this is bipolar

CONVERSATIONS WITH- Michelle I. Gomez, Multipassionate Artpreneur

In this episode, mental illness activist, Shaley Hoogendoorn talks with Artpreneur Michelle I. Gomez. Michelle shares her wild journey being diagnosed and living with bipolar 2 disorder as well as what it’s like to be a multi-passionate Artist turned Artpreneur. Michelle talks about how finding out she had bipolar 2 disorder disrupted her life as a coach and how she had to get well, pivot and rebuild her herself and her career. Shaley and Michelle also describe in detail how they have experienced grandiosity as well as overwhelming anger in hypomania. They also give insight into what helps them get through without destroying their close relationships. We love hearing about Michelle's talent and purpose in helping neurodivergent women turn their passions into successful businesses. Her approach is different and unique in the business world because she puts a huge emphasis on always honouring mental health first. Everything about Michelle is fun, authentic and brilliant! Her advocacy for those of us living with bipolar disorder is inspiring and encouraging.

This is bipolar... 

 

My Friends, If you loved this episode and/or this podcast means something to you, would hit the follow button so you never miss an episode. We would also be forever grateful if you left a 5 star review. This helps get voices and stories of real lived experience out there to comfort more people that are struggling with mental illness to feel seen and understood. 

 

Meet Michelle:
Michelle I. Gomez is a multi-passionate Artist turned Artpreneur who lives with Bipolar Disorder 2! With a relentless focus on mental health, she empowers creative entrepreneurs to thrive in life, love, AND business.

After founding her own successful art business - Creative Unions Event Design, Michelle transitioned to coaching neurodivergent women artists. Her ‘Artist to Artpreneur’ program has empowered over 300 artists, guiding them to financial success through emotional intelligence coaching. Michelle is also the Founder of ‘The Mental Wealth Network,’ offering monthly mental health workshops and support to neurodivergent multi-passionate Artpreneurs, helping them prioritize well-being in their businesses. In 2024, Michelle will launch a divergent love coaching program for “bichotas”, artists, and all kinds of women-identifying divergent thinkers.

Join Michelle on a journey to true wealth - where healing happens in life, love, AND business - by following her and sending her a DM on Instagram @michelleigomez.

#thisisbipolar  #manic #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthadvocate #bipolar #bipolardisorder #bipolarawareness #bipolarstrong

CONVERSATIONS WITH- Wairimu Ndung’u

In this episode of 'Conversations With', Mental Illness Activist, Shaley Hoogendoorn talks to Wairimu Ndung'u about her lived experience with bipolar disorder and ADHD. Wairimu openly shares what it what it was to experience the pressures of teenage and young adult life in school with undiagnosed bipolar disorder in Kenya, Africa. It was fascinating to learn about the cultural influence on stigmas and misconceptions about Bipolar Disorder in another part of the world. Wairimu is doing all different types of activism and education to smash the stigma around mental illness and mood disorders. Her story is one of perseverance and inspiration. I am so grateful for Wairimu's voice in her country and in the world. We feel honoured that she trusted us with his story.

Wairimu’s story is not over yet. 

This is bipolar...

 

Meet Wairimu:

Wairimu Ndung'u is a Kenyan bipolar activist empowering people living with mental illness through psychoeducation via social media. In 2021, she contributed to Meeting of Minds publication sharing how she navigated university while living with bipolar disorder. In 2022, she partnered with Myriam Sidibe, Founder of Brands on a Mission, to raise 2000 USD for people living with bipolar disorder receiving treatment at Kamili Organisation in Kenya. She's a member of Natrella's Wellness Network as a Mental Illness Support Buddy teaching patients how to advocate for themselves and maximize sessions with practitioners. She also runs "Team Sync", a workshop where she helps teams cultivate a founder mindset to unlock innovation and synergy by sharing her career journey as a person living with bipolar.

Links to the two articles mentioned in the episode: 

    •    Navigating University With Bipolar Disorder: My Story (https://wairimundungukenya.wixsite.com/website/post/living-with-bipolar-in-university-wairimu-ndungu)

    •    Suicide Is Not a Dirty Word  (https://wairimundungukenya.wixsite.com/website/post/suicide-is-not-a-dirty-word)

 

IG @this.is.bipolar

TT: @this.is.bipolar

YouTube: this is bipolar

 

#bipolar #thisisbipolar #bipolar #mentalhealthawareness #mental-illness

REUNION CONVERSATION with Julie Kraft

I am beyond excited to share a REUNION conversation with mental health advocate, artist, author and the bipolar bestie I started the podcast with! It was so powerful to be back together and talking about all the things bipolar!!!!

