep up the great work you're doing for all of us! ❤
dianna totally! In the past, I could drink a pot of coffee and sleep just fine. I was self-medicating like crazy. Now that I am sober, I have to be so careful with the timing and amount of caffeine I consume. If I don’t sleep, everything falls apart. So glad you enjoyed the video!
Robert, This is my first introduction to your Polar Warrior videos. Thank you so much. You are a gift , not only to people with bi polar disorder, but to the family and friends that love them. Keep sending the message. You are making a difference!
looking through the comments and seeing multiple people that have gone/are going through the same thing makes me feel so much better and that i’m not alone :( thank you so much
Hi!Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I know this illness can be incredibly hard to navigate. I'd love to offer any support I can... If it interests you, I have a private community where you can message me directly and network with other people who are going through similar struggles. No pressure of course, but it would be great to have you join us. I'm very accessible and happy to answer any questions you have... Below is a link to my private community on Patreon. It's where you can message me directly and I'll get back to you right away. We can also arrange a phone call if that would be more helpful. www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors -Rob
Thank you for these videos. I was diagnosed at a late age, I'm only 9 months into it, you have helped me so much. I was sober for 7 years, then went into my first manic episode. I thought quitting drinking and using would solve all my problems. It only revealed them.
You are so welcome! In case you are interested Rob offers one on one support on Patreon and he has a support group for patrons only on discord. Would love to have you there! Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Tx Rob. As a person with a late diagnosis of BP and a lifelong addiction to risk, drugs and alcohol this is resonating really with me. I am medicated, not smoking, trying to give up my long term relationship with substances and have started to be kind to myself and my body. I am now studying mental health to better understand my diagnosis and hopefully help others. I am so happy people can talk more openly about these issues today. It is still a daily challenge, but thank you for sharing as I don't feel so alone, ashamed or mad.
I went into an extreme manic state after quitting alcohol last year and was diagnosed with bipolar 1. Still being unwell while working hard on my sobriety can get really discouraging. This really helped me feel less alone
I'm really glad to hear that this video resonated with you. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and it's okay to seek support when you need it. Stay strong! -Rob www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
thank you so much for this. its been so hard to find proper treatment for bipolar because either the doctors or my family think i'm just a drug addict, or that substance abuse comes before bipolar disorder (for me, it didn't) but this video gives me hope and reassurance that one day everyone will understand. thank you again x100000000 :)
I've found myself juggling an addiction to stimulants and depressants. Like you described, stims during the day and downers at night. I quit drinking a little over a year ago, but now I need cannabis even more than before. And now I deal with the consequences of a cocaine addiction to boot.
@@thezeropoint7645 admittedly, not much better still no drinking, I've dramatically cut down the cocaine use, but still using it habitualy, and I've been dosing either LSD or mushrooms several times a week.
What a great channel. I am the mom to a 28 year old daughter who struggles with bipolar. She is adopted and my husband and I did not get a health history. So when she became hyper sexual at puberty I thought it was hormones on steroids, so to speak. She was diagnosed bipolar at age 14. That’s a whole ‘nother topic! We are very close and she manages her meds herself and does pretty well. The smartest thing I did was to get her on birth control at age 13. I knew she would have unprotected sex due to hypersexualiity and impulsivity. She never got pregnant and now at age 28 is taking college classes and is optimistic about a career in psychology.
Hi, Rob offers one on one support on Patreon if you are interested. He also posts more personal information about his day to day struggles like his recent hospital stay. For the month of July he is offering free phone calls to patrons. Another Patreon exclusive is Rob hosting and moderating weekly support groups on discord! Take gentle care! 🙏 Sometimes we all need someone to talk to: www.crisistextline.org/ teenlineonline.org/talk-now/ Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member (H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Thank you soooo much for describing my adult son Perfectly. Oh, how he is suffering but afraid to admit there's a disorder going on. I sent this to his grandmother who suffers his antics daily. Thank you for describing this so wonderfully easy to get.
de marullo i’m so glad the video helped! I know it can be so painful and frustrating for our loved ones to watch us go through these self-destructive cycles and behavior. I will have a video coming out soon talks about what to do if people are in denial or not willing to get help. I hope my videos help and that you will continue to stop back by and learn more with me :-)
Thank you so much for this. Loving someone with bipolar disorder is not easy. But if they see themselves in you I think they can trust that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve been praying for an answer 💝 a lot of people quit and abandon them. It’s important that they have people show compassion and unconditional love. So hard when you really get nothing out of it or you have no ties. But they need me (you). I ask that God gives me the strength to be a good friend as God has commanded us to. Faith really helps him I hope it helps some of you too! God bless!
thank you brother. i am from saudi diagnose with Bipolar 1 and whatever you are saying is just me. in here very little knows about bipolar cus its a shame to go to a psychiatric and i have hard time dealing with that. you are my family who talks about my problems and yet im 40 and never married nor have any life. depression is killing me and i am always alone at my apartment. i only wish find a better with medication of aripirazole and fluoxtine. i cant find better life than living my dreams of being a hero or the saver to the world yet i know its not real. i lost most of my friends because of my aggressive words and attitude. everyone is running from me ....me driving is the worst that could happen to guys driving next to me i took other medicines and it was terrible those i have now hope make a change in my life. thank you for making the video. i wait for any video you guys post. take care,
Awww. I'm very moved by your story. I'm sorry your in a rough spot. I hope there is a doctor or therapist you can reach out too. Please don't suffer in silence. Take gentle care friend. 🙏🙏 - Rob For additional content consider joining us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
This is 100% my reality ❤ Thank you for letting me know that this is infact the harsh reality of where I've gotten myself. It's such a relief hearing someone else say this because I now know that this isn't just me, or a dark spiral where I'm feeling disconnected from myself and the people around. Hearing the cycle from beginning to end and back again helps so I can see a timeline of where I am when trying to pull out and where I just need to stop and try again. It's hard to brainstorm what to do when researching can lead down some ridiculous rabbit holes, like that one time I went online to get directions and ended up "volunteering hours of "research" that had me initially believing that I pinpointed the origin of COVID-19🤦🏾 This was extremely helpful, thank you again!😂
Thank you , I would love to see a video on the types of boundaries a loved one can set when a person has a dual diagnosis. Thank you for all the videos you’ve put up , it has helped me understand this illness better .
I might as well have been telling my story. Literally word for word, right down to my comparative circumstance. So good knowing I am not alone. As I write this I am on the tailend of a severe cycle, maybe the worst to date. Your videos have helped me tremendously. Thank you for what you do.
You are so good at speaking and conveying your experiences. I'm sure you're helping masses. I truly hope it is helping you as well. Much love and respect my friend.
Wow - thanks so much Nick! I guess I consider myself more of a Coach. I might go back to school and take some psychology classes when I get more time. This is the most rewarding thing I've ever done. Maybe think about starting a channel to document your journey. We need more people talking about this. Hope you are doing well this week Nick =) -Rob
I'm so glad you found Rob's channel!In case you are interested Rob offers one on one support on Patreon and he has a support group for patrons only on discord. Would love to have you there! Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Thanks from Madrid! Amazingly didactic and encouraging video! Nowdays I only drink beer or wine but I must reduce consumption anyway and your video is gonna give me a push in that direction. Congratulations on all you are doing!
Bravo.......you are better than most doktors. Thanks for your input. Im a mom and has a son with addiction. I now can relate why he started drugs as early as grade 6. He is now 27 yrs old and in his 7th rehab. Only now they discovered his mental disorder. We all pray that this break through can now gide us to help him better. You are a star. God bless.
