this is bipolar

Episode 18 | EVERYDAY ANXIETY - irrational thoughts & overreactions

Join mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they tackle the topic of everyday anxiety. Although everyone can feel anxious during their day-to-day lives, those living with bipolar disorder often experience anxiety on a much deeper level. Listen in as Julie and Shaley share in detail about their own struggles with daily anxiety. Find out how an unreturned email or seemingly awkward social interaction can induce swirling thoughts, feed insecurities, ...and lead to irrational thoughts & overreactions (all in seconds!)! It is Julie and Shaley's greatest hope that this episode offers insight and encouragement to those walking a similar, and at times extremely anxious, path. This is bipolar...

Instagram - @this.is.bipolar

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SHALEY HOOGENDOORN @messybeautywithshaley

JULIE KRAFT @julie.kraft.author www.juliekraft.com

CONVERSATIONS WITH - Monica A. Coleman

Introducing the fifth interview in our series 'Conversations With'! In this episode, Shaley Hoogendoorn talks with professor, author, speaker, and theologian Monica A. Coleman. Dr. Coleman openly shares about her experiences living with bipolar II disorder- from symptoms and seeking professional help, to her reactions to her diagnosis and the role stigma has played in her life. Monica also dives into her faith journey as well as her diverse work within the Church to bring awareness and 'keep it real'. Powerful excerpts from her newly re-released book 'Bipolar Faith' are also shared giving invaluable insight into her mental health journey. Monica's story is one of resilience and inspiration - we feel honoured that she trusted us with her story. This is bipolar...

* trigger warning- mentions sexual violence

Meet Monica:

Monica A. Coleman is Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Delaware. She spent over ten years in graduate theological education at Claremont School of Theology and Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Answering her call to ministry at age 19, Dr. Coleman brings her experiences in evangelical Christianity, black church traditions, global ecumenical work, and indigenous spirituality to her discussions of religion. Dr. Coleman is the author or editor of six books and several articles that focus on the role of faith in addressing critical social and philosophical issues. Her memoir 'Bipolar Faith' shares her life-long dance with trauma and depression, and how she discovers a new and liberating vision of God. Her book 'Making a Way Out of No Way' is required reading at leading theological schools around the country. Dr. Coleman co-hosted the web series, “Octavia Tried To Tell Us: Parable for Today’s Pandemic.” Coleman speaks widely on mental wellness, navigating change, religious diversity, and religious responses to intimate partner violence.

Find out more about Dr. Coleman and her books at www.monicaAcoleman.com

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Episode 17 CHANGE & THE BIPOLAR BRAIN - strategies & solutions

In this follow-up to episode 16, mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft continue the conversation on big life changes & the bipolar brain. Change can affect those living with bipolar disorder in deeper & different ways that often leave them on shaky ground. But there is hope. Tune in as Shaley, Julie, and our listeners share their coping mechanisms, strategies and solutions for finding firmer footing. It is Julie and Shaley's greatest hope that this episode offers insight, help, and a light at the end of the tunnel for those walking a similar path. This is bipolar...

Sources:

* book excerpt: All Along You Were Blooming: thoughts for boundless living - Morgan Harper Nichols

* mental health author, expert & advocate - Julie A. Fast www.juliefast.com Instagram @juliefast

Instagram @this.is.bipolar

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SHALEY HOOGENDOORN @messybeautywithshaley

JULIE KRAFT @julie.kraft.author www.juliekraft.com

Episode 16 | CHANGE & THE BIPOLAR BRAIN - events & episodes

Join mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they tackle the topic of big life changes & the bipolar brain. Although change can be difficult for everyone, it can affect those living with bipolar disorder in much deeper & different ways that often leave them on very shaky ground. In this episode, Shaley and Julie open up about events and episodes in their own lives that were difficult to go through. From navigating the many 'moving' parts of a recent family move from Canada to the USA (Julie shares an exciting life update!) ... to 'wading' through unexpected flooding at home, they both detail their various feelings, emotions, and reactions. Invaluable Input and feedback from the fabulous This is Bipolar community is also shared. It is Julie and Shaley's greatest hope that this episode offers insight, help, and a light at the end of the tunnel for those walking a similar, and at times detoured, path. This is bipolar... Instagram - @this.is.bipolar

#thisisbipolar #thisisbipolarvlog. #thisisbipolarpodcast

 

SHALEY HOOGENDOORN @messybeautywithshaley JULIE KRAFT @julie.kraft.author www.juliekraft.com

CONVERSATIONS WITH - Charise Jewell

Introducing the fourth interview in our series 'Conversations With'! In this episode, Shaley Hoogendoorn talks with author and advocate Charise Jewell. Charise openly and honestly shares about her experiences living with bipolar I disorder- from symptoms, getting help, her hospitalizations, medication, stigma to the role her doctors and family have played in her healing. Powerful excerpts from her book, CRAZY - Memoir of a Mom Gone Mad are also shared giving invaluable insight into her mental health journey. Charise's story is one of perseverance and inspiration that offers help and hope to others walking a similar path. We feel honoured that she trusted us with her story. This is bipolar...

