KJ: I had an aunt with Bipolar disorder growing up, sadly she did not get over hers and died at 32 after turning the corner trying to get her life back. How did you know you had Bipolar?
JP: I knew I had some disorder from the age of 13, but back then, there was little known about Bipolar disorder. It really wasn’t until I tried to take my life that I realized I needed help from a professional because I knew that it would only be in time before I tried again. After I pulled the trigger, the rush of adrenaline and emotion immediately pulled me out of the despair (for the moment) and it was then I realized that there is always a way out. If I could control my adrenaline or get more of it, then I could escape the despair. Now, that works to a point, and I have fought extremely hard my entire life to find that perfect balance. I still contend, but things have got substantially better.
KJ: Being Bullied seems like a common theme. I remember being bullied as the smallest and loudest girl in school. How were you able to turn all that fear into fearlessness and become the great success you are?
JP: Being bullied is probably one of the most destructive things that can happen to any kid in their growing years. It literally took me until I was 22 or 23 before I realized that my opinion matters and that I had the power over myself vs. others over me. I learned that once I had the control over my emotions and feelings, the constant “being picked on” moments started to vanish. I am not quite sure how I made it through my school years, to be honest with you. Even to this day, when I walk into a school for my own children, I get this sick gut feeling that gives me a splash of anxiousness, but I still go back to knowing that I am the master of my mind, and I’m back at ease. I think that once I built confidence within myself, I was able to reset my timid personality into one that demands respect. I do this by showing love and respect for others, and I have found that if you carry confidence, others feed off you differently.
KJ: What does racing do for you emotionally?
JP: Racing is the life blood of my entire world. Through the chaos of life, business, family, and all the other things that add stress, the second I put on a helmet, the outside world stops. It’s almost surreal. My mind can be scattered and all over the place, but the helmet takes all of that and focuses it into one straight path. The emotional rock that racing provides me is something that is hard to explain, but I do know that without it, my life would be a hard one to live. Everyone needs an outlet that supports them and be grounded in the game of life. Mine just happens to be the need for speed and some burning rubber.
KJ: What would your advice be to young kids being bullied?
JP: This is a tough one for me to answer. Looking back, I have no idea what I could’ve done differently. I was a just an odd kid because of my disorder and school-age peers will always and forever will pick on the people those who are unlike them. The advice I would give would be this— Know just because you are different, you are still an amazing person! Know that because you have faults and that you may not be popular, you still have the human right to be happy and free of fear. You are perfect just the way you are!
KJ: How have you been able to live with Bipolar disorder? Would you say it gets easier?
JP: Have I been able to manage having bipolar? Most of the time, I still severely doubt myself and my abilities on a daily basis which can easily lead to thoughts of failure, despair, and ultimately no self-worth.
Justin Peck has a unique and gravitating story that will have your ears open, your mind alert, adrenaline pumping and eyes focused as it will make want to do more for humanity. A stand up individual who not only has the heart of a champion in off road racing, but is dedicated to raising awareness to a more serious issue regarding mental health.
--Nick Hamilton
Rebel Media Group
The Beauty Battalion Magazine
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