“It’s not like I set out on a mission to fuck up my life” No truer words were ever spoken. I just wish people would understand that. Thanks for this channel.
You explain everything very truthful and percise. I suffer from bipolar with manic episodes and depression. On a shot now but feeling the depression side of things right now thank you for your advice I'm seeking more help threw my support group and just striving to get better to get back to enjoying what I love doing.
SantiProjects thank you so much for the kind words! It feels amazing to help other people not struggle quite so much. I hope you will continue to stop back by and learn more with me :-)
Dude. You are amazing. 😢 I'm 45 and homeless because of my emotions. I'm investigating everything and you are the absolute best. Thank you for the answers and a direction to start with. I see a bit of hope in my future.
Hey brother! Thank you so much for the kind words. I’m so sorry to hear that you haven’t found a home base. This will not be your reality forever! You will get through this. I hope you continue to stop by the channel. Take extra good care of yourself! -Rob
Aliyah Roane I know it feels really good when you finally hear someone else share the same experience. I felt so alone until I heard that I wasn’t the only one who lives like this. I really hope my videos are helping and a very warm welcome to my channel. Stop back by anytime :-)
Polar Warriors you are a sweetheart and you showed me I should tell my doctor's the truth and why my medication wasn't working this month makes one year since I stopped taking pain medications for pleasure but I still smoke weed and I'm going to tell my doctor the truth you help me a lot just to know somebody knows how it feels
Aliyah Roane i’m so glad! I had a huge struggle with pain medications, and I still utilize cannabis as an emergency medication when I am getting close to psychosis. I think it is so wonderful that you are feeling comfortable talking to your doctor about all of that. I’m so glad! You are definitely on a good path. Please keep me posted on how everything goes. I care a lot about everyone on my channel :-)
@@PolarWarriors I'm doing a lot better at handling things without drugs that was my way to get through life but that ain't me now I'm working and that helps a lot some days are better then others thanks for your concerns cause my family don't believe in a lot of stuff so they look at me like a weak link but I'm getting stronger more and more every day 💪 thanks GOD!!
Rob, I just want to say you’re not only saving lives but you’re you’re saving the quality of lives and communities and it almost makes me wanna cry but there’s so much about how to help yourselves and educate others and help others help you that needs to be done and you’re doing it. Most videos are 10 signs or five signs of this or that and Really getting into things like self medicating and a lot of the other stuff it’s helping me revisit this after 30 years of having this and after seeing your channel, maybe even five years ago, I’m learning new stuff. This is really post lately. I just know I’m taking my meds but coffee or energy drinks and then I crashed for several days like I can’t even tell what is mystuff and what isn’t you know it just lately I’ve been caught. I’ve been caught in something and nothing really helping and I’m only surviving because as too much older parents can help housing and helping with the little bit. It’s wasting your life and getting bored I need to snap out of whatever I can’t even talk anyways I just wanted to say thank you thank you
PW - Your videos are so incredible and helpful. I wish more people cared enough to watch and learn and be a support system to those of us who have this illness. Even though I'm 66 years old and have lived with extreme psychosis and mania and suicidal depression most of my life before being diagnosed and treated, other than a fabulous Dr. and Psychologist, my life has been filled with people who have done nothing to educate themselves and find it easier and somehow more satisfying to simply hurl incredibly hurtful comments about my illness than to learn about it. I KNOW that if they would have watched even ONE of your videos much of their hateful cruelty and ignorance would disappear. Your videos are so professional and you are a wealth of information in addition to presenting a calm and rational face that people can listen and respond to while at the same time leaving no doubt whatsoever that you personally know of what you speak. I am doing everything I can to share your videos with people I know hoping to spare even one person the degree of hell that it can sometimes be. I wish I'd found your videos sooner but I watch them all now and am still learning so much from you that is helpful after all these years. Thank you so much for giving of yourself and your wisdom!!! You are a class act!!!
I have to say you hit the nail on the head. I didn’t realize that I was doing these things but now that I have seen this it makes sense. I showed this to my wife and she understands now. I just need to get my dr and everything else in place so I can move forward. Thank you, you don’t know how much this helped me.
I did a lot of it, caffeine, alcohol and drugs. I quit everything a month ago. I tried to quit the caffeine first, at one moment the drugs, didn't work, then the alcohol, didn't work either. Alcohol is a huge stimulus for me to take drugs. So now I made the decision to quit everything. It's relatively going well. Thanks for the video and to other people: keep strong, you can do it, you deserve it.
You are phenomenal and hit everything head on! I went off of my meds a little over two years ago. I had been sober for almost eleven years while on meds. After I decided to take myself off of my meds, within 9 months I was a heavy drinker again and I was spiraling out of control and making horrible decisions. Due to my behavior, I decided it was time to put myself back on meds. I started up about three weeks ago and haven't had any urges to drink for the past ten days. Meds if prescribed correctly certainly do help one refrain from alcohol and/or drugs. They take the edge off and help us feel level again.
Thank you for sharing your truth with others, helping them to find their power again over their lives. Slapping a bandage on something is not a cure, going deep into your family history, generational abuse stored in your DNA. Digging deep, doing the work, healing yourself with self love. Thank you for helping so many by sharing your experiences. Keep going.. 🙏💕❤
These videos have been a Godsend. I don't watch them all the time but today and recently I've been ruminating over past, frustrated with present, and fearful over future. This channel is like a safe space in the wilderness and lonliness of bipolar.
I'm so glad you've found Polar Warriors to be such a safe space and a God send to you. We appreciate your comment. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us and for taking the time to watch Rob's videos. If you'd like to help support Rob in what he does with Polar Warriors I'd encourage you to consider joining him on Patreon. He's able to reply to direct messages through that platform, posts exclusive content there and there's also a wonderful little support community in the community section. I'll include the link so you can check it out. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your week! :) -Rachel (Polar Warriors team member) www.Patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Thank you again for ALL of your work and videos! You'll never know how much your helping me! I feel safe here. I'm not judged as I'm trying to navigate thru this reality of mine. You've given me courage to get real help ❤
I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder about 2 months ago and have suffered with drug addiction for at least 10 years. Thank you for insight its much appreciated.
your videos are really helpful! my friend of 28 years just killed himself and we're now piecing it together that he was bipolar and loved the mania so much that he wouldn't get help. your videos are the closest I've gotten to understanding how ill be was and that it wasn't just drug addiction. thank you for sharing your knowledge on this channel!
Recently my psychiatrist told me that old school phrase "I can't help you If you keep drinking" and today watching this video again made me realize that although my doctor phrase is correct, alcohol (even in little amounts) is part of how I (wrongly) cope with things. Making it short : I am looking for another psychiatrist who might give me more help from a different perspective.
Thank you! I needed to hear this from a different perspective. My dad is a bipolar depressive and alcoholic. I've been really angry with him chosing alcohol over me and my brother.
Man. I'm glad I found this video. I only now found out that I have bipolar disorder, and likely have had it since I was 16 (I'm 40 now). Alcohol was my go to cure all because it helped me feel better fast. It was quick, cheap, and easy. So I've been dealing with that AND a recent bipolar and general anxiety diagnosis. This "perfect storm" almost cost me my marriage. Researching, getting help, going through treatment, etc has helped both my wife and I identify the monster, so to speak, and knowing it makes it easier to defeat.
Love your videos, helps me understand myself more and more every time I watch, also has opened my eyes to others around me and how I can talk and help them. Thank You!!!
I went too depressed to drink ,but when hypo manic used to try drown the escalating out of controlness. When I was eventually told of my diagnosis (after 24 years).It led me to see a reason why I was abusing and for years,dependent on , alcohol and, later weed,and one day at a time I've not touched drink for 3 years and weed for nearly six months. Your videos are really good,and you seem like a lovely person.Thankyou.
