Sachini (Sach) Vithanage is an aspiring forensic psychologist and mental health advocate who shares her personal journey living with bipolar and how you can cultivate strength.



She speaks about experiencing depression and anxiety at 12 to being diagnosed with bipolar just before her 21st birthday. She discusses the challenges she faced, including a manic episode leading to hospitalization and how she eventually found stability through sleep hygiene, medication, and a gratitude mindset.



Sach also talks about her blog, 'Serenity by Sach,' and how it has connected her with others facing similar struggles. Through her story, Sach aims to provide support and hope for those navigating life with bipolar.



Stay connected with Sach through her blog here [http://serenitybysach.com/] and social media here [http://instagram.com/serenitybysach].



Learn how to support the one you care about who lives with bipolar here [https://paris-scobie-s-school.teachable.com/p/lovewellbipolar]!00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:17 Early Experiences with Bipolar Disorder03:29 Diagnosis and Hospitalization04:31 Manic Episode and Hospitalization Details09:36 Post-Hospitalization and Coping Strategies23:47 Starting Serenity by Sach28:31 Living Well with Bipolar32:59 Conclusion and Staying Connected

237: Cultivating Strength Through Sach

Join Paris and she welcomes special guest Colleen Sharlow, a Prevention Educator, Mental Health Advocate, creative writer and Cat Mom.



Colleen shares her journey with bipolar, starting from her childhood in a large family where mental health was seldom discussed, through her misdiagnosis with depression, struggles with an eating disorder and eventual diagnosis with bipolar I after a frightening episode of mania and psychosis.



She recounts how writing, family support and therapy became essential tools in her recovery. The episode also highlights Colleen's work as a prevention educator, her efforts to support students and her advice for others living with bipolar.



Stay connected with Colleen here [https://www.instagram.com/collshar]!

Check out her free journaling club here [https://www.instagram.com/shorealignmentclub]!



Check out this resource [https://paris-scobie-s-school.teachable.com/p/lovewellbipolar] to support someone you love who lives with bipolar! 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement01:31 Colleen's Early Experiences with Mental Health04:31 Struggles with Depression and Eating Disorders06:27 Therapy and Misdiagnosis10:53 Coping Mechanisms and Writing as Therapy15:14 Family Support and Spirituality17:11 Professional Work and Impact17:40 Mental Health Programs for All Ages18:22 Personal Experiences Shaping Professional Life18:49 Supportive Work Environment During Crisis19:24 Living with Bipolar Disorder20:15 Diagnosis and Manic Episode21:27 Experiencing Psychosis25:17 Reflecting on Mental Health Stigma28:02 Living Well with Bipolar31:10 Final Thoughts and Staying Connected

236: A Powerful Outlet in Ink

Join Paris as she addresses topics around overcoming comparison, self-doubt, and bipolar shame spirals.



The discussion delves into personal experiences and insights from Paris's own experience living with bipolar, providing detailed explanations on how manic, hypomanic and depressive episodes can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation.



Practical strategies for managing these spirals include self-awareness, documenting triggers and seeking support from trusted individuals or support groups. Emphasis is placed on the importance of self-compassion and understanding the root causes behind these feelings.



The episode also covers how to combat negative thinking patterns and comparison to past selves or others, offering actionable advice to foster better mental health and personal well-being.



 * Stay connected with Paris here [https://www.instagram.com/livewellbipolar/]
 * Grab a copy of her book here [https://www.amazon.com/Crooked-Illness-Lessons-Outside-Hospital/dp/1737926105/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1633558908&sr=1-3]!

 * Take Love Well Bipolar [https://paris-scobie-s-school.teachable.com/p/lovewellbipolar] to support the one you care about!00:00 Introduction and Recap of Last Episode01:37 Understanding Bipolar Shame Spirals04:41 Personal Experiences with Bipolar Shame Spirals12:27 Managing and Overcoming Shame Spirals25:48 Dealing with Comparison and Self-Doubt29:23 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

235: Handling Bipolar Shame Spirals

Paris returns to share insights from a three-week trip through New York, London, Switzerland, Italy and France. Most importantly, she focuses on what helped her with stability on this trip and how you can try these tips out yourself!



Key topics include the importance of staying present by minimizing social media use, the benefits of journaling during travel, and strategies for maintaining stability while navigating a busy itinerary.



Paris also previews upcoming podcast episodes, which will cover overcoming comparison and self-doubt and understanding and managing shame spirals in bipolar disorder.



If you love someone that lives with bipolar and you want to learn strategies to better support them, enroll in Love Well Bipolar ⁠here⁠ [https://paris-scobie-s-school.teachable.com/p/lovewellbipolar]!



Stay connected with Paris here [https://www.instagram.com/livewellbipolar/]!

00:00 Welcome Back to the Podcast00:55 Recap of My Trip02:52 Maintaining Stability While Traveling08:51 Travel Tips and Personal Reflections14:09 Concluding Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes

234: How I Stay Stable Traveling

Paris brings you the story of Lauren Baker, an intern trauma therapist and case manager for victims of abuse, who shares her journey of being diagnosed with bipolar at 22 and achieving sobriety at 23 after facing difficult relapses.



Lauren discusses her initial lack of understanding and recognition of the condition, her eventual diagnosis, and her tumultuous path toward finding the right medication.



