From Pain to Peace: A Story of Faith and Perseverance

By Vince M. Polizzi

Bipolar Disorder carries a great stigma in the world today. This is a true story of a survivor who never gave up. Bipolar is a horrible disease that can paralyze the human spirit. Life can be lived and dreams can still come true. Trust God and let him show you the way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 8, 2011
• ISBN: 9781452087832

Vince M. Polizzi

Vince M. Polizzi has survived Bipolar Disorder, which started at the age of 15. After 32 years of suffering, growing and character building, his faith taught him how to be successful in life. He believes that all things are possible through Jesus Christ.

Book preview

Contents

Chapter One Foundation

Chapter Two Shaky Stomach

Chapter Three High School Begins

Chapter Four Mount Mania

Chapter Five Melancholy

Chapter Six Graduation?

Chapter Seven My Michelle

Chapter Eight Southern Illinois University

Chapter Nine Still Depressed

Chapter Ten Tools

Chapter Eleven Up, Up and Away

Chapter Twelve Walking in the Fog

Chapter Thirteen In-Between

Chapter Fourteen ECT

Chapter Fifteen What’s next?

This book is dedicated to my mom, dad and my wife Michelle

who walked with me every step of the way.

Acknowledgements

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving me many chances.

Introduction

I started writing this book twelve years ago. I guess I needed to have more experiences to make it complete. The whole point is simple. All things are possible through Jesus Christ!

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Chapter One

Foundation

This story offers hope in living life more abundantly when suffering and pain tries to convince us that there is no way out. Bipolar disorder is frightening, dangerous and highly stigmatizing in our society today. Living with this condition is a journey like no other. The hope of survival is real and alive.

There I was dressed in my usual sleeping attire known as footie pajamas, exploring as most toddlers do. The question in hand was if I flushed the toilet while standing in the bowl, where would I go? From my understanding this is where my parents often found me in my early discovery years. I still get reminded of this today.

Through the love of my parents I was brought into this world on March 13, 1968. I am the third out of four children, two are older and one is younger. My family is what I like to think of as an average American, dysfunctional family. My mom and dad both worked hard at supplying us with basic needs, such as food, clothing and a roof over our heads. There was always plenty of love and laughter to go around.

My sister, brothers and I were all taught the same values in different ways and times. We all knew that if we accepted Jesus into our hearts, we would be blessed by grace, with His promise of peace and eternal life. Putting Christ first is most important when it comes to changing my behavior from my way to His way. This was reminded to me daily because of the love given and received in our home. In my childhood years this sounded ok, but what did this Jesus stuff really mean? Did it mean that I was going to feel good and be happy all the time? Was there an immunity to pain and suffering just because Jesus was in my life? I now have a clear understanding regarding questions of this nature.

I can remember many of our family dynamics, as well as my early childhood experiences.

Dad and mom were my main suppliers for food, shelter and all around general care. Dad was a young man who was gifted in sales. Having no college education he strived to do his best to provide for our family’s needs. As his career and motivation continued, he started his own business, mainly to be able to stop traveling and be more available to his family. Along with dad’s support, mom contributed in ways that are still beyond my comprehension.

Mom was a trained beautician who began in salons and ended up working out of the house. She cut hair for almost everyone on our block. I still remember the smell of the Dipity-Dew that was used on the older ladies. Besides cutting hair for extra cash, mom’s twenty-four hour a day job was making sure that my brothers, sister and I were fed, bathed, entertained and brought to church on Sundays. Nurse and Taxi Service were also duties mom chose in providing for us. While caring for us kids she was still able to share her love in marriage with my dad. Putting these two together with my brothers, sister and me created a pretty decent childhood.

Most of what I had experienced at that time of my life was known to be a happy time, untouched by negative or sad circumstances. There were definitely ups and downs, but nothing that was defined as devastation. Being surrounded by immediate and extended family, there were always opportunities for fun and fellowship.

Some of the greatest joys growing up were the vacations that my dad always provided, not always knowing where the funds would come from. I have been able to explore many sights and activities at a young age. From the mountains of Colorado, the warm ocean air of Florida to the breathtaking view of Niagara Falls. We fished, rode horses, skied, swam and even filmed our own home movies. Our greatest pastime on any trip was eating good food. Time together continued even when we were not on vacation.

Meal times became an open forum for all types of interesting conversations. Being Italian gave us permission to eat and talk until we could stand no more. Our small house had an open door policy,all were welcome. I can always picture a full house or yard with relatives and a variety of friends. The biggest attraction in these early years was the four foot deep swimming pool that took up half of our tiny yard. This tiny yard was the neighborhood park. In the summer we swam and played baseball. In the winter it became the neighborhood ice