Keeping My Head and My Home Healthy

My name is Andy. If you know me there is a high probability you've heard me talk about my struggle with bipolar disorder. I have attempted to tackle it on several occasions over the years. There has been success, but every time it becomes overwhelming can be traced by to a lapse in health insurance. I attempted to handle it on my own after Covid interrupted my care. The last few months of episodes finally became too frequent and too intense. I am very lucky for many things, but one of them was having the lived experience of stopping myself before it became worse. I am currently on medical leave to navigate a way out.

I learned from a healthcare professional this week was that I had been taking a negative approach: fighting the symptoms and anticipating reoccurrence. This person told me that bipolar patients and families have had resoundingly better results with a positive approach: increasing my degree of recover and quality of life. Next week I will be returning to medication, but it will include more frequent therapy and a focus on a healthier lifestyle and environment. Unfortunately, my copays are required upfront and I have not reached my deductible for outpatient services. The medicine also has some personal side effects which require regular testing. In order to put me on a therapeutic level of treatment I will need funding for it, which of course is not to say coverage for rent, bills, and necessities.

It's very important that someone with mental illness goes into recovery for themselves, but that doesn't mean it's not as important to do it for those around you. I showed you myself. Now I want to show you the most precious parts of my life that I'm doing this for as well. They have been so supportive and understanding. They want me to get better soon and I am doing my best because I want to get back to caring for them as much as they care for me.

This is my best friend Lindsay. She is an amazing person inside and out. I couldn't do this without her.


This is August. We've been inseparable since I got him as a kitten. For the past week he's been running around the house concerned and checking in on me.


This is Bean. She likes to literally hang out on people and eat bugs.


This is Murphy. He likes to burrow under blankets and hay.


Here is Milo. He is a good big brother to Walter. The man loves to eat.


And this is Walter! He's the baby of the house yet he's almost as loud as August. He'll chirp at anyone that sounds like they're opening a treat bag.


Thank you for listening. This type of struggle is heavy. I tried to do it on my own even though I preach about us helping each other. I should have reached out sooner, but not realizing your own issues is an unfortunate side effect. I'm here now and I would appreciate any help you could send. And the house appreciates it, too!