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 are not alone.

 

My story began in 1996, when I lost my 66-year-old mother to cancer. Two months later, I was diagnosed HIV positive, soon after, double trouble, bipolar and substance use disorder. Today, 30 years later, I outlived my mom; never did I see this happening. In 2015, I wanted to let go. I fell hard, but through community service, I climbed out, got clean, and now wanted to grow, finding a way to live with whatever life throws my way.  Yet my message always stays the same: You are not alone.

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I founded this bipolar bear site in 2004 as a platform to share my story and provide resources for those living with double trouble, the co-occurrence of mental health, and substance abuse. 

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