WELCOME TO MY WORLD
 

Stephen Puibello, also known as the Bipolar Bear is a public figure known for his advocacy work on three topics: HIV, bipolar, and substance abuse disorders. As a gay man living with all three who is navigating his road to recovery, my hope is to help others who struggle with these same issues.  My message is simple: You're not alone.

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My story began in 1996 when I lost my 66-year-old mother to breast cancer.  Two months later I was diagnosed HIV positive and my life went gray. I was extremely depressed. What's more, soon after I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder I went for a walk on the Charles River in Boston, then went home and for close to two months didn't leave. I can remember early on needing someone to accompany me to my doctor's appointments as I wasn't hearing what was explained to me. I became detached from my community, stopped working, and really wanted to let go. 

 

I founded my bipolarbear website in 2004 as a platform to share his story and provide resources for those living with dual diagnoses, co-occurrence of mental health and substance use disorders and HIV. 

 

I am involved with organizations like Adversity 2 Advocacy Alliance, Positive Pedalers, AIDS Lifecycle, Braking The Cycle, Rainbow Heights Club, NAMI and am recognized by SAMHSA as a Voice Award Fellow.  I promote mental health treatment and encourage storytelling to reduce compound stigma.