Julie gives us a deep dive into the ups and downs this past year. She bravely shares with us her grief around losing her dad. It was such compelling convrsation. I loved learning new things about Julie and hearing how she is managing her bipolar disorder through it all.

As always, Julie showed up as her real, vulnerable and wonderful self. We even get some not-yet-shared-on-the-internet updates about her current TILDA WHIRL BOOK!!!!!! This conversation was balm to my weary soul. Julie is one of my absolute favourite bipolar besties and I cannot wait for you to hang out with us for our reunion convo. 

This is bipolar...

If you enjoyed this episode or if this podcast means something to you please hit follow or subscribe button. If you really loved it, would you consider sharing it on your social media or with someone who might love it. Thank you for being here and supporting the work of 'this is bipolar'. I am forever grateful that I get to do this bipolar advocacy work.

IG: @this.is.bipolar TT: @this.is.bipolar FB: @thisisbipolar

 

This is JULIE:

Julie Kraft is a Canadian author, artist, and mental health advocate devoted to spreading awareness and shattering stigma. Since her bipolar II diagnosis in 2010, Julie has come to a place of fully embracing her bipolar mind- she credits it with allowing her to live a vibrant and full life. Julie is thrilled to have published her memoir, The Other Side of Me, and a children's book, Tilda Whirl- both in an effort to start the conversation on mental health at all ages. She has contributed to publications for Psych Central, Psycom, and BP Hope magazine. Julie was the previous co-host of the ‘This is Bipolar’ vlog and podcast.

Instagram - @this.is.bipolar (podcast/vlog)
Facebook - thisisbipolar
Instagram - Julie.kraft.author
Website - www.juliekraft.com  (a one stop shop for everything - all social links, past work, resources, including the best links for both of my books)

 

#thisisbipolar #mentalhealthpodcast#podcast #thisisbipolarpodcast #mentalillnessawareness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness#mentalhealthadvocate #bipolar2 #bipolar #bipolardisorder #bipolarII #bipolarstigma #bipolarmind #bipolarmom#mentalhealthpodcast #podcast #stigma #depression

CONVERSATIONS WITH- Sarah Jickling

In this episode of 'Conversations With", mental illness advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Sarah Jickling talk about all things bipolar. Sarah is open and honest about how she wrestled with and rejected her bipolar diagnosis for many years. She shares about what life looked like before and the the rollercoaster ride that led to her mood disorder diagnosis.

Sarah also has great insight into how the "wellness" industry can cause harm and delay diagnosis. Shaley and Sarah talk about how vulnerable they both were to the harm in believing that alternative medicine could cure their bipolar. This conversation gives an inside glimpse into the hard parts of living with mental illness AND also hope that there are treatable ways to manage and engage in creative and meaning fun work.  

We are so grateful for Sarah's voice, as an advocate and also as a singer/songwriter. Go follow her, download all her music and podcast episodes. Her music is beautiful and makes us feel seen and understood. Our greatest hope is that this conversation gives courage to us all to seek help whenever we need are not ok.

This is bipolar... 

 

IG @this.is.bipolar TIkTok @this.is.bipolar

If you enjoyed this episode or if this podcast means something to you please hit follow or subscribe button. If you really loved it, would you consider making a small donation to further support the work of 'this is bipolar'. I am forever grateful that I get to do this bipolar advocacy work.

 

Meet Sarah: 

Sarah Jickling is a Canadian songstress and mental health advocate known for her candid look into uncomfortable subjects, served with an indie pop smile. In 2017, Sarah released her first solo album, “When I Get Better,” which documents her journey through bipolar recovery. Jickling’s idiosyncratic songs have been featured on radio stations across the country and in independent films, and she has opened up about her experiences with mental illness on radio, local television, podcasts, blogs and at live speaking events. Music editor of the Georgia Straight Mike Usinger writes, "Over the past couple of years the Lotsusland-raised singer-songwriter has proven herself one of the most interesting fixtures on the city’s music scene. Musically, Jickling traffics in a brand of pop that’s beautifully inspirational."

