“Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness” by MG (R) Gregg Martin ’79 is the story of a highly successful officer whose genetic predisposition for bipolar disorder (BD) was triggered by the intense stress and thrill of leading thousands of troops in combat. Undetected and undiagnosed for the next eleven years, Martin’s BD progressed to full-blown mania and removal from command.

Martin candidly shares his story—from the performance-enhancing aspects of BD that contributed to promotions and prestigious assignments to the depression and psychosis that followed, and his eventual journey to a healthier, more purpose-driven life.