MANY people have heard of bipolar disorder, but this doesn't mean they understand the diagnosis fully.

Paul Scates, from Christchurch, has lived with bipolar disorder for more than 20 years, and his story offers a beacon of hope to others struggling to emerge from the shadows of mental illness.

He has not only found ways to manage his condition, but finds his experiences have in some ways enriched his life, helping to give him a sense of purpose and direction.

Paul campaigns to raise awareness of the issue at a national level. Earlier this month millions of listeners heard him talk about his journey on BBC Radio Two’s Jeremy Vine Show, and on Thursday, May 19, he spoke at a conference on men’s mental health in London.

He also works as a full time senior peer specialist with the Dorset Mental Health Forum and alongside Dorset HealthCare’s community mental health teams, providing insight, support and advice to local people struggling to deal with a range of different conditions.

Paul’s problems were triggered when he was sexually abused as a child. His mental health deteriorated as he became older, culminating in a suicide attempt when he was 17.

At that point, he began receiving treatment at the Intensive Psychological Therapies Service in Branksome, and his road to recovery began.

“My condition manifests itself in two main ways,” said Paul, now 36.

“I either become hyper-manic – acting very recklessly, drinking excessively and putting myself in dangerous situations – or very depressed. Then, I feel an acute sense of anxiety and can be frightened of my own shadow. At its worse, it can lead to suicidal feelings.

“Luckily, over time, I’ve found ways to deal with it. You can find lots of little support mechanisms which can help you stay well – and everybody’s different.

“As well as medication, I receive psychiatric therapy support from Dorset HealthCare when I need it, which is fantastic. I also have amazing parents and a very supportive partner.

“And I’ve found diet and exercise make a real difference. I’ve learned a lot about ‘mood foods’, for example. Red wine and certain types of cheeses contain some nasty chemicals which can trigger anxiety reactions in the brain, while other foods can help you sleep or release serotonin, a chemical which makes you feel better.

“I’ve been well for a couple of years now. Like I say, it’s about discovery – you just have to find what works for you.”

Paul still works freelance as a creative events and wedding planner. But for the past five years, supporting others with mental health problems has been his main focus. As well as helping to lead courses at Dorset’s Recovery Education Centre, Paul visits people in their homes to make them aware of the support available – and also share his own experiences.

“Being able to help others is a real privilege – I can’t put a price on how empowering and positive that is for me,” he said.

“We’re very lucky locally that there is such close collaboration between the Dorset Mental Health Forum and Dorset HealthCare’s community mental health teams. Not many other places in the country have that level of partnership, which values lived experience alongside clinical expertise.

“Sometimes people are more likely to take advice on board from a person who has been through something similar, rather than from a medical professional. Personal insight can be very powerful.

“And while support mechanisms are incredibly important, I always urge people to take responsibility for their own wellbeing. It’s not easy, but try to be positive – every crisis we go through is chance to learn and develop.

“My story is not unique – recovery is possible for everyone.”

You can contact Paul on Twitter @paulscates.

For more information on the help available go to www.dorsetmentalhealthforum.org.uk.