Stephanie Poleson i’m so glad you enjoyed the video! I definitely struggled with dual diagnosis for many years. I’m glad you are searching for answers and watching videos. Stop back by anytime :-)
Good video, as a person studying to be a clinical mental health counselor, you are well spoken and the video was right on the money. It was structured very well, good for you, congrats on trying to help others. We need more of this.
Thanks again Rob for this vid on substances. For years starting at 13 I was self medicating with alcohol to escape a dysfunctional family and to deal with anxiety and depression that I couldn’t understand until one day in my early 20’s everything came crashing down. Anxiety and depression wasn’t being calmed with alcohol and I had a huge panic attack while driving and had to pull over and lay down for an hour before getting it together. I made an appointment with my Dr the next day and he told me to stop drinking, while also finding I had a sugar issue and put me on a Benzo which greatly helped. I’m so much better today on minimal meds and never want to be in that place I was in again! Thanks for the refresher course!
Hi there, I wanted to say thank you for what you do. Although not diagnosed bipolar, I am diagnosed with major depressive disorder and over the years, due to some substance abuse problems in trying to self-medicate, have experienced many of the same issues. Your videos are helpful and comforting in the fact that I am not alone in these issues. Thanks again and keep doing what you're doing bud!
Ive been lost and felt not understood and confused until now. Im crying. Your videos have hit me hard and made me want to help myself more. Thank you so soooo much. Youve helped me to understand so much. :(
Good to watch thank you for everything you do. ,yes I had problems with alcohol , smoking , I haven’t had a drink now for over three years , and yes I try to do everything at once ,, diet , quitting smoking , caffeine,, I just love your channel a big thank you x
this to me is seeing you at your sweetness most. if that makes any sense. it takes forever to shake it BUT when you get rid of the people triggers it gets easier. you speak the truth and you are so real
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Please don’t stop making these kinds of educational videos. It’s hard to think of what to say when your family or partner doesn’t understand your illness. It helps to have these to reference and link. Because we’re all just struggling to survive. I appreciate these so much and feel much less frustrated and alone after watching them.
Thank you ! It is so difficult to find help especially during this covid situation! Our family has gone through hell this year and continue sadly. Your videos have helped me better understand my son's issues and behaviors. Before your videos I knew nothing but a diagnosis with no direction to go from there. I felt helpless and still do but not so alone a big THANK YOU!
as a teen who was recently just put in the ward and diagnosed bipolar after a manic episode plus psychosis from days w/o sleep trying to get work done using caffeine and weed to self medicate bc i was only on adhd meds at the time thank you for making this definitely the most informational and helpful video i have found on my recently found mental illnesses
I'm so glad you found Rob's channel! In case you are interested Rob offers one on one support on Patreon and he has a weekly support group for patrons only on discord. Would love to have you there! Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Wow. I’m 42 years old and was just diagnosed with bipolar. Spent the last 9 years in a 12 step program with moderate success, and some setbacks. You just described my life. Really enjoying your videos. Thank you.
My dad and I had a very complicated relationship. He caught cancer and fought for two years and then passed away six months ago. In short I’m all kinds of fucked up… honestly it’s multiple things compounding causing new problems mentally. Nobody knows however I’m starting to breakout crying uncontrollably and I can’t do this anymore. The world and my own world is broken so it’s just too much. My pride has prevented me from getting professional help because I dealt with any kind on my own. I’m ashamed this isn’t who I am. In the end it’s order out of chaos a final gift from my father.
Hey there behala! Rob is available on patreon. You can message him, text or even have a call with him there. He's doing free support calls for patreons this holiday season. I think you may benefit from that. Take gentle care. Sometimes we all need someone to talk to: www.crisistextline.org/ teenlineonline.org/talk-now/ Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member (H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds On Patreon, you can message Rob directly, get a phone/video call, watch videos that are more personal in nature, and access a great community. www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
God bless you! You are encouraging, thorough and very well organized in your approach to videos. The length of each is short enough to make it easy for anyone to watch and not take hours of time like some you- tube videos do. As a nurse, a person that has suffered from depression and lived with my husband that discovered and struggled with bipolar during our 26 years together, I can relate to all of this and am so grateful for all those this will help! It may even help some doctors understand better because only those who have experienced an illness this complex and life altering and distressing could really explain this in a relatable way like you do! I have enjoyed working as a case manager in the community with people dealing with behavioral health issues and this info would have given me better insight for sure! I also hope it inspires those others with different mental health issues to consider an educational approach to doing videos about their illness, because this is like you said almost up there with meds in helping treat an illness. The right information can save you years of floundering and also for loved ones decrease the confusion and even save the relationship. It may be hard to do these at times but Thank You!❤️
Robert is one excellent Orator.. The way he explains some of his own experience is really amazing and I can literally understand why someone i know behave so adamantly.. 🙂👍
Hey there ! Rob is available on patreon. You can message him, text or even have a call with him there. He is offering free support phone calls for all patrons right now. I think you may benefit from that. Take gentle care. Sometimes we all need someone to talk to: www.crisistextline.org/ teenlineonline.org/talk-now/ Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member (H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds On Patreon, you can message Rob directly, get a phone/video call, watch videos that are more personal in nature, and access a great community. www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Your awesome and your verbiage and communication is super 👌 I hate to say you having bipolar is a blessing for so many people the way you educate because of personal knowledge.
I've re-watched this one so many times. I can even say that this is the best UA-cam channel I have ever discovered. (When I'm not in a different state playing games or trying to enjoy comedy)! Thank you once again xxxx
Hey there ! Rob is available on patreon. You can message him, text or even have a call with him there. For a very limited time he is offering free support phone calls for all patrons right now in which he can lend an ear, give advice or answer questions. Take gentle care. Sometimes we all need someone to talk to: www.crisistextline.org/ teenlineonline.org/talk-now/ Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member (H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds On Patreon, you can message Rob directly, get a phone/video call, watch videos that are more personal in nature, and access a great community. www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
I’m so grateful to find this channel. Lifesaving for me. For years I’ve suffered from so many symptoms that I had no idea what it was. I am a survivor of sexual and physical abuse from my stepfather. My mom is a full on narsissist, that believes mental illness is weakness and self controlled. I suppressed the abuse for years and was successful, but not scott free. I suffered depression and extreme outbursts to a small problem and I felt guilty and ashamed. I never related anything to the trauma I suppressed. I’ve experienced manic episodes and didn’t realize that they were. I just thought I’m hyper and a drama queen. Fast forward to the last two years of all those suppressed memories coming in layers. I’ve destroyed relationships by doing extreme things while manic and I had no explanation. I became so depressed that I attempted suicide for the third time, and was taken to psychiatric hospital for awhile. I was diagnosed with Bipolar 1. I was both afraid and relieved to have an actual name for all the fuckery that was my life. I’m still not regulated with meds, those side effects are hell. I have been reading articles and watching videos. Then I found this channel and Rob, I cannot express how thankful I am for you doing this. Thank you so much!! You are changing and saving lives.
I must agree I've had same battle with myself for long time and now I have smoking left what I am trying to quit and like this kind of motivational speeches 👍
I haven’t received a diagnosis, but it’s in my family history and I have displayed symptoms of BPD for years now, have horrible trauma from my childhood and adolescences, and I’ve literally been terrified of acknowledging, addressing, announcing that something is wrong and I don’t have all of the answers, and embarrassed to ask for help for fear of demonization. My girlfriend and I have had a toxic relationship for almost 5 years and I want to get better and get help for her and our daughter most importantly. You give me hope and normalize what we’ve always thought to be taboo. Thank you.
