Major General Gregg Martin:
“My new book, Bipolar General: My Forever War With Mental Illness, was published by the Naval Institute Press and sponsored by the Association of the US Army on 15th September 2023.
This memoir serves as both an education and a source of inspiration, aiming to dispel the stigma around mental illness, alleviate suffering, and save lives, aligning with my personal mission. It tracks my journey through the ups and downs of bipolar disorder, featuring:
My career as an Army officer, during which I climbed to the rank of Major General over a span of 36 years. Initially, hyperthymia and mild bipolar disorder were allies, enhancing my performance. However, when they escalated, they became obstacles.
My descent into a full-blown manic episode that led to my removal from two-star command, my forced retirement, and the darkness of crippling depression and terrifying psychosis.
My uphill battle toward recovery, made possible by the unyielding support of my wife, family, a loyal friend, the diligent medical team at the VA hospital in White River Junction, Vermont, and the transformative effects of lithium.
The reimagining and recreation of my life alongside my wife, Maggie, in the warmth and sunshine of Florida, where we've built a fulfilling, healthy, and joyous life.
In sharing my story, I hope to offer a beacon of hope, a spark of inspiration, the power of love and faith, and knowledge that could be life-saving.”
Past Speaking Engagements
Advanced Praise for Bipolar General:
“An intense, compelling, courageous book by a gifted senior combat leader whose life was taken over by severe bipolar disorder -- and who ultimately recovered and built a new life with the help of his wife, an Army comrade, the VA, and his faith. I served with Gregg Martin in combat; he is the real deal and so is his book, one that will provide enormous insight and inspiration to families grappling with mental illness.” — David Petraeus, General US Army Retired
“This is a groundbreaking and courageous book -- the first of its kind. A senior military officer reveals his personal battle with bipolar disorder in an effort to reduce the stigma that so many in public service still attach to mental illness. Kudos to Gregg Martin for his willingness to share his journey from a nightmare back to good health.” — Ambassador Wanda Nesbitt, Former Acting President, National Defense University
“This is an important and compelling story. Gregg Martin’s experience exposes the need to study and understand better mental health issues among senior leaders. The traits that obscure bipolar and other disorders are prevalent in leaders. If those disorders go untreated, they can lead to behavior harmful to those leaders and others.” — H.R. McMaster, former National Security Advisor
In The Media
“His brutally honest and open look into the mind of someone who is mentally ill is an absolute must read...it is an invaluable contribution to understanding how bipolar disorder works and morphs inside the brain. Gregg’s passion and new mission in life and brilliantly portrayed in this unique book is to help educate, give hope, break the stigma, and ultimately save lives.”
— John F Campbell, General US Army Retired
“Nearly 20 years after the military deployments triggered by 9-11, we continue to struggle with understanding one of the signature impacts of combat – bipolar disorder. My friend, Gregg Martin, shares his riveting story in this ground-breaking book, and it will help those who are struggling with mental illness and the families and friends that care for them.”
— Joe Votel, General US Army Retired
“What General Gregg Martin has done in this book truly is unique. No one of his stature, whether as a military or political leader, has ever written such a thing. He describes how he did well with some aspects of bipolar illness, then how the illness worsened and nearly destroyed him, and finally how he recovered and survived with the right treatment. The way you tell your story online can make all the difference…It is as if General William Sherman suddenly appeared in the modern age, and told the world what it was like to be him.”
— Nassir Ghaemi MD MPH
Professor of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine
“An authentic, honest, first-hand look at the life of a highly successful general whose life was devastated by bipolar disorder, that was triggered in combat. He then climbed back up, out of the pit, with the love and perseverance of his wife, family, friends, and the VA. He and Maggie have rebuilt their life and are healthy and happy. This story is about faith, hope, love, perseverance and inspiration. Read it!”
— Michael Linnington
CEO, Wounded Warrior Project
“I was Gregg Martin’s 3-star commander in combat in Iraq. He was an outstanding battlefield commander - highly skilled and courageous under fire. His soldiers loved him. I was shocked to learn he has bipolar disorder. This proves that anyone can be overcome with severe mental illness. Gregg’s book tells the harrowing story of his bipolar crisis, how he recovered, and his creation of a new life. I strongly recommend this powerful book to anyone afflicted by, affected by, or interested in, mental illness. It's a must read.”
— William S. Wallace, General, US Army (Ret.)
