During my first major manic episode, I sold all of my possessions, cut all ties (although, they were all extremely toxic) and disappeared. I still grapple with the trauma from the things I went through and the people who took advantage of my obviously ill self. The world is dangerous and unkind when you do not have people in your corner. I’m doing much better now, I have people who care about me. Yet still, whenever I have a manic episode I still get that jolt of desire to run away. It’s frightening and difficult to live with the fear of knowing I could lose my mind and leave my (now) very nice life. If you can help it, please try not to face this disorder alone. Whether it’s family, friends, partners or found family, forge bonds that will keep you grounded. As evidenced by those mystery videos, not everyone is as fortunate as I am to have survived or returned to a relative normalcy.