 

Meet Charise A voracious reader and aspiring writer since childhood, Charise Jewell was born in Germiston, South Africa, and immigrated to Canada when she was seven years old. She holds an Honours B.Eng. in mechanical engineering from McGill University in Montreal, and worked as a robotics engineer for fifteen years before becoming a writer. She proudly lives with bipolar 1 mood disorder and educates for the fair and dignified treatment of the mentally ill. Charise lives in Toronto with her husband and three children. Find out more about Charise and her memoir at www.charisejewell.com

You can also follow her on Instagram @reesechaell

 

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BONUS EPISODE: getting a proper diagnosis

Join mental health advocate Shaley Hoogendoorn as she shares a few tips on getting a bipolar diagnoses. Bipolar is often misdiagnosed as major depression or anxiety. There is research that says it often takes an average of 6 years to get the correct diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. Shaley hopes that by sharing her struggle with misdiagnosis, she can help others better advocate for themselves when reaching out.
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Many people struggle with the high highs and low lows for years before getting the treatment we need despite repeatedly seeking professional help. Over a period of 10 years, Shaley was diagnosed with depression, anxiety and even disordered eating. While I she experienced all of these things, she didn’t know that they are all symptoms of Bipolar 2 Disorder. In fact the medicine she was prescribed for anxiety triggered the hypomanic episode that ultimately brought her to emergency. The problem is that we usually seek help during the depression because there is less awareness around hypomania and mania. Shaley though she was her "normal" self when hypomanic until her mood elevated so high she began spiralling.
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Shaley's biggest piece of advice when seeking help is writing down your moods & symptoms to show your doctor. If you live with someone or have a close friend that can help you by recording different behaviours that they see. Try to think of your episodes over the last 6 months so your psychiatrist can see the whole picture. Our bipolar episodes can be slight or overwhelmingly intense so aren’t always aware of our odd behaviour. Be sure to talk about the mania!
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We hope this video helps anyone who is worried about their severe mood swings and seeking a bipolar diagnosis. Your only job is to show up and tell the truth about your experience. You are not alone. Getting a diagnosis is scary but it is also freeing. It is our greatest hope that you can get the right diagnoses and treatment plan to help you cope. You deserve to feel better. This is bipolar...

*If you are having any thoughts at all of harming yourself or others, please go straight to emergency. They can get you psychiatric help immediately.

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Episode 15 | TRIGGERS- what they are and what we do

Join mental health advocates Messy Beauty with Shaley and Julie Kraft as they tackle the topic of triggers. In this episode they define what a mental health trigger is and take a closer look at the various types. Shaley and Julie also open up about their own triggers (big & small), their reactions (healthy & unhealthy!), and ways they have learned to cope. It is their greatest hope that this episode offers insight, help, and hope. This is bipolar...

 

*sources: Five Ways to Take Control of Your Psychological Triggers - Karen D.Sullivan www.icfyb.com You Can Do Hard Things Podcast with Glennon Doyle

 

Instagram - @this.is.bipolar

 

#thisisbipolar #thisisbipolarvlog. #thisisbipolarpodcast #bipolar #Mentalhealth

Holiday Special 2021: Christmas- coping and keeping calm

SPECIAL HOLIDAY EPISODE! Join mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they share about coping & keeping calm at Christmas! Is it really ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ for them & their families? Does having bipolar disorder help or hinder them during the holidays? What tips & tricks do they have to reduce anxiety & stress? Julie and Shaley also discuss how this Christmas might still look different due to Covid-19. So, whether you’re in a bright place, a dull place, or somewhere in between, it is their greatest hope that in sharing they will offer encouragement and hope during this holiday season. This is bipolar... at Christmastime.

Instagram - @this.is.bipolar

SHALEY HOOGENDOORN @messybeautywithshaley

JULIE KRAFT @julie.kraft.author www.juliekraft.com

#thisisbipolar #thisisbipolarpodcast #bipolar. 

CONVERSATIONS WITH -Jared Diehl

Introducing the third interview (our first with a man!) in our series called 'Conversations With'! In this episode, Shaley Hoogendoorn talks with 'Louder Now' podcast host and fellow advocate, Jared Diehl. Jared shares openly about his experiences living with bipolar disorder- from symptoms, getting help, stigma and medication, to the role his faith has played in his journey -all from the male perspective! Jared also gives advice and words of encouragement to those walking a similar path. His story is one of perseverance and inspiration. We feel honoured that Jared trusted us with his story. Jared's story is not over yet. This is bipolar...

*trigger warning - suicide attempt

Meet Jared: Jared is 36 and lives in La Verne, California. He is a regular patient at Tri-City Mental Health services and gives back to the community by sharing his testimony and struggles with mental illness. He participates in a program called Courageous Minds. Jared also works with the National Alliance of Mental Illness sharing his story with In Our Own Voice and Ending the Silence. He also hosts his own podcast called Louder Now. Jared also likes to write poetry, play hockey, run, watch movies, and make videos related to helping people with their mental health. He also loves his church in downtown Pomona and serves regularly.

 

instagram - @loudernowmh www.jareddiehl.com

instagram - @this.is.bipolar #thisisbipolar​ #thisisbipolarvlog​ #thisisbipolarpodcast​

SHALEY HOOGENDOORN @messybeautywithshaley

Episode 14 | SHOWING UP - words that help

Join mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they explore the topic of how to support a friend or loved one living with bipolar disorder or a mental health struggle. In this follow-up episode (be sure to watch ep 13 for the flip side), they explore healthy & helpful ways of 'showing up'. Saying and doing certain things can make all the difference in the world. Shaley and Julie talk about their own experiences of being encouraged by others, as well as share valuable feedback from our listeners. It is Julie and Shaley's greatest hope that this episode will offer insight and offer practical ways of supporting others. This is bipolar.....

Instagram - @this.is.bipolar

#thisisbipolar #thisisbipolarvlog. #thisisbipolarpodcast

SHALEY HOOGENDOORN @messybeautywithshaley

JULIE KRAFT @julie.kraft.author www.juliekraft.com