
308K
Downloads
97
Episodes
Unfiltered & authentic - a real-life glimpse of bipolar disorder. Join mental health advocate, Shaley Hoogendoorn as she passionately share her bipolar journey and holds space for the stories others. It is her greatest hope that these raw and real stories will give insight, shatter stigma, and offer hope. This is bipolar...
Episodes

Friday Feb 24, 2023
Mental Health and the Black Community with Sarah Fox
Friday Feb 24, 2023
Friday Feb 24, 2023
This Black History month and we wanted to highlight our friend and mental health advocate, Sarah Fox. Sarah is is shattering stigma around mental health in the black community on her podcast and @rough.edges.podcast.
In the episode Sarah shares:
• her experiences as a black woman living with bipolar 1 disorder in the US.
• the added stigmas and barriers that black folks face.
• mental illness stigmas in church
• what she thinks needs to change and how white folks can come along side as allies. She gives us a list below of black creators, authors and therapist to follow and learn from. We are so honoured that Sarah was willing to come on and have this hard and necessary conversation.
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.
Black IG creators/therapists to follow or book recs of black folks talking about mental health & mental illness.
Dr. Monica A. Coleman, Bipolar Faith (@revdrmonica)
Truth’s Table - Dr. Christina Edmondson, Ekemini Uwan (@truthstable)
Dr. Atasha Jordan - Psychiatrist, Faith & Mental Health (@atashajordan)
Jamie Grace- The Jamie Grace Podcast (@jamiegraceh)
Morgan Harper Nichols (@morganharpernichols)
Bianca Cotton - Behind the Confident Smile Podcast (@behindtheconfidentsmilepodcast)
Brianna Miller - I AM, I Affirm Me (@ia.m._)
Kobe Campbell - Psychotherapist, Trauma Therapist, The Healing Circle Podcast (@kobecampbell_)
Rebecca C. Werts - Therapist, Speaker, Writer, Faith + Mental Health (@rebeccacwerts)
Article Links:
Exploring the Mental Health Stigma in Black Communities by Amy Morin & Medically verified by Dr. Akeem Marsh: https://www.verywellmind.com/exploring-the-mental-health-stigma-in-black-communities-5078964
Addressing Mental Health in the Black Community by Dr. Thomas A. Vance, Columbia University Department of Psychiatry: https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/addressing-mental-health-black-community
Religion and Mental Health in Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations: A Review of the Literature
Ann W Nguyen, PhD: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7518711/
Racial Disparities Lead to Poor Mental Health Care for Black Americans by Shannon Lee: https://www.verywellmind.com/racial-disparities-mental-health-5072490
Mental Health Diagnostic Considerations in Racial/Ethnic Minority Youth by June Liang, Brittany E. Matheson, and Jennifer M. Douglas: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4916917/
#blackhistorymonth #blackexcellence #blackhistory #blackmentalhealthblogger #mentalillness #mentalhealthawareness

Sunday Jan 22, 2023
CONVERSATIONS WITH- Edison Htun
Sunday Jan 22, 2023
Sunday Jan 22, 2023
In this episode of 'Conversations With', Mental Illness Activist Shaley Hoogendoorn talks with Edison Htun. Edison shares openly about his experiences living with bipolar disorder in Southeast Asian country, especially in a conservative country with no mental health policies or regulations. It was fascinating to learn about the cultural influence on stigmas and misconceptions about Bipolar Disorder in Myanmar. Edison also shares about his own internalized stigma toward medication and diagnosis. Edison's words of encouragement to those walking a similar path. His story is one of perseverance and inspiration. I am so grateful for Edison's's voice in his country and in the world. We feel honoured that he trusted us with his story. Edison’s story is not over yet.
This is bipolar...
IG @this.is.bipolar
Meet Edison: Kyaw Si Thu Htun (Edison) is twenty-six years old and born and raised in Yangon, Myanmar. Edison lives with Bipolar 2 Disorder with Rapid cycling and is passionate about sharing with others to help end stigma around mental health and mental illness. Edison has a B.A (Hons) Business from University of Wolverhampton and was a media focal person of U-Report Myanmar, UNICEF Myanmar's youth program. He was also a manager for Junior Creative Dance Crew (America's Got Talent: The Champion Season 2 participant). Edison is currently an Account Manager, PR Agency based in Yangon. You can find Edison on Instagram @ejiiison.
#mentalhealth #mentalillness #bipolarawareness #bipolar #thisisbipolar

