Guest Post: Outside Looking In: A Story Told by The Husband of Someone with Bipolar Disorder by Johnny Whitfield

Johnny Whitfield is a former newspaper reporter and editor.

For those struggling with a mental health diagnosis, the most important people in their lives are often their caregivers – the people who make sure they take their medicines, get to doctor’s appointments, and help them deal with the basic necessities of life.

The responsibilities of a caregiver can be all-encompassing, from helping pick up the pieces following an episode, to advocating for the person’s needs with medical professionals. In between, the caregiver has to live his or her own life, deal with the other responsibilities they face and find ways to blow off their own steam every once in a while.

For nearly 28 years, Johnny has served as the primary caregiver for his wife, who deals with a pernicious form of bipolar disorder. During that time, they endured their share of trials and successes, none of which has been easy. The “Outside Looking In” series is intended to give other caregivers a sense of how to take care of their loved one in a holistic way, all while making sure to take care of themselves at the same time.

You can read the entire six-part ‘Outside Looking In’ series at Breaking Taboo. Breaking Taboo is a nonprofit focused on mental-health advocacy and education that hopes to break the silence around mental health.

Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five
Part Six