The Bipolar Single Dad Chronicles: Navigating Parenthood, Work, and Mental Health

Being a single dad is an adventure. Being a single dad with bipolar disorder? That’s like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. Add in two teenagers Alexis, 17, and Jaxson, 13 a corgi with an ego problem, and a career as a corrections nurse, and you’ve got the full circus act that is my life.

The three of us (plus Buddy) are basically three brokeass best friends just trying to survive life’s plot twists. We laugh until we cry, cry until we laugh, and engage in daily battles over what’s for dinner like we’re negotiating a hostage situation. Some days, we feel like we have it all together; other days, we’re just duct-taping our sanity and hoping for the best.

Meet The Cast

Before diving into the daily struggles and victories, let me introduce my two incredible kids, one very important furry sidekick, and, well... me.

Kasey (Dad, 38): The ringmaster of this chaotic circus. I’m a corrections nurse, a full-time dad, and a bipolar warrior just trying to keep everything (and everyone) in one piece. I’m equal parts responsible adult and overgrown teenager, depending on the day. My hobbies include drinking too many energy drinks, losing at video games, giving unsolicited life advice to Alexis, and wondering why Buddy insists on barking at absolutely nothing.

Alexis (17): Alexis is a driven, ambitious young woman with a strong sense of independence. She’s preparing for adulthood, navigating the pressures of school, and pushing boundaries as teenagers do. She’s got a sharp mind, a compassionate heart, and a fierce determination to carve her own path in life.

Jaxson (13): Jaxson is at that in-between stage of life, teetering between childhood and adolescence. He’s full of energy, humor, and a love for gaming and friends. He’s still figuring out who he is, testing limits, and finding his way, but underneath it all, he’s a kind and thoughtful kid who just wants to make people laugh.

Buddy the Corgi: The real boss of the house. Buddy may have short legs, but he has a big attitude. He’s the self-appointed emotional support animal (whether we asked for it or not) and ensures no meal is eaten without him staring longingly for a bite. His favorite hobbies include zoomies, barking at nothing, and judging our life choices with a single glance.

The Juggle is Real

Every day is a balancing act between my kids, my job, and my mental health. My career as a corrections nurse is rewarding but incredibly demanding. The environment is high-stress, and I often have to manage difficult situations that require patience, empathy, and a level head—traits that aren’t always easy to summon when you’re dealing with a bipolar mind.

When I come home, I switch from nurse mode to dad mode. Dinner, homework, teenage crises, and emotional check-ins are all part of the routine. But my energy levels fluctuate, and so does my ability to engage fully. Some days, I’m the fun, energetic dad who blasts music while cooking with Alexis and debates Marvel vs. DC with Jaxson. Other days, I struggle to get off the couch, feeling like a failure because I can’t summon the energy to be as present as I want to be. Luckily, Buddy is always there to remind me that couch time is also a valid lifestyle choice.

The Bipolar Factor

Bipolar disorder isn’t just about mood swings; it’s about managing extremes. Mania can make me feel invincible, convincing me I can survive on two hours of sleep, take on extra shifts, and start five new projects at once—until reality comes crashing down, and suddenly even getting out of bed feels impossible.

Medication helps, therapy helps, but nothing completely eliminates the struggles. What I’ve realized, though, is that I have no real structure in life—and I need it. That’s why I’m starting this blog: to create accountability for myself. I need routines, habits, and goals to help stabilize my mood, and writing about my experiences is my way of tracking progress (or at least making sense of the madness). If nothing else, it’ll be a record of my journey—wins, losses, and everything in between. Hopefully, along the way, it’ll help others who are searching for their own balance too. Mania can make me feel invincible, pushing me to take on too much at once—overcommitting to work shifts, planning elaborate outings with the kids, and setting unrealistic expectations for myself. Then comes the crash, when depression makes even the simplest tasks feel insurmountable.

Raising Teens as a Single Dad

Parenting teenagers is a whole different beast. Alexis is at that stage where she’s preparing for adulthood—college, career, independence, and testing boundaries. She’s fiercely independent, and I see so much of myself in her ambition and drive. But she also has a soft heart, and I try to remind her that it’s okay to ask for help.

Jaxson, at 13, is navigating the awkward middle school years. He’s still a kid in many ways but eager to prove he’s growing up. He’s into gaming, sports, and cracking jokes that only he finds funny. He needs guidance but doesn’t always want to admit it. I do my best to be there for both of them, giving them the space they need while making sure they know I’m always in their corner.

Buddy, on the other hand, is just trying to figure out which human drops the most food. (Spoiler: It’s usually Jaxson.)

What Keeps Me Going

Despite the chaos, exhaustion, and occasional existential crisis in the cereal aisle, I wouldn’t trade my life for anything. My kids are my greatest motivation—not just because I love them, but because they physically drag me out of bed when I’m in a funk. Alexis, with her no-nonsense attitude, keeps me accountable, reminding me that self-care isn’t just for Instagram influencers. Jaxson, my little comedian, knows exactly when to crack a joke or challenge me to a rivals match to snap me out of a bad mood.

They’ve learned to spot my warning signs before I even recognize them myself. If I’m pacing the house at 2 AM rearranging furniture, Alexis will stage an intervention with a look that says, "Take your meds, Dad." If I’m staring blankly at the wall for too long, Jaxson will strategically place Buddy on my lap—because nothing interrupts a depressive episode faster than a 30-pound corgi built like a loaf of bread demanding attention.

And Buddy? He may be compact, but he takes his emotional support role seriously. If I’m sad, he insists on lying directly on my face like some sort of furry weighted blanket. If I’m manic, he follows me around, judging my life choices and reminding me that, no, we don’t need to adopt another pet or start a new home renovation project at midnight.

Through all the ups and downs, my little team keeps me going. We’re messy, we’re loud, and we turn even the most mundane moments into adventures—but we’ve got each other. And at the end of the day, that’s more than enough. I also rely on coping strategies—exercise, writing, painting, video games, and whatever else helps me stay balanced.

Being a bipolar single dad isn’t easy, but it has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of self-compassion. I hope that by sharing my journey, other parents—especially those dealing with mental health challenges—know they’re not alone.

A Message for Everyone

You don’t have to be a parent to relate to this rollercoaster ride of life. Whether you’re navigating mental health struggles, juggling work and personal life, or just trying to get through the day without losing your mind, you’re not alone. We all have our battles, our highs and lows, and our moments of wondering if we’re doing enough.

If you’re struggling, be kind to yourself. Progress isn’t always linear, and bad days don’t erase the good ones. Find your support system—whether it’s family, friends, a pet with an attitude, or even a good therapist. And most importantly, don’t forget to laugh at the absurdity of it all. Sometimes, laughter is the best survival tool we have.