Friday Jan 06, 2023
Episode 21 | NEW YEAR, SAME ME- A Case of the Januarys
Friday Jan 06, 2023
Friday Jan 06, 2023
Join mental illness advocate, Shaley Hoogendoorn for her first SOLO episode. Shaley talks about New Years and her practice of having a guiding word for the year instead of impossible to reach and the same old New Years resolutions. Shaley explains how January is a really hard month and holds trauma for her as a major bipolar depression anniversary. You don't want to miss hearing about all her tricky feelings about the first month of the year. Shaley even reads one of her most popular blog/vlog post she wrote for her SheLoves Magazine series 'Sisters in Mental Illness" about her major depressive episodes that included a binge eating disorder. She was a little nervous to be podcasting on her own but in the end found it healing to show up alone as her full self here.
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.
IG @this.is.bipolar
TT @this.is.bipolar
FB @thisisbipolar
If this is your first episode, meet your host:
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 BP Hope magazine. She hosted a series interviewing women living with mental illnesses at SheLoves Magazine in a series named "Sisters in Mental Illness." Shaley currently hosts “This is Bipolar” vlog and podcast. Shaley is also an elementary school teacher and an event planner.
# thisisbipolar # thisisbipolarpodcast #bipolar #bipolardisorder #mentalhealth #mentalillness

Tuesday Dec 13, 2022
CONVERSATIONS WITH- Dr. Ellen Northcott
Tuesday Dec 13, 2022
Tuesday Dec 13, 2022
In this episode on 'Conversations With", mental illness advocate Shaley Hoogendoorn talks to author and psychologist Dr. Ellen Northcott. Dr. Northcott lives with Bipolar Disorder and speaks and writes about her experience in raw and honest way. Her memoir ‘The Chaos of My Mind: A Bipolar Memoir’ gives deep insight into what bipolar depression and mania can look and feel like. She has a unique perspective being a psychologist living with bipolar disorder. Dr. Northcott tells the truth about deep depression, suicidal ideation, suicidal plans and her attempt in order to end stigma around bipolar. I’m so grateful for her work and her willingness to talk about her battle with bipolar disorder. Dr. Northcott's story is one of perseverance and I know will give others the hope and courage to seek help.
This is bipolar...
TW: Talk of suicidal ideations, thoughts and an attempt. Please take care of yourselves.
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 Ellen:
I am a Clinical Neuropsychologist with bipolar 1 disorder, which I have been navigating for 25 years, only 10 of those medicated. I live in Australia with my husband and 2 beautiful children. I am a published author, at least if you count my bipolar memoir ‘The Chaos of My Mind: A Bipolar Memoir’ and a few scientific papers about epilepsy. I also have an instagram account @bipolar.psychologist where I share informational content about bipolar disorder from the point of view as a medical professional and someone with lived experience.
INSTAGRAM- @this.is.bipolar
FB- this is bipolar
TikTok- @this.is.bipolar
# thisisbipolar # thisisbipolarpodcast #bipolar #bipolardisorder #mentalhealth #mentalillness