You have given me answers no health professional can give me. I have searched and searched and asked and asked and only until I found your channel do I finally have a grip on this. I can’t thank you enough.🌸💖🌹❤️🌷💞🌺🌞
I'm giving this one a thumbs down. Not because I don't agree with it; it's me looking in a mirror. It's because it was so truthfully confronting. Thanks for that my friend.
Thank you Robert for doing these videos you're doing the world such a great service, you really need to be recognised internationally for this (I'm Australian 🇦🇺) My mother, my daughter and myself all have bipolar disorder (strangely enough we also all have blood type A (RH- neg) as well. When we drink we experience a blackout .. We can't remember anything from the night before !! Has anyone else ever experienced this ? God bless you all 🙏🏻💔
Hey Lisa, I've only just seen the video, and noticed your comment...I am bipolar and My Blood Type is AB-negative...I also have M.S, but that's another story !
"That's what self medicating is, it's people suffering, not knowing why, and just trying to make it stop"
Hit me right in the chest
I truly appreciate your kind words! It means a lot to know that my videos resonate with you and provide some understanding. Your journey is important, and I'm honored to be a part of it.
-Rob
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Just found you!
Literally cried. That’s how I felt
When I struggled with active addiction while struggling with bipolar disorder I ruined my whole life and relationships with everybody around me. Getting sober and managing my bipolar helped me so much. I’m still trying to repair relationships I messed up.
Same here. But only try to be with nice peoples not going to continue toxic relations
My ex girlfriend as of 2 days ago is BPD and a severe alcoholic. She drinks 1 bottle of champagne per day, 7 bottles a week. Before i met her, she cheated on her husband years ago, i still dont understand the story. Then she told me she as BP and i thought nothing of it because i can handle peoples tempers very well. Then recently she started exploding in impulsively and going on in middle of night. She ruined her entire family, her kids love her and when i see her so emotionally unavailable for them and myself, i told myzelf i had to leave. Enough is enough, i cant help her, and i have tried. I pray for her and people like yourself.
Hope you are doing well. I’m in the same boat. 1 day sober
Same thing here.
@@MidwestBoxin alcohol addiction can get out of control so quickly I ended up with alcohol poisoning.
The anxiety of being around people was excruciating but after a few beers look out I was the life of the party. I drank and did drugs like a mad man and everyone thought I was just a party animal. I was hurting and had to soothe it
I relate with this hard
I'd like to mention gambling addiction. After I stopped drinking, I started gambling hardcore. It took me down so hard and fast it was unbelievable! Talk about chasing a feeling... the money aspect and constant adrenaline, coupled with the anxiety of the chase, kept me in a perpetual mixed state. A very uncomfortable existence! I just passed eight years without placing a bet. Yay! Thank you so much for being here.
Thank you so much for your comment Melissa!!!!
I really feel less lonely thank you
tara gorby i’m so glad! A very warm welcome to my channel :-)
Polar Warriors omg! You actually replied! You have no idea how much i relate to your vids! Im actually cyclothymic and struggle with mania a lot. This means a lot to me!
tara gorby it’s my pleasure! I have actually managed to respond to every comment on my channel so far. I think there are only a few that I haven’t. Literally thousands LOL. It takes quite a bit of time, but I enjoy developing relationships with people and helping others. As the channel grows, I’m going to try and find a way to do this full-time so I can continue to respond to everyone. Right now it is just a very time-consuming hobby LOL. If you ever have any questions, I will always do my best to help😊😊
:)
Good video!
You are helping me so much through one of the toughest points of my life I can't thank you enough
Poncho i’m so glad I can help, and I’m sorry you are struggling right now. A very warm welcome to my channel. It makes me feel so good when people let me know that what I’m doing is helping. Definitely motivates me to keep making videos 😊😊😊
How are you now?
"It's not like I went on a mission to fuck up my life, I just didn't want to hurt anymore"
That's almost my thought exactly every time I take the Valium or drink, I hate this. I want to quit Valium so badly but every time I try, I always relapse within 14 days. My whole mind and body feels like I'm actually dying now that I'm physically addicted. My dr is helping me though. Thank you so much for your videos and allowing comments so we can just get it out and talk with each other
How are you doing now? It must be extremely hard to get off benzos. I know what GABA withdrawal feels like, and other withdrawals. How are you keeping up? You got this.
I JUST didn't want to hurt anymore. That's the core of the truth of it right there. 😢
Oh God this was a huge part of my bipolar story. I was severely addicted to heroin and meth when I was untreated/undiagnosed bipolar 1. Meth ripped me out of depression and heroin calmed me down when I was manic. I lost so much weight that you could see my ribs, I was experiencing severe withdrawals when I couldn't get heroin, I was smoking meth everyday, and worst of all, meth threw me into severe manic psychosis. I was only addicted for 10.5 months and it completely destroyed my life and my psyche. I'm proud to say that I have 5 months sober now. The bipolar symptoms have calmed down a lot now since I'm on the right meds and I'm completely sober! I feel so much better and stable every day, it's remarkable. I send all of my love to those who are still suffering. Keep doing your best
Im a caregiver andI really appreciate that you take the time to help others understand this illness .... you are saving lives and families,. God bless you and your family,.💓
Jacqueline well said!🌹
Thank you so much for your kind words🤗
Well, after 10 years of dealing with this with my son and after dollars and time for therapist, you explained it all in 1 video. You rock. Thanks.
You give me hope for my 25 year-old son out on the street. I hope he gets a moment of clarity to accept the help we are waiting to give him....
I hope your son has accepted the help you've offered him
Oh my goodness I am going to be praying for him. I don’t know what he’s going through right now, but there are ways to help without. I don’t know. I pray that you get a dual diet so no treatment. I’m just gonna pray for him to have access for dual diagnosis, treatment and spiritual health because I’m I’m guessing some people are very much scared of psychiatric health and it’s really scary when it’s more than depression. I can understand that and also just don’t want to get off their self medication but I’m lifting your son up right now. I really am and I look forward to the news of him getting the right health and coming to you guys and being supported and healed in what he has in Jesus name amen. Hi
Theres not alot out there for the alcoholic/bipolar problem. Thank you for your own personal knowledge and struggles. I believe that God is working thru you to reach me. Your videos may save my life. I barely realized that i am the manic deppressive type from the Big Book itself. Its eye opening and a relief.
You may do well to consider writing a book. You are needed. I would buy it. 🌸💖
I would too...
This video absolutely saved my life today- Thanks Rob. Saturday I ran to the hood and got some Heroin and it lasted thru the next day and now today I really needed to hear every word on that video. Excellent. I got off a really severe hellacious drug binge 10months ago and I'm way stabilized. My psychiatrist has not come close to explaining my bipolar in such clear, concise, down to earth ways. I was a hyped out, drugged out street animal on my last big binge and of course I had no real understanding about any of it. I did that 3 days ago almost so I could stop obsessing and prove to myself that I could do it and sure, it wasn't that good but I knew from hard experience I will never go down that long road to hell again BUT I still had some kind of bipolar withdrawals today and this video helped me calm down- thanks sincerely
I would buy it and read it!!!
I used to drink a fair bit. I've been on Lithium for around three years now and haven't drank for around the same time... Use to use some other drugs as well especially when manic.. Gave up smoking 6 months ago 😀...
yehyeh Does the Lithium help with the depression episodes? I can't seem to get a grip on the depression and the episodes are getting longer and stronger.
