Reimche book shares hopeful message of overcoming bipolar struggles
Swift Current’s Ron Reimche has penned an emotional book exploring his personal struggles with mental health over three decades.
My Bipolar Life: From the Valleys of Depression to the Mountains of Mania allows readers to walk a mile in his shoes and learn from his experiences.
In the book, Reimche shares a story of hope after experiencing the depths of depression and manic highs of bipolar disorder. He woke up one day gripped by depression at the age of 39, and experienced some extreme lows before making strides with his condition.
“I really went deep and I was suicidal. And I felt that if I get through it, I want to tell people about it,” Reimche said. “I want to tell the people that have it that you can make it. Tell those who don’t know about it, or are family, to try to understand it a little bit.”
He said he hopes his book is both educational and inspirational for readers. Despite the stories he shares in the book, Reimche does not ‘feel’ the same way about his experiences.
“It brought back some memories, some bad memories. But it’s so horrible, that when you’re not down there you don’t feel it. You remember it but you don’t feel it. You can’t feel it.”
He is thankful that society is finally beginning to partake in a dialogue about mental health.
“It’s a lot worse than people realize, but now it’s starting to come out and people are talking about mental health issues.”
And because there is a new openness to talk about mental health, Reimche wants people dealing with anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts to take the next step.
“Go for help. Don’t be ashamed.”
He remembers his first visit to see a psychologist and recalls “I was hiding in the very back corner and made sure no friends saw me. However please don’t think this. It could be your life.”
He eventually admitted himself to hospital, and began the journey of finding the right therapy, medications and counselling.
The book is also very up front about his suicidal thoughts.
“My theme through the book is postpone. Don’t do it today, postpone it. And tomorrow, postpone it,” he said. “And all of a sudden you start getting help. No, I’m not going to do it. Give it a chance.”
Reimche will be selling and signing copies of his book at the 54th Swift Current Hobby, Craft and Gun Show on November 2 and 3 at the Stockade. He will be donating $1 from each book sale to the Canadian Mental Health Association - Swift Current Branch. The book is also available on line via any electronic book selling sites.