About Me

About Juan Ramirez

Last updated: June 5, 2026

Trigger warning: This page discusses bipolar disorder, including diagnosis, depression, and mania. It does not contain graphic descriptions of self-harm, suicide attempts, or psychosis. Please take care of yourself first. If you need support, call or text 988 (24/7).

The Short Version

I'm Juan Ramirez. I've lived with bipolar disorder for over 10 years. I was diagnosed at age 29.

This blog is not therapy. It's not medical advice. It's what I wish I'd read during the hardest nights – honest, unpolished, and written by someone who has been there.

I take medication. I see a therapist. I still have bad days. But I've also built a life worth living.

If you're newly diagnosed, exhausted, or wondering if stability is even possible – start here. You're not alone.

The Longer Story

Before Diagnosis

Ten months after my first hospitalization for a mental health crisis, I didn't know what was wrong. I just knew something was.

Some months I couldn't get out of bed. The world felt gray, heavy, pointless. I'd cancel plans, miss work, stop answering texts. I thought I was lazy. Broken. Weak.

Other months I was on fire. Three hours of sleep felt like plenty. I'd start ten projects in a week, spend money I didn't have, talk so fast that people couldn't keep up. I thought I'd finally figured life out.

Then the crash would come. Every single time.

I was not diagnosed with bipolar disorder right away. I thought I was fine after my first discharge from the hospital and stopped taking my medications. That was a mistake I will not repeat again.

The Diagnosis

I was officially diagnosed with Bipolar 1 at age 29.

Honestly? It felt like a death sentence at first. I remember thinking: "Does this mean I'll never be normal? Will I ever be stable? Will I be on medication forever?"

The answer, I've learned, is complicated.

No, I'm not "normal" by most definitions. Yes, I will likely take medication for the rest of my life. But stable? Stable is absolutely possible. It just looks different than I expected.

Since Diagnosis

I've had zero hospitalizations since diagnosis. I've tried different medications. I have consulted many psychiatrists and counselors until I found the right fit. I've learned my biggest trigger is stress, specially if not managed.

I've also:

• Kept working for 10 years after diagnosis, on and off, until I found a good fit in the mental health field

• Maintained meaningful relationships

• Learned to recognize my early warning signs

• Built a crisis plan that actually works

• Found a medication cocktail that gives me stability without numbing me out

I still have episodes. They're milder now, shorter, and farther apart. I've stopped trying to "beat" bipolar and started learning to live with it.

Why I Started This Blog

When I was first diagnosed, I searched for blogs written by people who actually understood. I found:

• Clinical websites that scared me

• Forums full of hopelessness

• Or nothing at all

I rarely found someone who said: "This is hard. I'm not cured. But I'm okay. And you can be too."

That's what I'm trying to write.

My blog – Surviving Bipolar Disorder – is my honest account of what works, what doesn't, and what it really feels like to live with this illness. I cover:

• Relationships (how bipolar affects people who love us)

• Work (showing up when you're exhausted or wired)

• Self-care, addressing basic needs like hydration, sleep hygiene, movement, nutrition

• Resources I have found helpful

I am not a doctor. I am not a therapist. I am a survivor who takes notes.

What I Believe

Stability is possible. Not perfection. Not "cured." But a life where episodes are manageable and joy is real.

Medication is not failure. I take medications for bipolar the same way someone takes insulin for diabetes. It's not weakness. It's science.

Therapy helps. Even when you don't want to go. Even when it's hard. Especially then.

You are not your illness. Bipolar is something you have, not something you are.

Recovery is not linear. Bad days don't erase progress. A manic episode doesn't reset the clock. Relapse is part of the story, not the end of it.

You deserve support. Whether that's a therapist, a support group, a trusted friend, or a hotline – you don't have to do this alone.

My Professional & Personal Boundaries

To keep this space safe and ethical:

• I do not give medical advice. Ever. I will tell you what worked for me, but you must talk to your own doctor.

• I do not recommend specific medications or dosages.

• I do not encourage anyone to stop or change their treatment.

• I am not a crisis resource. If you are in crisis, call 988 or text HOME to 741741.

• Comments that give medical advice or encourage self-harm will be deleted.

I am open about my own journey because I believe representation matters. But your journey is yours – and I will never tell you what you should do.

A Note on Privacy

I use Google Analytics on this site to understand how many people visit and which posts are most helpful. I do not track individual readers. You can read my full Privacy Policy for details.

I will never sell your email address or share your data. Ever.

Contact Me

The best way to reach me is info@juanramirez.net.

I read every email, though I may not be able to respond to everyone personally – especially if you are asking for medical advice (which I cannot give) or crisis support (please call 988 instead).

If you have a story to share, a question about a post, or just need to feel less alone – write to me.

Start Here

New to the blog? I recommend reading the latest posts and see what speaks to you.

One Last Thing

If you're reading this and you're struggling right now – I see you.

Bipolar disorder is exhausting. It's confusing. It's unfair. You didn't ask for this.

But you are still here. And that means something.

One day at a time. One breath at a time. You don't have to believe it will get better – just stay long enough to find out.

– Juan