Today, I sit down with Steve Wilson, a 76-year-old author and mental health advocate who shares a powerful and heartbreaking account of trauma, bipolar disorder, and navigating misdiagnosis. Mr. Wilson’s story begins with childhood sexual assault — something he didn’t speak about for 30 years. That trauma sent him into a lifelong battle with depression, suicidal ideation, and later, the misunderstood cycles of bipolar disorder — which went undiagnosed for six years.
In this episode, Mr. Wilson and I talk about what it’s like to live with untreated mental illness, and the long-term impact of being misdiagnosed — something that affects far too many people today. We talk about how the wrong medications, untrained professionals, and a lack of awareness from both doctors and patients can delay healing for years. Mr. Wilson also opens up about the shocking silence he faced when trying to discuss his assault with trained therapists — and how that emotional neglect stalled his recovery.
We also get into the systems that are failing people every day: insurance companies, overwhelmed state-run facilities, and a government setup that punishes people who can't live off disability alone but lose it if they work to avoid being homeless. Mr. Wilson shares what led him to write his book, Teetering on a Tightrope, and why he’s made it his mission to speak out about male sexual assault, stigma, and the mental health system’s blind spots. We also gives practical advice for anyone struggling with medication, and why it’s critical to advocate for yourself — or bring someone with you who can.
https://a.co/d/0QDsCfL
Mr. Wilson's Email: swwilson.wilson@gmail.com
Website: https://coupleonukes.com
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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.
