Finally Figuring It Out: Learning From a Late-in-Life Bi-Polar Diagnosis with Dr. Jay Lieberman

It’s All Your Fault: High Conflict People

A diagnosis of bi-polar disorder can be both devastating and liberating. Although such a diagnosis is unsettling because of the lifetime implications, it can also be a relief to have an answer and hope for a calmer future.

In this episode, Bill and Megan are joined by Dr. Jay Lieberman, a retired surgeon in the podiatry field who was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder later in life than most — at age 60. As one might expect, his professional and personal life took some major hits after some harrowing events that wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t been suffering with an undiagnosed mental illness.

Dr. Jay shares his journey – in a very transparent way – through the impacts of his behavior on his marriage, his career, and other relationships. It’s a journey marked with significant loss, but also with a great deal of new life, new purpose, forgiveness, and hope. Listen in as Bill and Megan talk with Dr. Jay about:

• the similarities and differences between bi-polar behaviors and high conflict behaviors
• domestic violence and incarceration
• medications
• what and who were most helpful
• advice for members, friends, and colleagues regarding someone who may be exhibiting “high conflict” behaviors, whether from a bi-polar diagnosis or with a high conflict personality
• helping others

Links & Other Notes

• GenieBee Publishing
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

BOOKS

• Calming Upset People with EAR

ARTICLES

• EAR Statement Can Calm Anyone
• 7 Tips for Dealing with Difficult People During This Crisis

Our website: https://www.highconflictinstitute.com/
Submit a Question for Bill and Megan
All of our books can be found in our online store or anywhere books are sold, including as e-books.
You can also find these show notes at our site as well.

Note: We are not diagnosing anyone in our discussions, merely discussing patterns of behavior.

• (00:00) - Welcome to It's All Your Fault
• (01:51) - Meet Dr. Jay Lieberman
• (23:59) - What Worked
• (27:30) - High Conflict with Bipolar
• (32:44) - Extreme Behaviors
• (35:26) - Domestic Violence
• (36:03) - When It's Family
• (37:50) - Don't Tell Them Directly
• (38:51) - Respect and Suspect
• (42:56) - Dr. Lieberman's Book & Wrap Up
• (44:30) - Reminders & Coming Next Week: High Conflict in the Workplace