Oh, hello!

My name is Chris Pratt and I have a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. There we go; I've said it; it's out. I'm not hiding it any longer.

Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition and I was diagnosed with it at the age of 19. I've learned how to keep it in check but when I'm unwell it means I experience extreme highs or extreme lows of mood.  Twenty years on from this diagnosis, I'm now breaking cover to talk openly about the condition; sharing how it's affected me, my recovery process and how ultimately I credit the condition for giving me experiences that have changed the way I behave and choose to live my life.

I've survived four major breakdowns requiring hospital stays, and each time I've fought back against the condition and returned to everyday life determined to press on and demonstrate that I'm no different or any less capable than anyone else. It does not define me; it does not make me weak; I do not need nor want to be treated any differently because of it. I consider it to be no more than a few stitches in the large, rich and varied tapestry that is my life.

Why am I doing this?

This hasn't just happened to me. Mental illnesses do not discriminate. Young or old, rich or poor, black or white, single or married, male or female, employed or unemployed, straight or gay, cis or transgender, addict or non-addict; anyone is susceptible. With over 25% of the population experiencing some form of mental illness in any given year, it means that almost everyone will, to a greater or lesser extent, experience poor mental health at least once at some point in their lives.  ​​And these statistics only reveal the cases we know about. There's probably a similar number who struggle on alone without seeking help. Often because it seems so hard to accept that there might be something wrong and talk to anyone about it, let alone a medical professional; such is the stigma that unfortunately still surrounds these conditions.

This is why I'm opening up and telling my story. To demonstrate that there's no need to be afraid, that it's ok to talk about these things and that there's no shame in asking for help when you need it. The brain is a hugely complex thing, not even the best neuroscientists fully understand it. And just like any other part of your body, occasionally it goes wrong and you need some help. It's completely normal.

I hope that I'll be able to raise awareness of mental health issues and to serve as proof, as if proof were needed, that these conditions can be beaten. Whilst everyone's experiences of mental illnesses are different, if you've been touched by the fire of mental ill-health, I hope you'll find strength in my story and that it'll help you to come back from it both better and stronger and inspire you on your journey to continue to lead a complete and fulfilling life.

And, there's a little more to it

You're joining me on a journey I call "Chris's Quest for Happiness".  This started many years ago and over the years is it’s become about much more than just happiness. The quest has become about self acceptance, understanding my purpose and finding my way. In pursuit of this aim my blogs will discuss:

• Mental health, including bipolar disorder, psychosis, mania, stress, depression and anxiety; with related topics such as:
  • Stigma, discrimination and stereotypes.
  • Warning signs and triggers.
  • Impact on family, friends and work.
  • Hospitalisation and treatment.
  • Medication.
  • Recovery.
  • Acceptance.
• Being gay and similar issues relating to stigma and coming out. 
• Searching for happiness and finding meaning in life and existence.
• Working out who I am, what I want and what I'm living for.
• Health, weight loss and wellbeing.
• Mindfulness and finding inner peace.
• Therapy, Life Coaching and Laws of Attraction.
• Creativity, music and art.
• Post traumatic growth. Appreciation for life, relationships, personal strength, changing priorities, and searching for richer existential and spiritual life.

Keeping it light

What’s also special about my mental health story is that it's not all doom and gloom. My diagnosis of Bipolar means that I experience extremes of mood and some of what happens during the manic (high) side of the condition can by pretty funny.  Not only that, but I also credit my experiences with bipolar for changing me. Every time I’ve had a serious brush with mental ill-health, I come back a different person; I like to think a better person; but certainly different. My experience of bipolar highs and the thoughts that go through my head as part of that experience have shaped my view on the world and my interpretation of it. I think I’ve become more compassionate but also wiser and more philosophical. This wouldn't have happened if I didn't have this condition. It’s been a unique experience which in a way, I feel privileged to have had bestowed upon me.

Now's the time

So now, having had this diagnosis for what amounts to half of my life, it's now time that the story comes out. I'm very proud of who I am and how I've learned to live with this condition so I have no reason to hide. Yet, yet up until now, I've hardly told anyone. Many of my friends and colleagues who I've known for many years may be reading this now, having no idea of this truth.

An unfolding story

The quest is far from over. I am still a 'work in progress' and will always be. I also hope this will become a two way conversation. My blogs are open to comments, I'll be sharing them on social media and of course you can contact me through this site at any time. I've also set up a newsletter and you're welcome to reply if I've said something that has affected you. So please, join me as I explore not just mental health and wellbeing, but the kaleidoscope of matters that make each and every one of us in to the people that we are are.

​Thanks for just being there.

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