Florence family knows all too well the turmoil of bipolar disorder

Al Erwin of Florence reminisces about the days of fishing and sailing with his son, Dale.  “He was my best friend.“

Erwin says Dale was a teenager when the first signs of bi-polar disorder appeared.  The most obvious sign was he never slept.  “The lows were so low it was suicidal.  And every time the phone would ring, your heart would drop.“

Millions of people in the United States suffer from Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness.  Those with this suffer have mood swings or episodes so severe, the result is often damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide.
 
In his book, I’m a Free Man, Erwin documents his son’s struggles, and eventual death at the age of 37.  Dale left out of East Bay Park in Georgetown for a boating trip never to be found.  He left behind a wife, and two girls.  Erwin also chronicles the toll bipolar disorder took on his family.

“A bi-polar person does these things, but he doesn’t know why he does them, but then after they’re over, he remembers when he did, and he’ll ask himself and he’ll ask us. ‘Why did I do that?‘ “

Erwin hopes his book will help others facing similar circumstances.  He also believes God took his son away from the evil to come, as the Bible says in the book of Isaiah.

The National Institute of Mental Health reports bipolar disorder typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood.  The good news is it can be treated, and sufferers can lead full and productive lives.

To learn more about bipolar disorder visit http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-publication.shtml.

To obtain a copy of Al Erwin’s book, I’m a Free Man, visit http://www.lulu.com/content/1347509 or call 843-413-1894.