Friday Nov 25, 2022
CONVERSATIONS WITH- Holli Sperti
Friday Nov 25, 2022
Friday Nov 25, 2022
In this episode of 'Conversations With', Shaley Hoogendoorn talks with Holli Sperti. Holli bravely shares for the first time publicly on the podcast about her experiences living with bipolar disorder. Shaley talks to Holli about ALL the things-from symptoms, getting help, her miscarriage, divorce, church hurt, medication and stigma. Holli shares invaluable insight into her mental health journey. Holli’s story is one of perseverance and inspiration that offers help and hope to others walking a similar path. I feel honoured that she trusted us with her story.
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.
About Holli: Holli is a wife, a Mom, and an entreprenuer, she calls herself a “Creativeprenuer”. her company is called Artisan Creative, Co and she creates content for social media, blogs, emails, copywriting, websites, etc. Holli is a writer, a musician, a coffee lover and is wild about books, pens, and really great journals! Holli loves to READ. She also loves the outdoors, a good run, a game of tennis, or a hike in the mountains of NC. Equally, she also loves a quaint coffee shop, one on one conversations, and deep friendships. Holli is definitely an introvert with the occasional extroverted moment. In her life, Holli wants to love well and make sure the people around her know how grateful she is for them. She is a learner and it’s important to her to grow, change, and continue to learn in life. Holli was diagnosed almost 2 years ago with Bipolar 2 and she's been in a process of learning more about herself, managing her life and symptoms better. Living with bipolar disorder is a journey and Holli is grateful for each day. Follow Holli on instagram @hollisperti
INSTAGRAM @this.is.bipolar
#thisisbipolar #thisisbipolarpodcast #mentalhealthpodcast #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #bipolar #bipolardisorder #mooddisorder #mentalhealthpodcast

Monday Nov 14, 2022
CONVERSATIONS WITH- Mik B
Monday Nov 14, 2022
Monday Nov 14, 2022
In this episode of 'Conversations With', Shaley Hoogendoorn talks with fellow mental illness advocate, Mik B. Mik shares openly about their experiences living with bipolar disorder and adhd. They give us a glimpse into what it looks like to experience suicidal thoughts and ideation from a young age. Mik talks about early and ongoing bipolar and adhd symptoms and the difference between suicidal ideation, thoughts and plans. Mik is a suicide survivor using her story to educate and encourage others with similar thoughts, feeling and experiences. Mik was such a delight to chat with, they have a sense of humour about it all because sometimes joking and laughing is all you can do when you talk about the messy parts mental illnesses. We are so grateful for Mik’s unique voice and mental health advocacy in real life and especially on social media. We feel honoured that they shared their story with us, Mik’s story is not over yet.
This is bipolar...
*Actuvation warning- as always we talk about hard things. If they activate or trigger you in anyway, please take care out yourself.
Meet Mik:
@mikbitme goes by Any/All Pronouns. They live with Bipolar 1, ADHD and Anxiety. Mik is a fierce mental advocate on and off line. They are the Social Media Director for Matcha, a health platform. I’m addition Mik os a Full-Time Grad Student in Public Health: Health Education and Promotion with a B.S. in Public Health and a minor in Substance Use Treatment. Be sure to follow her advocacy on line on her Insta and TikTok @mikb_itme
.
#thisisbipolar #bipolarpodcast #mentalhealthpodcast #mentalhealth #mentalillness #mentalhealthadvocate #bipolar #bipolardisorder #bipolar1 #mooddisorder #suicideawareness #suicideprevention

Tuesday Nov 08, 2022
CONVERSATIONS- WITH Rudy Caseres
Tuesday Nov 08, 2022
Tuesday Nov 08, 2022
In this episode of 'Conversations With', Shaley Hoogendoorn talks with fellow advocate, Rudy Caseres. Rudy shares openly about his experiences living with bipolar disorder- from symptoms, getting help, stigma and medication to the how becoming a mental health advocate has been a huge part of his healing journey. Rudy also gives advice and words of encouragement to those walking a similar path. His story is one of perseverance and inspiration. We are so grateful for Rudy's voice and his mental health advocacy work. We feel honoured that he shared his story with us, Rudy’s story is not over yet. 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.
IG @this.is.bipolar
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.
#thisisbipolar #thisisbipolarpodcast #bipolarpodcast #bipolar #mentalhealthpodcast #mentalhealth #mental-illness

