I started blogging in March of 2015. That Easter I became ill, after suffering from a Bipolar relapse. It was important for me, at the time to document, what was happening in my life. I wanted to write about Bipolar, but I didn't want it to be a medical blog. Recording my experience with Manic Depression, from a very personal point of view, was a goal, I believe this blog achieved!
Like any blog, my daily routine and experiences were detailed, in many cases, graphically, no holes barred. I wanted people to feel what I was feeling at any given point in time. Whilst writing Bipolarcoaster, I was going through medical treatment and was able to explain to my readers, what the processes involved were. Many people who suffer from any form of mental illness, cope on their own, many more don't even understand just what is happening to them. Bipolarcoaster took readers on a deeply personal journey into my world. Many thousands of people continue to read this blog; I still have emails every day, asking me how I am now and just where has my life taken me.
I was made aware of the reasons behind my relapse, during the production of Bipolarcoaster; A Sociopathic boss, who had planned for the very day I collapsed. They were dark weeks for myself and indeed my partner, Darrell, who worked for Oxfam the same charity I did. He also became a victim of terrible abuse from our mutual employer, colleagues and people he regarded as friends; Bipolcoaster, documents this time in fine detail.
The saving grace was our Wedding on 22 September 2015. For a short while, our troubles are forgotten as we celebrate 20 years together.
Other entries include 'Verruca Almond', a serialisation, based on events and people in my life. Verruca, has a chequered past; she is given an opportunity to become a home help, looking after vulnerable patients. Verruca's past soon surfaces, during her time as my carer, as she teaches me the ways of a Sociopath. Secondly 'Betty's Story' is a fictional account about a secretary, who after years of abuse at work, finally stands up to her boss. Based around the events that led to my relapse, Betty is the heroine I would have liked to have been, had I known of the truth behind my Manager and the charity she worked for!
Both of these short stories, are tongue in cheek reconstructions, of episodes that had occurred or were similar to incidents, that had become commonplace, in my life, or others, who were going through the same traumatic times!