Stephanie Russell Hi. I still have episodes of depression. Perhaps not as frequent or long. From what i understand Lithium has a very mild anti depression in it.. I still get a little manic at times too. I think i have a bit of both at times (depression and mania like anxiety really).. This is getting a little long winded lol.... Are you on Lithium? Maybe go see your psychiatrist as i know it's not uncommon to have Lithium as well an an anti depressant to help with the depression if you suffer it. 😊
yehyeh Im not on lithium but if it will help, I'll take it. I'm going to ask my doctor as you suggest. My depression is debilitating. It can last a week at a time and it's ugly. I can hardly hold onto my job. I lost my last job because of this illness. Of course I made excuses with my employer but the truth was the bipolar disease.
yehyeh thank you for your reply. I appreciate it very much 😇
Not a worry😊. Yes best to see your Doc and let them know. Good luck.
PLEASE DON’T STOP MAKING VIDEOS ROB!!
Why?
I am wondering if he and all of us can get together I watch a lot of sites like I know bipolar. Hope there’s living well with schizophrenia. There is there’s some for autism and there’s a lot of crossover for a lot of us with these issues. I think even a lot with chronic fatigue, but I think if there’s a way for us to get together and really carry power in lobbing in the government and in the workplace and then schools Schools allowing us to invest in our education and growth and helping us with job so we don’t get lost in the system and we don’t get accepted and then pay her 30 to 60,000 and then get kicked out when they don’t know what’s wrong with us and we need more than anything to be able to be normal and safe in the world and a lot of that would help at our self medicating like it would show up. You know if you could show up in the world not normal it would help a little bit, but I would just be so much awareness and coming out gender and all of that is coming out. We need to normalize this and we need to have normal lives.
Because the feelings are so scary and intense u just want to dull it down
I found out about bipolar disorder when I quit smoking. It destabilized my mood and I had a hypomanic episode. I didn't even know it was happening until I became so depressed I couldn't stop crying. Thanks for the video
do you still smoke? if you do, do you take medication too? what kind of bipolar do you have? I'm trying to get information, thanks for your help
Me too i consume tobacco which i soon resist to let go 😭😭😭
That’s exactly how mine happened 😐. I was also an alcoholic. I abused cbd priducts as well 😐
I stopped smoking weed and drinking then went into mania and a psychotic episode smh
That's interesting - I went into a full-blown manic episode about a month after I stopped drinking alcohol, and a week after I stopped taking Zoloft for my depression! The first was by choice (booze suddenly didn't taste good, and felt wrong), the second by accident - I thought my teenage son had taken Fentanyl and I went into a fight mode, and forgot about my meds. I went to ER and the psychiatric hospital and was told I was bipolar 1, for the first time. I did a lot of research about bipolar disorder since then and it seems to be a common misdiagnosis: people with bipolar disorder get meds for depression, which can actually make bipolar worse, or bring on a manic episode, or both. What I didn't know is that quitting booze could have an effect on the mania as well, or at least that's what it seems like. Thank you guys for sharing, and Rob, please keep up the great work you're doing for all of us! ❤
It almost like you were put on this earth to help millions.
I am so glad you talked about caffeine.
dianna totally! In the past, I could drink a pot of coffee and sleep just fine. I was self-medicating like crazy. Now that I am sober, I have to be so careful with the timing and amount of caffeine I consume. If I don’t sleep, everything falls apart. So glad you enjoyed the video!
Robert, This is my first introduction to your Polar Warrior videos. Thank you so much. You are a gift , not only to people with bi polar disorder, but to the family and friends that love them. Keep sending the message. You are making a difference!
Glen Ferrier wow - thank you so very much for the kind words Glen! A very warm welcome to my channel and I hope you will continue to stop back by :-)
looking through the comments and seeing multiple people that have gone/are going through the same thing makes me feel so much better and that i’m not alone :( thank you so much
Hi!Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I know this illness can be incredibly hard to navigate. I'd love to offer any support I can... If it interests you, I have a private community where you can message me directly and network with other people who are going through similar struggles. No pressure of course, but it would be great to have you join us. I'm very accessible and happy to answer any questions you have...
Below is a link to my private community on Patreon. It's where you can message me directly and I'll get back to you right away. We can also arrange a phone call if that would be more helpful.
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
-Rob
Thank you for these videos. I was diagnosed at a late age, I'm only 9 months into it, you have helped me so much. I was sober for 7 years, then went into my first manic episode. I thought quitting drinking and using would solve all my problems. It only revealed them.
You are so welcome! In case you are interested Rob offers one on one support on Patreon and he has a support group for patrons only on discord. Would love to have you there!
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Tx Rob. As a person with a late diagnosis of BP and a lifelong addiction to risk, drugs and alcohol this is resonating really with me. I am medicated, not smoking, trying to give up my long term relationship with substances and have started to be kind to myself and my body. I am now studying mental health to better understand my diagnosis and hopefully help others. I am so happy people can talk more openly about these issues today. It is still a daily challenge, but thank you for sharing as I don't feel so alone, ashamed or mad.
I went into an extreme manic state after quitting alcohol last year and was diagnosed with bipolar 1. Still being unwell while working hard on my sobriety can get really discouraging. This really helped me feel less alone
I'm really glad to hear that this video resonated with you. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and it's okay to seek support when you need it. Stay strong!
-Rob
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Very good video!
Any connection with Anorexia too?
thank you so much for this. its been so hard to find proper treatment for bipolar because either the doctors or my family think i'm just a drug addict, or that substance abuse comes before bipolar disorder (for me, it didn't) but this video gives me hope and reassurance that one day everyone will understand. thank you again x100000000 :)
Madison Franks Sad how even Drs don't know what's up..lots for them to learn. I know as a psych nurse this disease is Still misunderstood.
I can imagine hearing that was discouraging/frustrating. I hope things have improved for you now compared to when you posted.
I've had bipolar disorder for 30 years now and you make more sense than anyone I have ever listened too.
I've found myself juggling an addiction to stimulants and depressants. Like you described, stims during the day and downers at night. I quit drinking a little over a year ago, but now I need cannabis even more than before. And now I deal with the consequences of a cocaine addiction to boot.
How u doing now ?
@@thezeropoint7645 admittedly, not much better still no drinking, I've dramatically cut down the cocaine use, but still using it habitualy, and I've been dosing either LSD or mushrooms several times a week.
What a great channel. I am the mom to a 28 year old daughter who struggles with bipolar. She is adopted and my husband and I did not get a health history. So when she became hyper sexual at puberty I thought it was hormones on steroids, so to speak. She was diagnosed bipolar at age 14. That’s a whole ‘nother topic! We are very close and she manages her meds herself and does pretty well. The smartest thing I did was to get her on birth control at age 13. I knew she would have unprotected sex due to hypersexualiity and impulsivity. She never got pregnant and now at age 28 is taking college classes and is optimistic about a career in psychology.
Hi, Rob offers one on one support on Patreon if you are interested. He also posts more personal information about his day to day struggles like his recent hospital stay. For the month of July he is offering free phone calls to patrons. Another Patreon exclusive is Rob hosting and moderating weekly support groups on discord! Take gentle care! 🙏
Sometimes we all need someone to talk to:
www.crisistextline.org/
teenlineonline.org/talk-now/
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
(H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Thank you soooo much for describing my adult son Perfectly.
Oh, how he is suffering but afraid to admit there's a disorder going on. I sent this to his grandmother who suffers his antics daily.
