A ROLLERCOASTER of emotions that reaches extreme highs and lows is how a Hereford manic depressive describes his condition.

But the good news for Robin Woodward and others living with this, also known as bipolar, disorder is that it can be managed with the right support.

After finding the condition resulted in his life spinning out of control, Robin now lives close to a normal life in a quiet cul-de-sac in Hereford and works as a part-time associate lecturer in mental health at Worcester University.

His improvement has been significant and, although unable to take a holiday on his own for many years, Robin has now enjoyed several and is planning a couple of holidays this year.

He is also chairman of the Hereford MDF Bipolar Self Help Group that, he said, marked the beginning of his recovery.

“People in the group had the same or similar condition and it felt so good to be able to talk to someone who knew what you were feeling. For the first time in my life, I didn’t feel separated from the world and here was somewhere where I could fit in,” he said.

After his visit to the group, Robin stopped comparing himself to his identical twin brother and started seeing himself as someone who had something to offer.

“I began to realise that I am unique and can enjoy living my life.

“As a manic depressive you tend to isolate yourself particularly if you are in and out of psychiatric units like I was.

“I suddenly realised that I had become quite institutionalised. I had been living in hospitals, hostels and psychiatric units and I used to think about these places as my home and somewhere to live for the rest of my life.

“At the self help group, I was encouraged to take more responsibility for myself and it took a bit of time but I haven’t had an extreme high or low mood for more than three years now and it feels brilliant. I feel alive and in control. I feel I want to live but I want to live my own life.

“That is my motivation and strength,” he said.

At first, Robin found it extremely hard to adapt to living on his own and was determined to make it work but he had to battle with his fear.

“Someone once said to me, life is not a dress rehearsal, it’s the only one you have. I had to try to live it and the group is a lifeline to my knowing I’m not on my own,” he said.

The Hereford group meets every third Thursday in the month between 7pm and 9pm at The Friends Meeting house, 21 King Street, Hereford HR4 9BXD. To attend the next meeting, call 0845 434 9814.