this is bipolar

Episode 9 Language: watching our words

In this episode, mental health advocates

Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft discuss the importance of language. Words absolutely matter- they have the power to hurt or heal. Too often, mental health terms, even actual diagnoses, are loosely thrown around in everyday conversation. How many of us have heard the phrase, “The weather is sooo bipolar!” or heard ‘OCD’ used as an adjective to describe a tidy person? Listen in as Julie and Shaley take a gentle and nonjudgemental look at specific terminology often misused (even, admittedly, by them!) They’ll also explain how and why it can be so harmful. It is Shaley and Julie’s greatest hope that this episode will help bring awareness to the words we use and the power they have!

 

*TRIGGER WARNING: mentions language surrounding suicide

 

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Episode 8 Let’s Talk: tips and tools

LET’S TALK!! Join mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they share how to keep important conversations going after Mental Health Awareness Days. Statistics tell us that 1 in 5 people struggle with a mental health disorder. This means someone that you know or love is suffering (often in silence) right now. How can you support those suffering around you? What does it look like to keep showing up when things get hard? Shaley and Julie share tips and tools to use when engaging in heavy, awkward, or uncomfortable conversations. They tell stories about the importance of language and how we can use them to hurt or help. It is Julie and Shaley's hope that this episode encourages us all to do our part in ending the stigma around mental health and mental illness. They believe that together we can keep the conversation going. This is bipolar...

 

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Episode 7 Diagnosed: reality and reactions

Join mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they give a raw and real look at what it’s like to accept that they are living with Bipolar 2 Disorder. They share their own personal struggles to tell family, friends and eventually the world! 

It is Julie and Shaley’s greatest hope that in telling their stories they will offer insight and encouragement to anyone going through the process of being diagnosed. This is bipolar.....

 

#thisisbipolar  #thisisbipolarvlog. #thisisbipolarpodcast 

BONUS EPISODE 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 will look vastly different due to Covid-19. So, whether you’re in a bright place, a dull place, (or maybe even quarantine), it is their greatest hope that in sharing they will offer encouragement and hope this holiday season. This is bipolar...

 

Instagram - @this.is.bipolar

Episode 6 Getting Help: doctors and diagnoses

NEW EPISODE!! In this episode, mental health advocates Messy Beauty with Shaley and Julie Kraft discuss their vastly different experiences of seeking professional help and receiving their bipolar II diagnoses. They describe when, where, and how they first heard the life-changing news, " You have bipolar disorder." It is Julie and Shaley's greatest hope that in sharing they will offer insight and encouragement to anyone going through the process of being diagnosed. This is bipolar.....

Instagram: @this.is.bipolar

 

Episode 5 Prediagnosis: unravelling and falling apart

Join mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they openly share about their lives before their bipolar II diagnoses. In this episode, they both detail the final days and events that led them to seek professional help. How did they unravel? Did others know they were falling apart? This episode also explores what getting help looked like. Julie and Shaley discuss their experiences and reactions - from the emergency room to a doctor's office, with feelings ranging from utter relief to prideful resistance. They also share advice and encouragement for anyone who might be struggling and ready to reach out. It is Shaley and Julie's hope that in sharing they will offer insight and encouragement to others walking a similar path! This is bipolar.....

 

Instagram - @this.is.bipolar

 

#thisisbipolar  #thisisbipolarvlog. #thisisbipolarpodcast

Episode 3 Prediagnosis: depression and disordered eating

In this episode, Julie and Shaley both candidly detail their depressive episodes. Although they have the same diagnosis, their symptoms presented in various and different ways. Prediagnosis.....how did depression manifest in their daily lives? What effects did it have on their families and friends? Could they carry on with daily life despite being in a darker place? Did they reach out for help? Find out the answers to all of these questions and more! It is Shaley and Julie's hope that in sharing they will offer help and encouragement to others walking a similar path!

This is bipolar.

 

@this.is.bipolar

 

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Episode 4 Prediagnosis: the lives we were living

Join mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they openly share about their lives before being diagnosed with bipolar II disorder. In this episode, they both candidly detail what daily life looked like in the decades leading up to their diagnoses. Julie and Shaley discuss the various ways their depression and anxiety affected them and all those living alongside - from throwing birthday parties & hosting playdates, to organizing big events and attending book clubs. How did they manage? Were their episodes cyclical and predictable? Did they, or do they still, experience shame and guilt over past mistakes? And what advice would they give to anyone living through the same struggles & experiences? Find out the answers to all of these questions and more! It is Shaley and Julie's hope that in sharing they will offer help 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 continue on with this work. xo Shaley

 

 

Instagram - @this.is.bipolar

 

Episode 2 Prediagnosis: anxiety and panic

In this episode, Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft both candidly share about falling in love with their husbands, and what life looked like in the early years of marriage and motherhood. Although they have the same diagnosis, their symptoms presented in various and very different ways. Find out how anxiety and panic manifested in their daily lives and the effects it had on them and all those living alongside.

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 continue on with this work. xo Shaley

 

@this.is.bipolar

BONUS EPISODE Advocacy: anytime and anywhere

Join mental health advocates Messy Beauty with Shaley and Julie Kraft (together in person!) as they discuss ALL things advocacy. With ten years of combined experience- sharing their bipolar II journeys on stages, paper, social media, even street corners -hear them talk about why and how they came forward. What were the reactions of those around them? Did they share too much, too soon? Do they have regrets? And what advice would Shaley and Julie give to anyone with the burning desire to come forward with their own mental health story? Find out the answers to all of these questions (even hear behind-the-scenes secrets of creating this vlog!) and so much more. This is bipolar ...advocacy.

 

*advocacy opportunities mentioned in this episode - @themightysite and @thisismybrave

*Mugs mentioned we had made by @mamachicgoodssee or watch video on "this is bipolar" youtube to see them,

 

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