Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kara Marcus. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kara, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
For many years I thought everything was fine. That is, until I faced a chaotic medical crisis that changed my life forever. 9 years ago I was 5150’d due to a manic episode that lasted at least 4 days. I hadn’t even heard of the term “mania” until this brand of crazy literally entered my world. While that is a story in and of itself, I won’t get into here. But rather, I will tell you how I discovered that my place in this world is something not to take for granted. Coming out of my mental mayhem, I accepted my bipolar diagnosis and sought treatment about 6 months after my psych “hospital from hell” experience. I worked with my primary care physician to find the right medication to help me manage my bipolar disorder and my mind actually changed before my eyes. Like a good pair of eye glasses, I began seeing life more clearly, more realistically than ever before. My bipolar diagnosis ultimately led to some difficult life choices, like not becoming a mother. We see all around us that becoming a parent gives people a purpose like no other, but I did not have this so I had to seek why else I might be a part of this existence without that kind of legacy to leave behind. Through it all I have discovered that there are treasures to be had on any path you find yourself on. My entire life I’ve had a fascination with star gazing. I always wondered how one would go about imaging the heavens but I never had that road open to me. That is, until I mentioned it to my husband about 7 years ago. I always loved photography, and imaging the Milky Way on beautiful summer nights under a moonless sky, but I always wanted to see more, to see deeper. I asked my husband how deep space imaging works, and he and I fell down a beautiful rabbit hole together learning all the ins and outs of how to execute deep space astrophotography. We now have 2 observatories in our backyard, and we have gotten to a place where we truly do have our own little window into the universe! It’s one thing to see the beauty of far off nebulae and galaxies through someone else’s equipment, but there is something very special that comes with capturing celestial phenomena with your own gear. Oftentimes, people with bipolar disorder are very artistic and tend to lean into any artform where the sweet spot is in the details. Processing our own deep space images not only gives me a glimpse into the vast universe in which our planet resides, but it is also a reminder of a bigger picture, a design beyond what we see at eye level on our own planet. While I may not leave a legacy through children in this lifetime, it doesn’t meant that I don’t belong here. When we gaze upon the universe we are witnessing our connection to greatness, and if all of these beautiful sights were created to be where they are, then I must admit that I am part of that design as well. Life is a tough road to hoe, but if we keep looking up, it can changed our perspective on what it means to have purpose in this world. My bipolar diagnosis saved me, it gave me clarity through proper medication and treatment, and because of that I now see that I belong here just as much as anyone else. The next step to that realization is to humbly embrace the road ahead.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I recently began a YouTube channel and am enjoying watching it grow. While I currently don’t make a career of my hobby or my mental health journey, I wanted to take the chance with the platform to remind others to keep looking up. My YouTube channel is called The Bipolar Astrophotographer and I discuss everything from deep space imaging to mental health and my personal journey with bipolar disorder. I want to be a lighthouse for others who may be lost in the ocean of dispair, and I truly believe that sharing my journey while also incorporating my deep space images into that message is a unique way to help others find their place in this world as well. My goal is to be a light in the dark, and my hobby is to image that light as well.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Acceptance and open mindedness are the two pillars that helped me move through my initial mental health struggles. When I was first diagnosed I read everything I could find on bipolar type 1 and that knowledge gave me so much power over my weaknesses. I think that once I was able to name it, I learned how to tame it. I would say that the three most impactful aspects of my journey and growth are, acceptance, open mindedness, and knowledge. When I learned how to apply these qualities, I did find peace. And while peace is fleeting, and living with mental illness is a marathon and not a sprint, I am far more equipped to handle difficult days with much more reason and understanding. It is a blessing to know peace.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents saved my life on several occasions. I had 7 jaw surgeries in my 20’s and they got me through each one every step of the way. My dad gave me the Heimlich maneuver when I was 4 and it turned out to be one of my very first memories. My mother has become my best friend, and she has been my rock! My dad has always been my biggest fan and truly loves the images I’m taking with deep space. We have such a special bond that we actually bought my childhood home from them almost 3 years ago. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be home.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kara.marcus.9
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsrx_pvDj9u_Xsrn3ZgAaVA
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jkms.astrophotogr