Sarah’s music has earned her top spots in competitions such as Citr's Shindig!, Seattle’s EMP Soundoff,102.7, the PEAK Performance Project, SFU’s Launch Fest, Anxiety BC’s Multimedia Contest, and Canada's Walk Of Fame Music Mentorship Program. She has been featured on CBC four times since the release of her solo album to discuss mental health and music, and her interview on Interesting Vancouver Presents was re-broadcast nationally on CBC One’s Podcast Playlist. She now tours to high school across British Columbia destigmatizing mental illness and singing her heart out with Reach Out Psychosis, a educational concert created by the BC Schizophrenia Society. Paul McLellan (The Indie Mixtape, Go! Vancouver) calls Jickling an “epic rock star and brilliant conversation starter for mental health.”

In 2019, Sarah is growing as a musician and tackling some of her most personal and difficult themes yet. Her upcoming album, The Family Curse, deals with intergenerational trauma and mental illness in families, and she is currently working with Harley Small (Peach Pit) and Carol Lynn Quinn (High Love) to push her boundaries both lyrically and sonically. When she is not singing in the recording studio or a high school gymnasium, Sarah can be found in hospital waiting rooms and pole dancing studios around Vancouver, BC.

HYPOMANIA: Shaley Showing Up in the Messy Middle

In this SOLO episode mental illness activist, Shaley Hoogendoorn shares what its like to have the hypomanic "switch" in Spring and leading into Summer. She talks through about the big shift from the winter depressive period to her hypomanic high she is currently coping with. This episode shares the really hard parts of living with bipolar disorder. Shaley's story is not entirely unique and she hopes that others that live with bipolar episode will feel seen, understood and less alone. Her greatest hope is that she could gives insight into the messy middle of living with a mood disorder and share her coping strategies and tools.

IG @this.is.bipolar TIkTok @this.is.bipolar

Your Hostess with the mostest:

Shaley Hoogendoorn is a speaker, vlogger and mental health advocate who aims to dismantle the stigma around mental health and create a safe community for those that struggle. She lives with bipolar ll, and is passionate about educating and empowering others about mental health disorders. She has contributed to publications for Sanctuary Ministries, Psych Central and BPHope magazine. She hosted a series interviewing women living with mental illnesses at SheLoves Magazine in a series named: Sisters in Mental Illness. Shaley is a content creator currently co-hosts “This is Bipolar” vlog and podcast. Shaley is also an elementary school teacher and an event
planner.

If you enjoyed this episode or if this podcast means something to you please hit follow or subscribe button. If you really loved it, would you consider making a small donation to further support the work of 'this is bipolar'. I am forever grateful that I get to do this bipolar advocacy work.

 

CONVERSATIONS WITH Elizabeth Nyugen, MD

On the last days of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month, we wanted to highlight Elizabeth Nguyen and her powerful book 'Aloha Vietnam'. Be sure to listen to the episode, buy her book and follow her @multidimensionalpsychiatry!

In this episode mental illness advocate, Shaley Hoogendoorn sits down with  Elizabeth Nguyen, MD.  Elizabeth is a psychiatrist, author and all around delightful human being. Although Elizabeth does not live with bipolar disorder, she has family that does so she understands the disorder in many ways. She has and continues to work closely with bipolar youth and adults regularly.

It was such a treat to talk about Elizabeth’s debut book ‘Aloha Vietnam’. It is a book with a main character that has bipolar disorder and is not a stereotype or a villain. Fair and kind representation of folks with bipolar disorder is rare in the non fiction books. We want everyone to read it because it helps bipolar warriors, like Shaley, see themselves in the character of Ahn. This book  is a perfect gift to educate those who don’t understand bipolar disorder.

Shaley asked a few questions that those from the @this.is.bipolar Instagram community for a psychiatrist that actually works with people that live with mood disorders and their families. Elizabeth’s thoughtful answers will both teach and comforted us all. We are so grateful that there are doctors and and authors like Elizabeth that devote their time to helping so many on their bipolar healing journey.

