this is bipolar

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

 

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

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.
.
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.
.
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!
.
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.

Instagram @this.is.bipolar

#thisisbipolar #thisisbipolarpodcast #mentalhealthpodcast #bipolar

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

THIS OR THAT - fall 2021 edition

Just for fun… a rousing round of 'This or That?' !! In this special bonus episode, Messy Beauty with Shaley & Julie Kraft candidly share about their favourite Fall things! Would they rather stroll through the city with a pumpkin spice latte in hand? OR pick apples in an orchard, dressed in flannel? Would they opt for a spooky halloween night or a cozy movie marathon by the fire? Tune in to find out their answers and so much more! 

This is bipolar...

@this.is.bipolar

#thisisbipolar #thisisbipolarpodcast #thisisbipolarvlog

CONVERSATIONS WITH - Tatyana Frost

Trigger warning - self harm, suicidal ideation

Mental Health Advocate Shaley Hoogendoorn talks with Tatyana Frost about her experience living with bipolar disorder. In this episode, Tatyana shares her story, including an honest and insightful look at how & when her bipolar symptoms first surfaced. She also details seeking help, receiving a diagnosis, and what she has discovered about herself (and bipolar) since. Tatyana's story is one of struggle but also one of incredible strength and inspiration. We feel honoured that she trusted us with her story. Tatyana's story is not over yet. This is bipolar... 

Tatyana Tatyana Frost is a mental health advocate and writer working on her first memoir, The Madness Effect. On her Insagram account, @bipolar_writes, she educates and empowers people who have or know someone who has bipolar.

instagram - @this.is.bipolar

#thisisbipolar​ #thisisbipolarvlog​ #thisisbipolarpodcast​ #bipolar

Episode 13 SHOWING UP: words that hurt

NEW EPISODE! Join mental health advocates Messy Beauty with Shaley and Julie Kraft as they dive into the topic of how to support someone living with bipolar disorder or a mental health struggle. In this episode, they give a gentle but honest look at various unhealthy & often harmful ways of 'showing up'. Words can hurt. Although well-intentioned, actions aren't always helpful. Shaley and Julie share their own experiences of being hurt by others, as well as share valuable feedback from their listeners. It is Julie and Shaley's greatest hope that this episode will offer insight and shed shameless light on ways to avoid (unintentionally) hurting others. This is bipolar.....

 

*stay tuned for a follow-up episode which will explore the flip-side and offer some of the best ways to 'show up' for others!

 

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 continue on with this work. xo Shaley

 

Instagram - @this.is.bipolar

#thisisbipolar #thisisbipolarvlog. #thisisbipolarpodcast