How James Overcame Childhood Abuse and Bipolar Negativity

From a life of neglect to one of helping others.

A man helping a child who fell. | Image made by author with Canva.

Hi there!

James* was born into a family that was always in chaos. 

His father was an abusive alcoholic and worked third shift. His mother would sleep during the day to keep James’ father happy, but then ran around all night with other men after her husband left for work. 

They frequently left James alone in a filthy house with little to eat.

James was no dummy. 

He figured out if he visited one of his friends at mealtimes, their family would likely give him a few bites to eat.

So, he worked a cycle of visiting all his friends within walking distance of his house.

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“To grow, you must be willing to let your present and future be totally unlike your past. Your history is not your destiny.”

• Alan Cohen

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Scott Ninneman publishes two newsletters each week. The Sunday All Things Bipolar Newsletter (off Substack) features the newest content about bipolar life. The Speaking Bipolar Positivity Club Newsletter shares inspirational stories three times a week to help you maintain a positive mindset.

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Seeking Peace

James never felt safe in his own home. 

As a child, he endured a lot of abuse at the hands of his parents. No one ever told him, “I love you,” or “I’m proud of you,” until he chose a family of his own.

James escaped his home-life hell at 17, finding a room in a rooming house. 

The rooming house wasn’t much better as far as environments go, but James had his own place he could keep clean. He also had a door where he could shut out the chaos of the world outside.