We are so excited to collaborate more with Elizabeth in the future. It is refreshing to speak to a medical professional that knows brain science and is dedicated to helping us to not only manage our bipolar disorder but flourish in our own unique ways. We are planning ways to ask and respond to all your questions. Follow @this.is.bipolar to watch for more conversations.

 

Meet Elizabeth:

Elizabeth Nguyen, MD was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her parents were refugees from Vietnam who arrived in Honolulu in 1975 at the end of the Vietnam War. She received her BA from Stanford University in Human Biology, her MD from Northwestern University, and her Psychiatry Residency and Child Psychiatry Fellowship training at UC Davis. She started her career in community mental health, with specific interests in cross-cultural psychiatry, the intersection of spirituality and mental health, and the healing power of water and the natural world. She is currently in private practice in Davis, CA. Aloha Vietnam is her first book and her first novel.

 

#thisisbipolar #thisisbipolarvlog #thisisbipolarpodcast #bipolarawareness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthpodcast  #aapiheritagemonth #aapiauthors

CONVERSATIONS WITH VASAVI KUMAR author of ’SAY IT OUT LOUD’

In this episode of 'Conversations With" Mental Health Advocate, Shaley Hoogendoorn talks to author and therapist Vasavi Kumar about all things therapy. Vasavi takes us back to when bipolar disorder presented in her life and then walks us through her ups and downs along the way. Vasavi has years of real lived experience with addiction and the high highs and low lows of  bipolar disorder. 

Vasavi shares her insight on how healing it is to not only listen to your own thoughts but to talk back to yourself. It is a powerful tool to be able to speak out loud to the different parts of yourself. Vasavi gives us practical tips on how we can use this tool to understand ourselves and our bipolar brains better. Listening to all parts of ourselves helps us have more empathy and compassion for ourselves. 

This is bipolar....

IG & TikTok: @this.is.bipolar 

If you enjoyed this episode or if this podcast means something to you please hit the follow or subscribe button. If you really loved it, would you consider making a donation to further support the work of 'this is bipolar'. I am forever grateful that I get to do this bipolar advocacy work.

 

Meet Vasavi:

Vasavi Kumar is the author of SAY IT OUT LOUD, and a communication and visibility strategist who trains individuals to be assertive, confident, and bold. She advocates for mental health and helps those who live with bipolar disorder to release shame and find the support they need.

 

Be sure to preorder or order Vasavi's SAY IT OUT LOUD book today. Official Release Date is May 16th!!! 

"It's a guide that teaches people how to communicate with the different parts of themselves in a healthy and productive way.

Through my own experiences, I've come to understand that many of us struggle with internal conflicts and self-doubt, and we often suffer in silence.

With SAY IT OUT LOUD, I hope to empower you, my reader to speak up, listen to themselves, and ultimately find peace and clarity within."

 

CONVERSATIONS WITH- Jes of @bipolarcomedyclub

In this episode on 'Conversations With", mental illness advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Jes of @bipolarcomedy club talk about all things bipolar. Jes is an absolute delight. She shares her story with humour and depth. You will hear about some wild things that she has lived through. From a manic purchase of compost worms to how she believed that she was headed to Hogwarts when in actuality she was going to the mental hospital. Despite the really hard things both Shaley and Jess have experienced with having bipolar disorder, they were able to laugh at the absurdity of it all. Both believe it is healing to find others that understand. This brave conversation gives insight to what it feels like to live with bipolar 1 disorder with psychosis. 

This is bipolar...

IG & TikTok: @this.is.bipolar 

If you enjoyed this episode or if this podcast means something to you please hit follow or subscribe button. If you really loved it, would you consider making a small donation to further support the work of 'this is bipolar'. I am forever grateful that I get to do this bipolar advocacy work.

Meet Jes:

Jes is a mental health advocate and aspiring standup comedian from Malaysia. She was initially given the diagnosis Bipolar 1 with psychosis in 2019 following a major psychotic episode while working in London, UK. The aftermath of the breakdown left her with a lot of shame and self-stigma; especially since there is such a high level of taboo ingrained growing up in Asia surrounding mental illness.

