Allan Cooper

I worked as a peer support worker for people have bipolar disorder at an agency called, OBAD (Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorder) for 10 years . This, plus my own lived experience, has taught me a great deal about living with the illness as well as practical tips on how to have a positive life despite the challenges it creates.

In 1995, I was teaching English in Japan, enveloped by a culture I adored, and passionately pursuing my dream of being a Japanese interpreter. During a stressful period in my life I had my first manic episode. My family had to come to Japan and bring me back to Canada.

I was admitted to the psych ward at the Calgary General Hospital. I was discharged three months later. Returning to Japan was not possible because I lost my job due to my lengthy absence and I lost all my contacts because I left so abruptly. I struggled through many years of having multiple hospitalizations because of manic and depressive episodes. Now, I have a fulfilling life because of my routine, my meds, a relatively healthy lifestyle and volunteer work.

I am not a psychiatrist or psychologist. I simply share what I have learned from having the illness since 1995 and working with people who have bipolar disorder for 10 years.