Episode 61: Major General Gregg Martin, Author, The Bipolar General

Introduction: In this episode of the Just A Mom podcast, Susie engages in a compelling conversation with Major General Gregg F. Martin, a combat veteran and resilient bipolar disorder survivor. Major General Martin candidly shares his tumultuous journey of grappling with bipolar disorder, shedding light on the unique challenges he confronted within the military. The first part of this interview delves into the complexities of misdiagnosis and the onset of his illness during the Iraq War, exploring the profound impact on his career. 

Major General Martin’s Background

• Major General Gregg F. Martin, PhD, US Army veteran, combat veteran, bipolar disorder survivor, and advocate.

• Extensive military background with notable achievements and command positions.

• Major General Martin retired due to a state of full-blown mania, exacerbated by bipolar disorder, which had been undiagnosed and untreated for over a decade.

• His dismissal from National Defense University marked the climax of a 10-year struggle with bipolar disorder triggered during the Iraq War.

Medical Evaluation

• Despite seeking medical evaluation multiple times, he received misdiagnoses and was deemed fit for duty, leading to spiraling depression and psychosis.

• Proper diagnosis of bipolar disorder type one and psychosis came after severe depression episodes in 2014.

Impact on Work and Relationships

• Major General Martin's manic episodes went unnoticed or were attributed to high performance during his military career, but erratic behavior was observed closer to his retirement.

• His wife noticed gradual changes in behavior over the years but didn't associate them with mental illness until the situation escalated in 2014.

Psychiatric Hospitalization

• Major General Martin's positive experience with inpatient psychiatric care at the VA followed ineffective treatment from military and civilian providers.

• A thorough assessment at the VA led to the proper diagnosis and treatment plan, including inpatient care.

• Major General Martin's book, 'Bipolar General,' aims to save lives, foster recovery, support bipolar survivors, and combat the pervasive stigma surrounding mental illness.

Topics: bipolar disorder survivor, bipolar survivor, bipolar disorder in the military