Oct. 9, 2026

“I Thought I Was God” — Living With Bipolar Disorder & Finding Faith

“I Thought I Was God” — Living With Bipolar Disorder & Finding Faith

At one point, Chris LaFreniere lost touch with reality and believed he was God. Today, he’s a husband, a father, a Christian, and the author of Bipolar Is Who I Am.

Chris joins Mark Osborne on The Valiant Forge to share his experience of bipolar I disorder, substance abuse, hospitalization, and the long process of rebuilding his life. An arrest led to community service. Community service led to a church invitation. That invitation opened a door he hadn’t expected.

Together, they discuss the warning signs Chris missed, finding medication that worked for him, growing in faith, and the everyday work of marriage and fatherhood. Chris also explains why his story is about managing his condition and continuing to grow.

In this conversation:

  • What psychosis and paranoia felt like for Chris
  • Why the people around him began urging him to get help
  • How he came to church and began following Jesus
  • What he learned about becoming a husband, father, and spiritual leader
  • Why there is hope and a meaningful life after diagnosis

Connect with Chris and explore his memoir, Bipolar Is Who I Am:

https://www.bipolariswhoiam.com/

If this conversation encourages you, follow The Valiant Forge and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Want to be a guest on The Valiant Forge Podcast? Send Mark Osborne a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17432638464878159623a121d