Thank you for describing this so wonderfully easy to get.
de marullo i’m so glad the video helped! I know it can be so painful and frustrating for our loved ones to watch us go through these self-destructive cycles and behavior. I will have a video coming out soon talks about what to do if people are in denial or not willing to get help. I hope my videos help and that you will continue to stop back by and learn more with me :-)
Thank you so much for this. Loving someone with bipolar disorder is not easy. But if they see themselves in you I think they can trust that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve been praying for an answer 💝 a lot of people quit and abandon them. It’s important that they have people show compassion and unconditional love. So hard when you really get nothing out of it or you have no ties. But they need me (you). I ask that God gives me the strength to be a good friend as God has commanded us to. Faith really helps him I hope it helps some of you too! God bless!
Finally. At 58 getting some understanding.
thank you brother. i am from saudi diagnose with Bipolar 1 and whatever you are saying is just me. in here very little knows about bipolar cus its a shame to go to a psychiatric and i have hard time dealing with that. you are my family who talks about my problems and yet im 40 and never married nor have any life. depression is killing me and i am always alone at my apartment. i only wish find a better with medication of aripirazole and fluoxtine.
i cant find better life than living my dreams of being a hero or the saver to the world yet i know its not real. i lost most of my friends because of my aggressive words and attitude. everyone is running from me ....me driving is the worst that could happen to guys driving next to me
i took other medicines and it was terrible those i have now hope make a change in my life. thank you for making the video. i wait for any video you guys post. take care,
Awww. I'm very moved by your story. I'm sorry your in a rough spot. I hope there is a doctor or therapist you can reach out too. Please don't suffer in silence. Take gentle care friend. 🙏🙏
- Rob
For additional content consider joining us on Patreon!
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Polar Warriors thank you so much. I am doing my best and i am not afraid to go to doctors anymore. I am much much better and i feel good
Medications working?
Thank you for saying tell the doctor the truth I feel so embarrassed when they ask addiction comes from pain
This is 100% my reality ❤
Thank you for letting me know that this is infact the harsh reality of where I've gotten myself. It's such a relief hearing someone else say this because I now know that this isn't just me, or a dark spiral where I'm feeling disconnected from myself and the people around. Hearing the cycle from beginning to end and back again helps so I can see a timeline of where I am when trying to pull out and where I just need to stop and try again. It's hard to brainstorm what to do when researching can lead down some ridiculous rabbit holes, like that one time I went online to get directions and ended up "volunteering hours of "research" that had me initially believing that I pinpointed the origin of COVID-19🤦🏾
This was extremely helpful, thank you again!😂
Thank you , I would love to see a video on the types of boundaries a loved one can set when a person has a dual diagnosis. Thank you for all the videos you’ve put up , it has helped me understand this illness better .
I might as well have been telling my story.
Literally word for word, right down to my comparative circumstance.
So good knowing I am not alone. As I write this I am on the tailend of a severe cycle, maybe the worst to date. Your videos have helped me tremendously.
Thank you for what you do.
You are so good at speaking and conveying your experiences. I'm sure you're helping masses. I truly hope it is helping you as well. Much love and respect my friend.
You don't understand (or maybe you do actually) how helpful you have been to me. You need to be a counselor, hands down.
Wow - thanks so much Nick! I guess I consider myself more of a Coach. I might go back to school and take some psychology classes when I get more time. This is the most rewarding thing I've ever done. Maybe think about starting a channel to document your journey. We need more people talking about this. Hope you are doing well this week Nick =)
-Rob
Ive just been diagnosed with type2 and your videos have been extremely helpful while trying to process this
I'm so glad you found Rob's channel!In case you are interested Rob offers one on one support on Patreon and he has a support group for patrons only on discord. Would love to have you there!
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Thanks from Madrid! Amazingly didactic and encouraging video! Nowdays I only drink beer or wine but I must reduce consumption anyway and your video is gonna give me a push in that direction. Congratulations on all you are doing!
Bravo.......you are better than most doktors. Thanks for your input. Im a mom and has a son with addiction. I now can relate why he started drugs as early as grade 6. He is now 27 yrs old and in his 7th rehab. Only now they discovered his mental disorder. We all pray that this break through can now gide us to help him better. You are a star. God bless.
I hope your son is doing well.
“It’s not like I set out on a mission to fuck up my life”
No truer words were ever spoken. I just wish people would understand that.
Thanks for this channel.
You explain everything very truthful and percise. I suffer from bipolar with manic episodes and depression. On a shot now but feeling the depression side of things right now thank you for your advice I'm seeking more help threw my support group and just striving to get better to get back to enjoying what I love doing.
Ghetto Cowboy i’m so glad you enjoyed the videos and you are most welcome. Stop back by my channel anytime :-)
Thanks a lot for your videos! I just found your channel, please keep doing what you are doing!!
SantiProjects thank you so much for the kind words! It feels amazing to help other people not struggle quite so much. I hope you will continue to stop back by and learn more with me :-)
Dude. You are amazing. 😢 I'm 45 and homeless because of my emotions. I'm investigating everything and you are the absolute best. Thank you for the answers and a direction to start with. I see a bit of hope in my future.
Hey brother! Thank you so much for the kind words. I’m so sorry to hear that you haven’t found a home base. This will not be your reality forever! You will get through this. I hope you continue to stop by the channel. Take extra good care of yourself!
-Rob
You just said everything I went through
Aliyah Roane I know it feels really good when you finally hear someone else share the same experience. I felt so alone until I heard that I wasn’t the only one who lives like this. I really hope my videos are helping and a very warm welcome to my channel. Stop back by anytime :-)
Polar Warriors you are a sweetheart and you showed me I should tell my doctor's the truth and why my medication wasn't working this month makes one year since I stopped taking pain medications for pleasure but I still smoke weed and I'm going to tell my doctor the truth you help me a lot just to know somebody knows how it feels
Aliyah Roane i’m so glad! I had a huge struggle with pain medications, and I still utilize cannabis as an emergency medication when I am getting close to psychosis. I think it is so wonderful that you are feeling comfortable talking to your doctor about all of that. I’m so glad! You are definitely on a good path. Please keep me posted on how everything goes. I care a lot about everyone on my channel :-)
Same back and forth
So miserable.
It is a vicious circle
One day at a time warriors.
Robert's honesty is saving lives for sure.
@@PolarWarriors I'm doing a lot better at handling things without drugs that was my way to get through life but that ain't me now I'm working and that helps a lot some days are better then others thanks for your concerns cause my family don't believe in a lot of stuff so they look at me like a weak link but I'm getting stronger more and more every day 💪 thanks GOD!!
Rob, I just want to say you’re not only saving lives but you’re you’re saving the quality of lives and communities and it almost makes me wanna cry but there’s so much about how to help yourselves and educate others and help others help you that needs to be done and you’re doing it. Most videos are 10 signs or five signs of this or that and Really getting into things like self medicating and a lot of the other stuff it’s helping me revisit this after 30 years of having this and after seeing your channel, maybe even five years ago, I’m learning new stuff. This is really post lately. I just know I’m taking my meds but coffee or energy drinks and then I crashed for several days like I can’t even tell what is mystuff and what isn’t you know it just lately I’ve been caught. I’ve been caught in something and nothing really helping and I’m only surviving because as too much older parents can help housing and helping with the little bit. It’s wasting your life and getting bored I need to snap out of whatever I can’t even talk anyways I just wanted to say thank you thank you
Hey, thank you so much for the heartfelt message. I'm here to help however I can. Keep watching and learning!
