Indian Trail resident adapts to life with bipolar disorder

When a 22-year-old man from Indian Trail, N.C., got terminated from his job in July 2025 because of his bipolar disorder, he knew he had to take action to transform his life.

His job left him with piling tasks and intense stress, which triggered a manic episode. An article by Cleveland Clinic explains a manic episode as “a period when your mood, behavior and energy level become much higher or more intense than usual.”

It can cause individuals to feel euphoric and irritable and some experience psychosis. Everyone has different symptoms of mania and episodes can last from one week to several months without treatment.

The man said his behavior changed drastically. “I would say things that make no logical sense to others, thinking I’m always right and others are wrong.”

He recalls purchasing things he normally wouldn’t and being fast paced and rapid. The episode also caused him to have other health issues, such as sleep deprivation and panic attacks.

Mania isn’t the only problem that individuals with bipolar face. It’s a lifelong disorder that causes depression as well.

The man describes depressive episodes as being debilitating. “You don’t want to live… you just want the pain to go away… you’re just going through the motions and not caring what happens to you,” he said.

Since he was young, he knew there was a chance he had the disorder because his father has it. Its genetic components can be passed down from one’s parents.

Symptoms typically develop in adolescence or young adulthood and there is no cure. However, with the right medicine and therapy, it can be managed.

At first, the man was weary of taking medication because of his religious beliefs. “I thought I could just pray [my feelings] away, or I thought I didn’t have enough faith, or I was doing something wrong.”

When he switched from in-person to online college classes for the 2026 spring semester, his symptoms got worse. He was barely able to pass his classes.

“It was almost insurmountable… nothing was changing,” he said. That’s when he decided to talk to a psychiatrist and started taking medication.

Initiating this step, along with being surrounded by a supportive community, helped him find purpose. “My joy, my spark has been restored,” he said.

The man left advice for anyone struggling with a mental health disorder: “Speak to a counselor, speak to a professional and see them on a regular basis. Don’t go about it alone. Do everything you can, but when you’re really struggling… don’t bear that burden alone.”

There is help available for all individuals battling with mental health. If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988.