NIKKI'S STORY
I am a Professional Psychotherapist, Life Coach, and Yoga Instructor. I became involved with DBSA in 2009 after moving to Houston from New Orleans. I currently lead groups in 2 Houston High Schools. Each time I end a group meeting I feel myself awed, filled with a humbling gratitude for the honor of being a part of such a supportive organization, one that brings FREE, QUALITY services to any and all who make the choice to attend...read more

REX'S STORY
I became involved with DBSA about 3 years ago and boy has my understanding of Bipolar changed, and changed for the better. I have come to realize that everyone is dealing with some issue in their life. Unfortunately, for some people they can't control the extremes that their moods and behaviors cycle through... read more

LYNDA'S STORY
My name is Lynda. I live with Bipolar.
I now know that the onset of the illness probably began around the age of twelve. Prior to that I was sociable, a bit of a prankster, happy and outgoing. However, around the age of twelve there were periods where I was sad, angry and exhibited extreme and intense reactions to a variety of situations. Despite this I was remarkably high functioning.... read more

DANNY'S STORY
The ability to commune on a weekly basis with other people that understand or are trying to understand the experiences you are going through is overwhelming. A group of like minded people struggling together, groping to make sense of things and achieving a sense of purpose that carries over into the following week is a service that can scarcely be measured. I love being a part of that larger scheme of things....read more

SARAH'S STORY
In 1997, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, it took seven additional years for me to become an active participant in managing my illness. Once I faced it, I realized bipolar disorder had played a significant role throughout my life. Prior to my diagnosis, I failed out of college, married an old
high school friend and in the blink of an eye, my world became my husband and my two children. I lived the majority of my thirteen-year marriage undiagnosed....read more

STEVE'S STORY
My name is Steve. I am 40 years old, a son, a husband and a father. DBSA is an essential part of my personal health plan - enabling me to live a healthy, productive life with bipolar disorder. My grandfather, three uncles and my sister had or have bipolar disorder. Others in my family suffer from chronic depression. Many self medicate with alcohol. For years I kept the disorder and any conversations about it at arm’s length....read more

TODD'S STORY
In the years before my diagnosis, I couldn’t recognize the early indications of my illness for what they really were. In fact, I had created an erroneous belief system that what I was experiencing was simply part of life. I attributed my mood to what I believed were my own shortcomings. I believed that I was lazy or bored, disinterested or tired or any other suggestion that disguised my depression for what it really was....read more