Tag: bipolar

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#34 Making Rap Music As Therapy

making rap music as therapy mental health podcast

Dillon and Wesley are a rap duet who perform under the names Weslex and MySYN. Wesley and Dillon took different paths through life.  Whereas Dillon was the broody kid a little withdrawn from others, writing poetry and coming from a broken home.  Wesley was the sociable, happy kid making everybody laugh. Despite different paths, their church brought them together. Wesley’s determination to make a hip-hop record lead them to record “A Really Bad Mixtape”, an album that deals with depression, dysthymia and bipolar. There they discovered making rap music is therapy.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:24 — 21.6MB)

In this episode of Silent Superheroes, Wesley and Dillon share their different paths to diagnosis. They also talk about how they started making music together, and the role of music as therapy in their lives.  Finally, they reflect on what they’ve learned through this journey and offer hope to those who are suffering but not yet diagnosed.

Links

  • Mood Swings Pt. 1 (song)
  • Depression 101 (song)
  • A Really Bad Mix Tape (album)
  • Wesley on Soundcloud (profile)

About Bipolar

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes big mood swings. For example, emotional highs called mania or hypomania, and lows called depression. On the other hand, bipolar disorder used to be called manic depression.

When depressed, bipolar patients may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest in most activities. Then, when the mood shifts to mania, patients may feel happy, full of energy or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior and the ability to think clearly.

Episodes of mood swings may occur rarely or multiple times a year. While most patients will experience some emotional symptoms between episodes, some may not experience any. Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, patients manage mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and counseling.

Getting Support

Remember, the people you hear on Silent Superheroes are sharing their own views about mental health and mental illness. They are not giving advice. For that reason, please consult with your care provider before making a change to your treatment plan.

It’s important to take your mental health seriously. Consequently, if you need to speak to someone you can call 1-800-273-8255, or text crisistextline.org on 741741. Both provide 24×7 confidential counseling to people in the United States. Worldwide visit http://iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/

Because you listened to the  podcast, you can help others find it by leaving us a review on iTunes. Or if you don’t use iTunes, leave a review on your favorite podcasting service.

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#32 On Being Bipolar 1 With Stephen Hays

podcast discussion on being bipolar 1

Stephen is the Founder and Managing Partner of “What If Ventures”. He is also the host of the Stigma podcast. Stephen has left a trail of destruction in his life due to undiagnosed bipolar 1. Three country clubs threw him out for being disruptive. He paid gambling debts by cashing in pensions and was unfaithful to his wife. With his life spiraling out of control, suicide looked like the only option. He booked a Vegas hotel room, partied hard meaning to end it all. The next day he woke up to find his wife and father looking over him. He had a choice, find a new way to live or risk following through next time.  Stephen now has a recovery program that helps him  live being bipolar 1 and his addictions.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:02 — 28.8MB)

In this episode, we discuss the role of religion and 12 Step programs in Stephen’s recovery. Stephen shares the colorful characters he had to meet to be willing to start the recovery process.  We discuss the representation of bipolar in the media, specifically the character Ben from season 3 of Ozark.  And finally, Stephen explains why he started the “What If Ventures” investment fund and how being completely candid has had unexpected outcomes.

Remote Medical International are sponsoring this episode of Silent Superheroes. Remote Medical International® helps clients manage and improve the health and well-being of their global workforce. By creating an ecosystem of medical screenings, on-site medical staff, and injury management, we improve the quality of on-site medical care while reducing costs.

Links

About Bipolar

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes big mood swings. For example, emotional highs called mania or hypomania, and lows called depression. On the other hand, bipolar disorder used to be called manic depression.

When depressed, bipolar patients may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest in most activities. Then, when the mood shifts to mania, patients may feel happy, full of energy or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior and the ability to think clearly.

Episodes of mood swings may occur rarely or multiple times a year. While most patients will experience some emotional symptoms between episodes, some may not experience any. Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, patients manage mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and counseling. Causes of being bipolar 1 aren’t clear, so your doctor cannot typical answer the question “Why am I bipolar?”.

Getting Support

Remember, the people you hear on Silent Superheroes are sharing their own views about mental health and mental illness. They are not giving advice. For that reason, please consult with your care provider before making a change to your treatment plan.