-Rob
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
PW - Your videos are so incredible and helpful. I wish more people cared enough to watch and learn and be a support system to those of us who have this illness. Even though I'm 66 years old and have lived with extreme psychosis and mania and suicidal depression most of my life before being diagnosed and treated, other than a fabulous Dr. and Psychologist, my life has been filled with people who have done nothing to educate themselves and find it easier and somehow more satisfying to simply hurl incredibly hurtful comments about my illness than to learn about it. I KNOW that if they would have watched even ONE of your videos much of their hateful cruelty and ignorance would disappear. Your videos are so professional and you are a wealth of information in addition to presenting a calm and rational face that people can listen and respond to while at the same time leaving no doubt whatsoever that you personally know of what you speak. I am doing everything I can to share your videos with people I know hoping to spare even one person the degree of hell that it can sometimes be. I wish I'd found your videos sooner but I watch them all now and am still learning so much from you that is helpful after all these years. Thank you so much for giving of yourself and your wisdom!!! You are a class act!!!
I have to say you hit the nail on the head. I didn’t realize that I was doing these things but now that I have seen this it makes sense. I showed this to my wife and she understands now. I just need to get my dr and everything else in place so I can move forward. Thank you, you don’t know how much this helped me.
I did a lot of it, caffeine, alcohol and drugs. I quit everything a month ago. I tried to quit the caffeine first, at one moment the drugs, didn't work, then the alcohol, didn't work either. Alcohol is a huge stimulus for me to take drugs. So now I made the decision to quit everything. It's relatively going well. Thanks for the video and to other people: keep strong, you can do it, you deserve it.
You are phenomenal and hit everything head on! I went off of my meds a little over two years ago. I had been sober for almost eleven years while on meds. After I decided to take myself off of my meds, within 9 months I was a heavy drinker again and I was spiraling out of control and making horrible decisions. Due to my behavior, I decided it was time to put myself back on meds. I started up about three weeks ago and haven't had any urges to drink for the past ten days. Meds if prescribed correctly certainly do help one refrain from alcohol and/or drugs. They take the edge off and help us feel level again.
knocked it out the park mate. a lot of gold within this for anyone else mining for info.
Thank you for sharing your truth with others, helping them to find their power again over their lives. Slapping a bandage on something is not a cure, going deep into your family history, generational abuse stored in your DNA. Digging deep, doing the work, healing yourself with self love. Thank you for helping so many by sharing your experiences. Keep going.. 🙏💕❤
These videos have been a Godsend. I don't watch them all the time but today and recently I've been ruminating over past, frustrated with present, and fearful over future. This channel is like a safe space in the wilderness and lonliness of bipolar.
I'm so glad you've found Polar Warriors to be such a safe space and a God send to you. We appreciate your comment. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us and for taking the time to watch Rob's videos. If you'd like to help support Rob in what he does with Polar Warriors I'd encourage you to consider joining him on Patreon. He's able to reply to direct messages through that platform, posts exclusive content there and there's also a wonderful little support community in the community section. I'll include the link so you can check it out. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your week! :) -Rachel (Polar Warriors team member)
www.Patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Thank you again for ALL of your work and videos! You'll never know how much your helping me! I feel safe here. I'm not judged as I'm trying to navigate thru this reality of mine. You've given me courage to get real help ❤
I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder about 2 months ago and have suffered with drug addiction for at least 10 years. Thank you for insight its much appreciated.
Most of us who have Bi polar are on strong meds.Drugs and Alcohol only makes things worse in the long term.
David Jones absolutely! It took me years to learn that lesson the hard way.
What about tobacco I'm finding it hard to let go
your videos are really helpful! my friend of 28 years just killed himself and we're now piecing it together that he was bipolar and loved the mania so much that he wouldn't get help. your videos are the closest I've gotten to understanding how ill be was and that it wasn't just drug addiction. thank you for sharing your knowledge on this channel!
I'm so sorry for your loss 🙏
Recently my psychiatrist told me that old school phrase "I can't help you If you keep drinking" and today watching this video again made me realize that although my doctor phrase is correct, alcohol (even in little amounts) is part of how I (wrongly) cope with things. Making it short : I am looking for another psychiatrist who might give me more help from a different perspective.
I'm so addicted to weed. I spent a ridiculous amount of money on it. I'm quitting....again.
I abused opiates! I finally got relief from taking vraylar. I enjoy your videos. The vraylar has taken most of the depression and fatigue away.
Thank you! I needed to hear this from a different perspective. My dad is a bipolar depressive and alcoholic. I've been really angry with him chosing alcohol over me and my brother.
Man. I'm glad I found this video. I only now found out that I have bipolar disorder, and likely have had it since I was 16 (I'm 40 now). Alcohol was my go to cure all because it helped me feel better fast. It was quick, cheap, and easy. So I've been dealing with that AND a recent bipolar and general anxiety diagnosis. This "perfect storm" almost cost me my marriage. Researching, getting help, going through treatment, etc has helped both my wife and I identify the monster, so to speak, and knowing it makes it easier to defeat.
Thank you so much for sharing that with us! 🙏
Love your videos, helps me understand myself more and more every time I watch, also has opened my eyes to others around me and how I can talk and help them. Thank You!!!
I went too depressed to drink ,but when hypo manic used to try drown the escalating out of controlness.
When I was eventually told of my diagnosis (after 24 years).It led me to see a reason why I was abusing and for years,dependent on ,
alcohol and, later weed,and one day at a time I've not touched drink for 3 years and weed for nearly six months.
Your videos are really good,and you seem like a lovely person.Thankyou.
Great video, and thanks for taking the time to produce it. You are describing my dual diagnosis situation to a T!
Stephanie Poleson i’m so glad you enjoyed the video! I definitely struggled with dual diagnosis for many years. I’m glad you are searching for answers and watching videos. Stop back by anytime :-)
I'm right here with you. We can do this. Much love to you and anyone who can relate.
A genuine common sense discussion. I am going, right now, to show this to my unfortunate friend.
Thanks for sharing! I appreciate you thinking of your friend-hopefully, this helps spark some good conversations!
-Rob
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Good video, as a person studying to be a clinical mental health counselor, you are well spoken and the video was right on the money. It was structured very well, good for you, congrats on trying to help others. We need more of this.
Thanks so much for the kind words!!!!
-Rob
Thanks again Rob for this vid on substances. For years starting at 13 I was self medicating with alcohol to escape a dysfunctional family and to deal with anxiety and depression that I couldn’t understand until one day in my early 20’s everything came crashing down. Anxiety and depression wasn’t being calmed with alcohol and I had a huge panic attack while driving and had to pull over and lay down for an hour before getting it together. I made an appointment with my Dr the next day and he told me to stop drinking, while also finding I had a sugar issue and put me on a Benzo which greatly helped. I’m so much better today on minimal meds and never want to be in that place I was in again! Thanks for the refresher course!
Hi there, I wanted to say thank you for what you do. Although not diagnosed bipolar, I am diagnosed with major depressive disorder and over the years, due to some substance abuse problems in trying to self-medicate, have experienced many of the same issues. Your videos are helpful and comforting in the fact that I am not alone in these issues. Thanks again and keep doing what you're doing bud!
You have me so much more about bi polar than I learned in any therapy session. Thank you again!!!
Thank you for being brave enough to talk about this
So relatable. Thank you
You're so welcome!
I’m grateful for you...you saved my life and are now saving my son❤️
Ive been lost and felt not understood and confused until now. Im crying. Your videos have hit me hard and made me want to help myself more. Thank you so soooo much. Youve helped me to understand so much. :(
Hi MG, I'm so glad you found this community. You are NOT alone friend 🙏
Good to watch thank you for everything you do. ,yes I had problems with alcohol , smoking , I haven’t had a drink now for over three years , and yes I try to do everything at once ,, diet , quitting smoking , caffeine,, I just love your channel a big thank you x
this to me is seeing you at your sweetness most. if that makes any sense.
it takes forever to shake it BUT when you get rid of the people triggers it gets easier.
you speak the truth and you are so real
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Please don’t stop making these kinds of educational videos. It’s hard to think of what to say when your family or partner doesn’t understand your illness. It helps to have these to reference and link. Because we’re all just struggling to survive. I appreciate these so much and feel much less frustrated and alone after watching them.
