Living with Bipolar While Building Business: Diagnosis, Medication Choices, and Sustainable Ambition with Kevin Hipes

On Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Yusuf speaks with Kevin Hipes—entrepreneur, Central Florida real estate developer, former elected official, church elder, musician, and author of Book of Me. Kevin traces an undiagnosed decades-long cycle of highs and deep depressions, a midlife collapse, and the pragmatic steps that steadied his life: professional diagnosis, medication under supervision, workload reduction, and structured re-entry to work. He explains why he later (with his doctor) adjusted meds to regain mental sharpness without triggering depressive episodes, and how faith, family accountability, and service to others keep his drive from tipping into mania or burnout. Straight talk on suicidal ideation, returning to work after time off, and using creativity (YouTube storytelling, a memoir, music) as regulated outlets. Clear, useful, and no fluff—this conversation focuses on what actually helps.

 

About the Guest  :

Kevin Hipes is a business leader and storyteller based in Central Florida. He has managed large retail portfolios, served in public office, fronts the YouTube channel Planet Hipes, released legacy tracks with his band The End on Spotify, and wrote the memoir Book of Me about entrepreneurship, bipolar disorder, faith, and starting over at 60.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Get a clinical diagnosis early; don’t white-knuckle recurring depressions. Work with a psychiatrist and follow medical guidance.

• Medication is a tool: never start/stop or adjust without a doctor. If side effects blunt performance, discuss supervised adjustments.

• Reduce overload during recovery: pare roles, step back from public duties, and rebuild capacity in stages with your family looped in.

• Relapse prevention: even when stable, keep treatment, sleep, and routines tight; don’t “feel fine” your way off meds.

• Return-to-work script: you don’t owe your full story—share what’s necessary, then execute. Confidence rebuilds through action.

• Purpose controls intensity: faith, service, and accountability partners can channel high energy into consistent, non-destructive output.

• Tell your story (writing/video) to integrate experience, reduce shame, and help others.

• Reframe identity: a condition can be part of your edge when it’s treated, monitored, and supported.

 

If you’re in immediate crisis, contact local emergency services or your regional suicide prevention helpline.

Here are reliable, widely used crisis lines by region:

United States  :  

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org (24/7). SAMHSA+1

• Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741 (24/7). Crisis Text Line

• LGBTQ+ (The Trevor Project, youth) — call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678 (24/7). The Trevor Project+1

• Trans Lifeline — US [phone] (hours vary; peer support). translifeline.org+1

Canada  :  

• 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline — call or text 9-8-8 (24/7). 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline+1

• Crisis Text Line (via Kids Help Phone) — text 686868 (24/7). Crisis Text Line

• Trans Lifeline — Canada [phone] (hours vary). translifeline.org

United Kingdom & Ireland:    

• Samaritans (UK & ROI)