It’s important to take your mental health seriously. Consequently, if you need to speak to someone you can call 1-800-273-8255, or text crisistextline.org on 741741. Both provide 24×7 confidential counseling to people in the United States. Worldwide visit http://iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/

Because you listened to the  podcast, you can help others find it by leaving us a review on iTunes. Or if you don’t use iTunes, leave a review on your favorite podcasting service.

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#31 Why am I bipolar?

why am i bipolar? asks Carrie Brown Talking About Mental Health

Carrie started her career as a pastry chef in the United Kingdom.  30 years later, she’s a leader in the Ketogenic diet scene and the author of 5 popular Keto cookbooks including books on crock pot meals, soup and ice cream.  In between pastries and keto, Carrie spent twenty years working the grind of corporate America. It was there that she discovered she had bipolar 2.  Dissatisfied with her treatment options, she set off to find her own solution to bipolar 2. Ultimately she answered and to answer the question “Why am I bipolar?”.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:32 — 23.8MB)

In this episode of Silent Superheroes, Carrie will talk about her early life living misdiagnosed with depression.  She’ll share her experience of being handcuffed and sent to hospital for considering suicide.  And finally, she’ll explain the lifestyle changes she made based on researching her genetics and changing her diet, changes that have lead her to many years of bipolar free living.

Links

  • Read Carrie’s protocol for answering “Why am I bipolar?” (link)
  • Get Carrie’s Cook Books (link)
  • Watch Carrie on Youtube (link)
  • Visit Carrie’s website (link)

About Bipolar

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. For example, mood swings include emotional highs called mania or hypomania, and lows called depression. On the other hand, Bipolar disorder used to be called manic depression.

When depressed bipolar patients may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest in most activities. Then, when a patients mood shifts to mania or the less extreme hypomania, patients may feel euphoric, full of energy or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior and the ability to think clearly.

Episodes of mood swings may occur rarely or multiple times a year. While most patients will experience some emotional symptoms between episodes, some may not experience any.Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, patients manage mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and psychological counseling. Causes of bipolar aren’t clear, so your doctor cannot typical answer the question “Why am I bipolar?”.

Getting Support

Remember, the people you hear on Silent Superheroes are sharing their opinions about mental health and mental illness. They are not giving advice. For that reason, please consult with your care provider before making a change to your treatment approach.

It’s important to take your mental health seriously. Consequently, if you need to speak to someone you can call 1-800-273-8255, or text crisistextline.org on 741741. Both provide 24×7 confidential counseling to people in the United States. Worldwide visit http://iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/

Because you listened to the  podcast, you can help others find it by leaving us a review on iTunes. Or if you don’t use iTunes, leave a review on your favorite podcasting service.

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#20 Finding Perspective, Bipolar and Alcoholism at Work

bipolar and alcoholism mental health podcast

By day, Daniel is a sales manager at a credit card processing company and by night he’s a stand up comedian. Bipolar and alcoholism bring a unique perspective to Daniel’s work. As a stand up comedian, his life provides plenty of material, and his bipolar means he’s two comedians in one. As a sales manager, he’s able to stay calm and not be driven by the potential for success and failure. Because of his illnesses, Daniel has an honesty and an insight about him that cuts through the day-to-day business bullshit. As one of his colleagues, he makes work interesting and fun.

Listen To Episode 20

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:06 — 27.0MB)

Show Notes

In this episode of Silent Superheroes, we get to know Daniel a lot better.  He talks about comedy, and how bipolar means he’s two different comedians in one performer.  He shares the advice he got from a homeless woman in Central Park, that lead him to sobriety.  And finally, he reflects on the slightly nihilistic outlook on life, that helps him keep things in perspective.

Links

Here’s some places to find Daniel :

As a result of Daniel’s Instagram, I’ve just had a fit of laughter. That’s the genius of people with bipolar and alcoholism.

About Bipolar

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. For example, mood swings include emotional highs called mania or hypomania, and lows called depression. On the other hand, Bipolar disorder used to be called manic depression.

When depressed bipolar patients may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest in most activities. Then, when a patients mood shifts to mania or the less extreme hypomania, patients may feel euphoric, full of energy or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior and the ability to think clearly.

Episodes of mood swings may occur rarely or multiple times a year. While most patients will experience some emotional symptoms between episodes, some may not experience any.Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, patients manage mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and psychological counseling.

