Robert P GravesRobert, a seasoned author with a thriving career in the corporate world as a project manager for a prominent multinational healthcare equipment corporation, resides in Buffalo, New York. Embracing his identity as an openly gay individual, Robert's jorney is marked by resilience and self-discovery.His encounter with chronic clinical depression at the tender age of 16 marked the onset of a lifelong battle, one that had silently plagued him since the age of nine when he experienced his inaugural episode of self-harm ideation. As he navigated the process of coming out, his depression evolved into bipolar depression disorder, remaining unidentified and untreated until he reached the age of 44. The untreated manic episodes manifested in the form of an anonymous sex addiction, a struggle that persisted for over two decades, even during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It wasn't until Robert candidly addressed this addiction with his therapist that his bipolar disorder finally came to light. Through the aid of pharmacological intervention and dedicated therapeutic support, he triumphed over his addiction.Robert's forties have ushered in a phase of stability and personal growth, characterized by his passion for boating, gardening, and active community involvement with esteemed organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association. In the company of his beloved companions, Bacchus the cat and Lily the French bulldog, he cherishes the tranquil moments life offers.Having traversed a profound therapeutic journey, Robert has cultivated the capacity to forgive others and embrace his family and friends as they are. His focus has now shifted inward, allowing him to extend forgiveness to himself for the recklessness of his past decisions. Today, he stands as a testament to success and resilience-a healthy, HIV-negative gay man thriving amidst the complexities of bipolar depression. Read More Read Less