Ep. 422/ David Shamszad. High Functioning BiPolar Disorder and Addiction. Part Two

Part Two. I'm fascinated by high-functioning mental illness and addiction. David Shamszad knows that world firsthand. A Dartmouth graduate, entrepreneur, and founder of a successful real estate company, David appeared to have everything together. Behind the scenes, he was battling untreated bipolar disorder, addiction, and a life-threatening downward spiral that nearly cost him everything. Today, as conversations around mental health, addiction, loneliness, and recovery continue to intensify across America, David brings a perspective most experts can't: He lived it. This conversation goes far beyond awareness: • The hidden reality of high-functioning addiction • Why success often masks mental health struggles • What families miss before a crisis happens • The truth about bipolar disorder and stigma • Why recovery starts with honesty—not willpower • How someone can rebuild a meaningful life after hitting rock bottom His story is raw, timely, and deeply relatable for anyone who has struggled personally, or watched someone they love struggle in silence.