Getting Help

Remember, the people you hear on Silent Superheroes are sharing their opinions about mental health and mental illness. They are not giving advice. For that reason, please consult with your care provider before making a change to your treatment approach.

It’s important to take your mental health seriously. Consequently, if you need to speak to someone you can call 1-800-273-8255, or text crisistextline.org on 741741. Both provide 24×7 confidential counseling to people in the United States. Worldwide visit http://iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/

Because you listened to the  podcast, you can help others find it by leaving us a review on iTunes. Or if you don’t use iTunes, leave a review on your favorite podcasting service.

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#16 Marnie’s Mental Health Management Masterclass

mental health management mental health podcast

Marnie works at Expedia helping teams tell stories, which she describes as her dream job.  Like me, Marnie lives with bipolar disorder and focuses on her mental health management. Before her diagnosis, Marnie went through two marriages and divorces before an offhand comment in an acting class nudged her to explore her mental state.

Listen To Episode 16

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:01 — 24.3MB)

Show Notes

In this episode of Silent Superheroes, Marnie shares what her acting teacher said that lead her to her bipolar diagnosis.  Marnie explains her process for identifying the side effects of medication. We have fun role playing how a manager or HR professional should handle a conversation with an employee with mental illness about mental health management. And in addition to that, she reflects on the positive and negative ways the mania part of her bipolar has affected her career.

Please note, due to an equipment problem there are occasional audio dropouts in this episode. As a result of this, words are occasionally inaudible or a bit garbled.

Links

  • An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield (book)
  • Expedia, Marnie’s employer (company)

About Bipolar

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. Those mood swings include emotional highs called mania or hypomania, and lows called depression. Bipolar disorder has also been called manic depression.

When depressed, bipolar patients may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest in most activities. Then, when a patients mood shifts to mania or hypomania patients may feel euphoric, full of energy or unusually irritable. Swinging between moods can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior and the ability to think clearly.

Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, patients manage mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder can be treated with medications and psychological counseling.

Getting Support

Remember, the people you hear on Silent Superheroes are sharing their opinions about mental health and mental illness. They are not giving advice. For that reason, please consult with your care provider before making a change to your treatment approach.

It’s important to take your mental health seriously. Consequently, if you need to speak to someone you can call 1-800-273-8255, or text crisistextline.org on 741741. Both provide 24×7 confidential counseling to people in the United States. Worldwide visit http://iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/

Because you listened to the  podcast, you can help others find it by leaving us a review on iTunes. Or if you don’t use iTunes, leave a review on your favorite podcasting service.


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#1 From Dean’s List to Desperation and a Workable Plan – Bipolar Type 1

bipolar type 1 mental health podcast

Meet Amanda, a mom working as a pharmacy technician while managing bipolar type 1. In this episode of Silent Superheroes, Amanda relives some of her experiences with undiagnosed bipolar disorder.  Those experiences include making dean’s list during a manic semester and considering suicide while the rest of New York celebrated winning the Super Bowl.  A hospitalization put Amanda on the road to recovery. Despite knowing her bipolar type 1 intimately and having a plan to manage it, the structure of her work  makes maintaining her mental health difficult.

Listen To Episode 1

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:41 — 32.5MB)

Links

About Bipolar

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. Those mood swings include emotional highs called mania or hypomania, and lows called depression. Bipolar disorder used to be called manic depression.

When depressed bipolar patients may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest in most activities. Then, when a patients mood shifts to mania or the less extreme hypomania, patients may feel euphoric, full of energy or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior and the ability to think clearly.

Episodes of mood swings may occur rarely or multiple times a year. While most patients will experience some emotional symptoms between episodes, some may not experience any.Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, patients manage mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and psychological counseling.

Getting Help

Remember, the people you hear on Silent Superheroes are sharing their opinions about mental health and mental illness. They are not giving advice. For that reason, please consult with your care provider before making a change to your treatment approach.

It’s important to take your mental health seriously. Consequently, if you need to speak to someone you can call 1-800-273-8255, or text crisistextline.org on 741741. Both provide 24×7 confidential counseling to people in the United States. Worldwide visit http://iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/

Because you listened to the  podcast, you can help others find it by leaving us a review on iTunes. Or if you don’t use iTunes, leave a review on your favorite podcasting service.