It was a rather turbulent recovery journey, but Jes began turning to comedy as a coping mechanism by starting rooms on the Clubhouse app to connect with others who have experienced similar struggles. Soon, Jes started leading the Bipolar Comedy Club (@bipolarcomedy club) community by hosting regular events for people living with bipolar worldwide such as Open Mics, Book Clubs and Sunday Fundays. She also hosts an interview series on Instagram LIVE called Friday Frasier where she has spoken to prominent people in the mental health community such as authors, comedians, influencers, content creators, podcast hosts, musicians etc. Through her sharing with others, she was encouraged to try standup comedy. One thing led to another and now she has been consistently performing in the Malaysian comedy scene. HAHA is it just another hypomanic dream to have her own Netflix special?! Only time will tell :P

#thisisbipolar #thisisbipolarpodcast #bipolarawareness #bipolar #bipolardisorder

CONVERSATIONS WITH- Markku Kostamo

In this episode of ‘Conversations With’ Mental Health Advocate Shaley Hoogendoorn talks with fellow advocate Markku Kostamo.

Markku shares openly about his experiences living with bipolar disorder. Our conversation is rich and deep. We talked about symptoms, getting a Bipolar diagnosis, hospitalizations and even mental health stigma in faith communities. Markku also gives touching words of encouragement to those walking a similar path. His story is one of perseverance and inspiration. I am so grateful for Markku's honesty in sharing his story with us. Markku’s story is not over yet.  

This is bipolar...

IG @this.is.bipolar TIkTok @this.is.bipolar

If you enjoyed this episode or if this podcast means something to you please hit follow or subscribe button. If you really loved it, would you consider making a small donation to further support the work of 'this is bipolar'. I am forever grateful that I get to do this bipolar advocacy work.

About Markku:

Markku Kostamo, MSc - Director, Development, Sanctuary Mental Health & CEO, Kaci - Revenue and Growth Strategies 
Markku has served as an executive in the non-profit sector for over twenty years and is passionate about seeing organizations grow and develop in executing their mission and impact. To enable this, Markku takes an entrepreneurial and relational approach to revenue generation and partnerships. Markku first was first diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder over five years ago and now is a passionate mental health advocate. “ I love having coffee in person or virtually —please DM on IG if you would like to get together!

Learn more about Sanctuary Mental Health here:
sanctuarymentalhealth.org

 

#thisisbipolar #bipolar #bipolardisorder #bipolarawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness

 

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT MANIA with Tatyana Frost & Rudy Caseres

It's World Bipolar Day! Hypomania and mania are misrepresented and misunderstood so recorded this 'Conversations About Mania' episode to demystify misconceptions. Listen in as Mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn, Tatyana Frost and Rudy Caseres share raw and vulnerable stories about their with hypomanic and manic episodes- from  symptoms, hospitalizations, stigma and more. These stories shed light on what it is really like to live with Bipolar 1 & 2 Disorder. Shaley, Tatyana and Rudy also discuss helpful practices and strategies that help them manage these episodes. These are hard stories to tell, we are so grateful for their honesty and perseverance. We hope this conversation offers hope and encouragement to others walking a similar path. 

This is bipolar...

If you enjoyed this episode or if this podcast means something to you would you consider pressing the follow or subscribe button. If you really loved it feel free to buy me a coffee. I am forever grateful that I get to do this work.

 

Meet Rudy:
Rudy Caseres is an award-winning mental health advocate, public speaker, and storytelling event host/producer. He has traveled the country delivering keynote presentations, worked with organizations such as the American Association of Suicidology, This is My Brave, Mental Health America, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and has hosted various storytelling events in the Los Angeles area. He has hosted live-streams for The Mighty and other organizations since 2016. In 2017, he was named one of The Mighty’s Mental Health Heroes and NAMI California’s Outstanding Peer of the Year. You can connect with him on social media where he is @RudyCaseres.

Meet Tatyana:

Tatyana Frost is a mental health worker, mental illness advocate, and writer. She recently published her first self-help journal for those diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Inside My Mind, with the goal of helping people better understand themselves and their disorder. Tatyana is diagnosed with Bipolar 1 and Borderline Personality Disorder and is a champion for mental illness on Instagram @havingbipolar where she shares her mental illness experiences and what she’s learned along the way. 

 

#thisisbipolar  #thisisbipolarpodcast #bipolarawareness #mentalhealthpodcast #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness