not to say that i don’t like the odd handful of chips or gummy bears, or anything like that — i do. but if i eat junk for three days, i really do notice it in my mental stability.
in the midst of all of this, you launched a business.
it has been years of dreaming. launching an apparel company that made quality clothes that are comfortable was something i’ve always wanted to do, but i never really felt i could make it happen. with a great support network, and the fog clearing in my head, it was a goal that became attainable. i thought maybe we could create staples that people would keep in their closets, but also talk about, like ‘hey, it’s arthur bane, they give to a great cause. and this is the story of the founder.’ it opens a dialogue, so maybe something like, ‘did you know that guy is bipolar?’ and then maybe someone says, ‘yeah, i bought it because i am too.’
it’s about starting the conversation. i received so much positive feedback when i was diagnosed, that i started to think this was my calling — breaking down some of the stigma around mental illness. plus, it really helps to talk about it.
there are things i never would have considered to be part of bipolar disorder until i hear from others. for example, i can be sleeping, wake up at 10 o’clock at night, and clean the entire house, top to bottom. i can stay up for days in a cleaning frenzy. i never thought that was weird until another gentleman mentioned it to me. and i’m like, ‘whoa, i do that.’ talking to others helps explain the quirky things we do. that’s not to say it’s the same for everyone, but sharing helps you see things that you might not realize are happening.
do you think it helps others to see you — a successful businessman — come out and say ‘i have this, and i’m doing okay’?
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