In 2024, before I was diagnosed with bipolar type 2, I hit rock bottom.

My mental health, my physical health, and — most painfully — my marriage were falling apart. My wife and I were on the brink of divorce. She had already reached out to lawyers, and I was facing the very real possibility of losing not only my marriage but my relationship with my two daughters.

That was the wake-up call.

Since then, everything has changed. Slowly, deliberately, and with a lot of help.
I have continued to enjoy the support of my exceptional wife who chose forgiveness and fought for us.
I have a diagnosis that finally made sense of years of chaos.
I take medication - every day - that helps me manage what I can’t will or whiteknuckle my way through.

I choose sobriety, because bipolar and alcohol don’t mix, and because I’ve seen firsthand what addiction takes from families.

I also choose running, training, therapy — all daily disciplines that keep me grounded, healthy, and present.

Today, my body, mind, and emotions are in a good place. My marriage is strong. My relationships with my daughters are full of joy. But I’m not naïve, this is a daily practice.
It takes intention, vulnerability, and humility.

That’s why I’m growing, running and fundraising for Movember.

For the men who are still where I was, silently struggling, hurting the people they love, believing there’s no way back.

There is a way back.
There are so many people who can help.
I’m (incredibly grateful) living proof.

If you are a man in distress and need to talk, email me any time: kurt@doubleshift.co.za