Thanks for caring, I can relate 100% to your video. If only my two doctors would care as much and understand. VERY frustrating.
Thank you ! It is so difficult to find help especially during this covid situation! Our family has gone through hell this year and continue sadly. Your videos have helped me better understand my son's issues and behaviors. Before your videos I knew nothing but a diagnosis with no direction to go from there. I felt helpless and still do but not so alone a big THANK YOU!
I'm so glad you're a part of the community Mary! Welcome! 🙏
as a teen who was recently just put in the ward and diagnosed bipolar after a manic episode plus psychosis from days w/o sleep trying to get work done using caffeine and weed to self medicate bc i was only on adhd meds at the time thank you for making this definitely the most informational and helpful video i have found on my recently found mental illnesses
I'm so glad you found Rob's channel! In case you are interested Rob offers one on one support on Patreon and he has a weekly support group for patrons only on discord. Would love to have you there!
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
You are doing great work thank you for your time effort and energy putting forth these videos they are helpful
Thank you so much for the kind words! Stop by the channel anytime 🤗🙌
Wow. I’m 42 years old and was just diagnosed with bipolar. Spent the last 9 years in a 12 step program with moderate success, and some setbacks. You just described my life. Really enjoying your videos. Thank you.
My dad and I had a very complicated relationship. He caught cancer and fought for two years and then passed away six months ago. In short I’m all kinds of fucked up… honestly it’s multiple things compounding causing new problems mentally. Nobody knows however I’m starting to breakout crying uncontrollably and I can’t do this anymore. The world and my own world is broken so it’s just too much. My pride has prevented me from getting professional help because I dealt with any kind on my own. I’m ashamed this isn’t who I am. In the end it’s order out of chaos a final gift from my father.
Hey there behala! Rob is available on patreon. You can message him, text or even have a call with him there. He's doing free support calls for patreons this holiday season. I think you may benefit from that. Take gentle care.
Sometimes we all need someone to talk to:
www.crisistextline.org/
teenlineonline.org/talk-now/
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
(H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds
On Patreon, you can message Rob directly, get a phone/video call, watch videos that are more personal in nature, and access a great community.
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
God bless you! You are encouraging, thorough and very well organized in your approach to videos. The length of each is short enough to make it easy for anyone to watch and not take hours of time like some you- tube videos do. As a nurse, a person that has suffered from depression and lived with my husband that discovered and struggled with bipolar during our 26 years together, I can relate to all of this and am so grateful for all those this will help! It may even help some doctors understand better because only those who have experienced an illness this complex and life altering and distressing could really explain this in a relatable way like you do! I have enjoyed working as a case manager in the community with people dealing with behavioral health issues and this info would have given me better insight for sure! I also hope it inspires those others with different mental health issues to consider an educational approach to doing videos about their illness, because this is like you said almost up there with meds in helping treat an illness. The right information can save you years of floundering and also for loved ones decrease the confusion and even save the relationship. It may be hard to do these at times but Thank You!❤️
🙏 thank you for explaining this! Having lived with 3 undiagnosed bi polars.
Robert is one excellent Orator.. The way he explains some of his own experience is really amazing and I can literally understand why someone i know behave so adamantly.. 🙂👍
Hey there ! Rob is available on patreon. You can message him, text or even have a call with him there. He is offering free support phone calls for all patrons right now. I think you may benefit from that. Take gentle care.
Sometimes we all need someone to talk to:
www.crisistextline.org/
teenlineonline.org/talk-now/
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
(H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds
On Patreon, you can message Rob directly, get a phone/video call, watch videos that are more personal in nature, and access a great community.
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
Your awesome and your verbiage and communication is super 👌 I hate to say you having bipolar is a blessing for so many people the way you educate because of personal knowledge.
Thank you very much, this was very useful
Glad it was helpful!
You are such a natural communicator Rob! Fantastic.
I've re-watched this one so many times. I can even say that this is the best UA-cam channel I have ever discovered. (When I'm not in a different state playing games or trying to enjoy comedy)! Thank you once again xxxx
Its like your speaking the words of the thoughts I could never articulate myself.. the veil has been lifted
Hey there ! Rob is available on patreon. You can message him, text or even have a call with him there. For a very limited time he is offering free support phone calls for all patrons right now in which he can lend an ear, give advice or answer questions. Take gentle care.
Sometimes we all need someone to talk to:
www.crisistextline.org/
teenlineonline.org/talk-now/
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
(H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds
On Patreon, you can message Rob directly, get a phone/video call, watch videos that are more personal in nature, and access a great community.
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
I’m so grateful to find this channel. Lifesaving for me. For years I’ve suffered from so many symptoms that I had no idea what it was. I am a survivor of sexual and physical abuse from my stepfather. My mom is a full on narsissist, that believes mental illness is weakness and self controlled. I suppressed the abuse for years and was successful, but not scott free. I suffered depression and extreme outbursts to a small problem and I felt guilty and ashamed. I never related anything to the trauma I suppressed. I’ve experienced manic episodes and didn’t realize that they were. I just thought I’m hyper and a drama queen. Fast forward to the last two years of all those suppressed memories coming in layers. I’ve destroyed relationships by doing extreme things while manic and I had no explanation. I became so depressed that I attempted suicide for the third time, and was taken to psychiatric hospital for awhile. I was diagnosed with Bipolar 1. I was both afraid and relieved to have an actual name for all the fuckery that was my life. I’m still not regulated with meds, those side effects are hell. I have been reading articles and watching videos. Then I found this channel and Rob, I cannot express how thankful I am for you doing this. Thank you so much!! You are changing and saving lives.
The words ‘thank you’ seem too small . From the bottom of my heart .
An enormous and deeply felt … thank you…
Thank YOU! 🙏
I must agree I've had same battle with myself for long time and now I have smoking left what I am trying to quit and like this kind of motivational speeches 👍
I haven’t received a diagnosis, but it’s in my family history and I have displayed symptoms of BPD for years now, have horrible trauma from my childhood and adolescences, and I’ve literally been terrified of acknowledging, addressing, announcing that something is wrong and I don’t have all of the answers, and embarrassed to ask for help for fear of demonization.
My girlfriend and I have had a toxic relationship for almost 5 years and I want to get better and get help for her and our daughter most importantly.
You give me hope and normalize what we’ve always thought to be taboo.
Thank you.
You have given me answers no health professional can give me. I have searched and searched and asked and asked and only until I found your channel do I finally have a grip on this. I can’t thank you enough.🌸💖🌹❤️🌷💞🌺🌞
I'm giving this one a thumbs down. Not because I don't agree with it; it's me looking in a mirror. It's because it was so truthfully confronting. Thanks for that my friend.
Thank you Robert for doing these videos you're doing the world such a great service, you really need to be recognised internationally for this (I'm Australian 🇦🇺) My mother, my daughter and myself all have bipolar disorder (strangely enough we also all have blood type A (RH- neg) as well. When we drink we experience a blackout .. We can't remember anything from the night before !! Has anyone else ever experienced this ? God bless you all 🙏🏻💔
Hey Lisa, I've only just seen the video, and noticed your comment...I am bipolar and My Blood Type is AB-negative...I also have M.S, but that's another story !