Gordon is the chair of the charity Bipolar Scotland, a published author of psychological thrillers, and a mental health consultant and researcher who works to identify better ways for systems to serve people. Gordon has a bipolar diagnosis himself, and speaks to us about the romanticised link between mental health and creativity, theories on how bipolar disorder can be triggered by genetic and environmental factors, and how Bipolar Scotland helps families to live with bipolar. He shares stories of mania and depression, giving an insight into what it really means to experience those extremes. A frequent traveller to the US, Gordon discusses the love of Americana music that he and Blair share, the magic of Springsteen’s lyrics, and how songs about mental health and addiction have moved him.Listen along to Gordon’s songs at this Spotify playlist. Discussions begin:The Jam - In The City (02:57)Marah - Christian Street (05:52)Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamond (09:50)Bruce Springsteen - The Promised Land (14:53)Status Quo - Caroline (23:32)Michael McDermott - Butterfly (27:16)Johnny Cash - Hurt (38:14)Phantom Limb - Run (48:18)The Driveby Truckers - Thoughts and Prayers (51:19)Big Brother and the Holding Company and Janis Joplin - Piece of My Heart (54:23)Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run (56:49)You can find Gordon on Twitter - @gordonajohnstonYou can find Bipolar Scotland on Instagram - @bipolar_scotlandResources/Links:You can find Gordon’s thriller novels, Calling Cards and Cold Roses, here.You can visit Bipolar Scotland if you, or someone close to you, has bipolar disorderand lives in Scotland. Check out their website for full details of the support they offer.If you are affected by any of the issues in this episode, please go to the NHS website, and the website of the charity Mind. For emergency support over the phone, you can call The Samaritans free on 116 123.For men who want to talk to others in a private and safe space, visit Talk Club - founded by two Music To Survive By guests Ben Akers and Gavin Thorpe, and mentioned by Tom in this episode. Check out their episodes for more info about the initiative for male mental fitness.