GOING DEEPER: Advocacy and Healing with Lee Formella

Join Shaley Hoogendoorn in an inspiring episode of "this is bipolar" as she delves into the power of sharing personal stories to educate and break down stigma surrounding bipolar disorder. Shaley, who lives with bipolar 2 disorder, believes that sharing is healing both individually and collectively, fostering understanding and connection.

In this episode, Shaley interviews Lee Formella, a passionate advocate for mental health awareness from @benefits_of_bipolar. Lee shares his journey of living with bipolar disorder, how he began his advocacy work, and the impact it has had on his life and others. From the challenges of starting to share his story online to finding a supportive community, Lee’s story is one of resilience and growth.

Discover how Lee transitioned from working in bars to finding purpose and fulfillment in mental health advocacy, leading to a role with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This episode is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the transformative power of community support.

Listen in as Shaley and Lee discuss the importance of authenticity in advocacy, the challenges of facing criticism, and the profound connections made through shared experiences. Their conversation is a reminder that our stories are not over yet, and by sharing them, we can change perceptions and support each other in the journey of living with bipolar disorder. 

this is bipolar....

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here. If this episode or podcast means something to you, I would be forever grateful if you would follow/subscribe the ‘this is bipolar’ podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts so you stay up to date. It would also mean the world to me if you gave a 5 ⭐️ review- this helps the podcast reach those who need to hear it most. you can connect with me on IG @this.is.bipolar or by email thisisbipolarpodcast@gmail.com. 

Love, Shaley

About Lee:

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, cptsd, and generalized anxiety disorder in September of 2019 after surviving 15 years of suicidal thoughts and absolute chaos. Though a lot of hard work, self-awareness, and surrounding myself with a phenomenal support network, I have found some stability, contentment and success while living with bipolar disorder. 

A little over a year ago, I decided to share my story after not finding many relatable folks initially who were living comfortably with bipolar disorder, but especially men. While I have since found so many incredible creators, writers and friends living with bipolar disorder, I am so happy to have started an account sharing my own story. It has led to lasting and meaningful relationships with people all around the world. 

Over the last year, I have been lucky enough to share my story for law enforcement, at universities and for local support groups and mental health education programs. It has provided me with direction and a path that combined a passion with a path forward. Recently, I began a job (my first not in sales or restaurants!) as the Director of Education for NAMI Southeast Minnesota, which will allow me to continue this amazing journey of spreading knowledge to eliminate the stigma that follows a mental illness diagnosis. 

You can find more of my story at benefitsofbipolar.com, on Instagram @benefits_of_bipolar, on YouTube @benefitsofbipolar and articles for the International Bipolar Foundation at ibpf.org! I truly love nothing more than meeting people who are passionate about mental illness and those who live with bipolar; please reach out!