Thursday Oct 13, 2022
CONVERSATIONS with Maria Fernandez | checking in & catching up
Thursday Oct 13, 2022
Thursday Oct 13, 2022
We have one of our favourite mental health advocates is back on the pod! Maria Fernandez was our very first ‘conversations with’ guest. Shaley talks with Maria about her ups and downs in her journey with bipolar 2 disorder since last year. Maria vulnerably shares about dual diagnoses and comorbidity and how she experiences these in her everyday life. Maria's story is one of perseverance and inspiration. She offers help and hope to those waling a similar path. We feel honoured that she returned to the podcast to update us on her experiences.
You will also find out how our podcast team is growing!
This is bipolar...
Meet Maria:
Maria is a dreamer, the kind of woman who’s imagination delights in museum tours, Broadway productions and salsa dance classes. She is a lover of creativity in all its forms and she finds these pursuits to be her greatest adventures, truest joys and most beloved passions. In addition to these, she is also an advocate for mental illness who has spoken about the realities of her diagnoses at Wraparound Conventions, on the Catholic Radio Network station and at various youth groups. She is a certified Peer Mentor and has been one of the leaders in the DBT mentoring program at Compass Behavioral Health. Maria is passionate about fighting stigma and creating a world of compassion, understanding and love. You can connect with her on her Instagram @maria_bp2_fernandez
#thisisbipolar #itsokaytonotbeokaky #thisisbipolarpodcast #bipolarpodcast #mentalhealthpodcast #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalillness #mentalhealthadvocate #bipolar2 #bipolar #bipolardisorder #mooddisorder #obsessivecompulsivedisorder #ocdawareness #eatingdisorderawareness #mentalhealthpodcast

Tuesday Sep 27, 2022
PART 2- CONVERSATIONS WITH- Hailey Rose and Shaley Hoogendoorn
Tuesday Sep 27, 2022
Tuesday Sep 27, 2022
This is PART 2 of 'Conversations With' episode with mental illness advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Hailey Rose for this episode of 'Conversations With'. In part 1 Hailey spoke about what living with bipolar I disorder, psychosis and adhd. In Hailey also has a diagnosis of body dysmorphia. In this episode she describes the disorder and shares an in-depth look at what BDM looks and feels like in her everyday life. You will also learn how and why Hailey started her mental illness activism online through her @mind.over.mood instagram and TikTok accounts. Hailey describes her experiences and her work online and what it means to her. Shaley and Hailey talk about how social media platforms further stigmatize mental illness. Hailey uses her story of deep pain and struggle to encourage those with mental health disorders, as well as to educate neurotypical folks about her lived experiences. The way Hailey uses humour through her videos to educate is brave and powerful. Go and follow Hailey and you will see how inspiring and wonderful she is.
This is bipolar...
Meet Hailey:
Hailey Rose is an advocate for the mental illness community. Hailey lives with bipolar disorder, psychosis, and adhd. She is on a mission to both change society’s understanding of mental illness and provide a welcoming space for others who suffer to let them know they are not alone. Find Hailey @mind.over.mood (backup: @mind.overmood) where she creates powerful, educational and often funny videos describing her experience with mental illness. Her videos can also be found on TikTok @mind.over.mood.
#thisisbipolar #thisisbipolarpodcast #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthpodcast #bipolar #bipolarawareness

Saturday Sep 24, 2022
PART 2 CONVERSATIONS WITH -Sarah Fox and Paris Prynkiewicz
Saturday Sep 24, 2022
Saturday Sep 24, 2022
This is PART 2 of 'Conversations With' episode with mental health advocates Paris Prynkiewicz and Sarah Fox. Shaley continues her conversation with Paris and Sarah and their experiences living with bipolar I disorder. They share about how they started sharing, advocating, podcasting and more. They give insight into the helpful things that they have done and continue to do to help them manage their bipolar disorder. You will hear how they use their story of pain and struggle to encourage and help others navigating mental illness. We are so encouraged by the way both Paris and Sarah show up in their lives and online. We think you will be too. Go and follow these women and listen to their podcasts!
This is bipolar...
#thisisbipolar #thisisbipolarpodcast #bipolarpodcast #bipolar #mentalhealthpodcast