When Mania Becomes Psychosis

The whole world has been talking about psychosis with the Lindsay Clancy case. The experience is so misrepresented and misunderstood in mainstream media. In this episode of This Is Bipolar, Shaley Hoogendoorn talks with returning guest Charise Jewell about psychosis and bipolar disorder from someone who actually experienced the condition more than once. Charise shares how psychosis appeared during mania, including hallucinations, delusions, hospitalization, and the challenges of recovery. Together, they address common misconceptions, the importance of compassionate support, and why psychosis does not define a person.

Timestamps:

(00:10:53) Charise recognizes her own experiences in the symptom list
(00:19:37) The broth story and how mania can affect judgment
(00:28:06) Why psychosis can feel completely real
(00:33:34) What led Charise’s husband to take her to the hospital
(00:38:46) Charise’s confusion and denial during her first hospital stay
(00:44:22) The second episode and the return of manic symptoms
(00:50:53) Asking for better training and accountability in mental health care
(00:56:28) Charise’s advice for listeners who are worried about symptoms(00:10:53) Charise recognizes her own experiences in the symptom list
(00:19:37) The broth story and how mania can affect judgment
(00:28:06) Why psychosis can feel completely real 
(00:33:34) What led Charise’s husband to take her to the hospital
(00:38:46) Charise’s confusion and denial during her first hospital stay
(00:44:22) The second episode and the return of manic symptoms
(00:50:53) Asking for better training and accountability in mental health care
(00:56:28) Charise’s advice for listeners who are worried about symptoms

Shaley Hoogendoorn is a passionate mental health advocate, speaker, writer, and teacher who is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness. As the co-founder and host of the this is bipolar podcast, Shaley uses her lived experience with Bipolar 2 disorder to foster an authentic, supportive community and spark raw, honest conversations about navigating the complexities of the condition. Her advocacy work extends across multiple platforms, including contributions to Psych Central and BP Hope magazine, where she continuously aims to bring lived-experience expertise to the forefront of mental health education.

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Charise Jewell is a Canadian author, speaker, and mental health advocate who spent 15 years working as a robotics engineer before pivoting to writing. After experiencing a sudden onset of mania at age 40, she was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 disorder—a life-altering turning point that inspired her powerful debut memoir, Crazy: Memoir of a Mom Gone Mad. Today, Charise uses her distinct perspective as a scientist and storyteller to humanize severe mental illness, serving on hospital advisory councils and speaking across corporate and educational spaces to fight for the fair, empathetic, and dignified treatment of the mentally ill.

You can buy Charise's books here:

Normal

Regrets Ever After

Crazy: Memoir Of A Mom Gone Mad

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