I am a psychiatrist with bipolar disorder. I first became ill when I was a GP trainee in my twenties, and expecting my first daughter. I had a series of hospital admissions, and treatment with medication and ECT. I subsequently trained as a psychiatrist myself (despite advice to the contrary), and work in the field of addictions. Perhaps unusually, I work in the same hospital where I am treated (and was previously an in-patient). I have been very lucky to live my life as I have, but still struggle with the changing role of both doctor and patient. I am married with several daughters and dogs, and play the viola with enthusiasm, if not talent.