She also delves into her professional journey and how her personal experiences influenced her career in social work. Lauren highlights the importance of self-care, maintaining sobriety, and achieving stability despite the challenges posed by bipolar disorder.



You can connect with Lauren to learn more about her story and work here [https://www.instagram.com/laurendelkay/]!



If you love someone that lives with bipolar and you want to learn strategies to better support them, enroll in Love Well Bipolar here [https://paris-scobie-s-school.teachable.com/p/lovewellbipolar]! 00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:08 Meet Lauren Baker: A Journey of Resilience01:18 Early Signs and Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder03:20 Experiencing Mania and Hypomania07:18 The Struggle with Misdiagnosis12:24 Finding the Right Treatment and Sobriety25:31 Pursuing a Career in Social Work32:39 Living Well with Bipolar: Final Thoughts

233: From Surviving to Serving in Sobriety

Journey Through Music: Fatima Gerendas's Path with Bipolar Paris converses with Fatima Gerendas, a Guatemalan singer and songwriter based in Vienna. Fatima shares her inspiring journey blending pop with alternative vibes to address overlooked societal topics through her music, rooted in personal stories of struggle and growth.



Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 24, Fatima discusses the impact of her diagnosis on her life and relationships, and how music has been a therapeutic outlet for her.



She talks about her album 'Two 4 Truce,' which chronicles her experiences with bipolar disorder. Fatima emphasizes the significance of music in helping her process emotions, understand triggers, and find peace.



Throughout the discussion, she highlights the support from her family and the importance of self-acceptance and resilience.



Listeners are invited to connect with Fatima here [https://www.instagram.com/fatimagerendas/] and explore her music that not only narrates her story but also resonates deeply with a broader audience.



Make sure to check out Love Well Bipolar here [https://paris-scobie-s-school.teachable.com/p/lovewellbipolarhttps://paris-scobie-s-school.teachable.com/p/lovewellbipolar] if you love someone (partner, son, daughter, etc.) living with bipolar and you want to support them better.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:20 Meet Fatima Horez: A Journey with Music01:42 First Encounters with Bipolar Disorder03:51 Coping Mechanisms and Support Systems08:43 The Healing Power of Music21:52 Impact and Connection through Music26:42 Future Projects and Final Thoughts

232: Verses to Embrace Your Vulnerability 

In this episode of Live Well Bipolar, Paris welcomes back Charise Jewell, a former robotics engineer turned author, who shares her personal experiences around bipolar and marriage.



Charise discusses her diagnosis, the impact on her 23-year marriage and raising three children while managing her mental health.



She emphasizes the importance of open communication, treating bipolar as a priority, and finding a balance between independence and seeking support.



The conversation provides valuable insights for those navigating relationships and bipolar, highlighting practical tips and real-life experiences.



Stay connected with Charise here [https://www.instagram.com/reesechaell/]!

Support for you if you love someone living with bipolar here [https://paris-scobie-s-school.teachable.com/p/lovewellbipolar]!00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction00:21 Cherise's Background and Achievements01:15 Living with Bipolar Disorder01:32 Marriage and Bipolar Disorder02:22 Challenges and Communication in Marriage04:42 Medication and Mental Health09:01 Support Systems and Personal Growth16:28 Navigating Emotional Challenges18:47 Navigating Communication in Relationships19:23 Bridging Gaps in Understanding Mental Illness19:58 Balancing Life with Bipolar Disorder21:43 Career Transitions and Family Dynamics25:28 The Importance of Asking for Help29:03 Overcoming Stigma and Misunderstandings33:31 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

231: Love That Lasts With Bipolar 

Anthony is a third-year psychology major from the University of Chicago who openly shares his journey with bipolar 1 disorder, which was diagnosed after his freshman year.



He shares his struggle through depressive and manic episodes, the importance of medication, and the impact of lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, nutrition, and maintaining sobriety.



Both Anthony and Paris touch upon their personal experiences with medication, the significance of a robust support system, and the value of being open about their diagnoses.



The conversation aims to inspire young people, especially men, living with bipolar to seek help, embrace their mental health journey and realize that they are not alone.



You can connect with Anthony here [https://instagram.com/aprocaccio12]!

You can support the one you love that lives with bipolar here [https://paris-scobie-s-school.teachable.com/p/lovewellbipolar]!00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:21 Anthony's Diagnosis and Early Struggles01:52 Experiencing Mania and Psychosis05:51 Coping Mechanisms and Lifestyle Changes09:08 Importance of Medication and Sobriety22:17 Support Systems and Living Well with Bipolar27:34 Final Thoughts and Farewell

230: When Bipolar Hits in College 

Paris introduces Damaris Galdames-Hough, also known as Dee, who shares her personal journey living with bipolar and how fitness has played a crucial role in her mental and physical well-being.



From growing up with a mother diagnosed with schizophrenia to her own experiences with bipolar, Dee opens up about the challenges and breakthroughs she's encountered.



She discusses the transformative power of cycling and other fitness routines that not only helped her manage her symptoms but also led to positive changes in her treatment.



Additionally, Dee speaks about founding her own cycling studio and her current roles in the fitness community, emphasizing the importance of finding a supportive environment. This episode highlights the significant impact of lifestyle changes and the need for persistence in managing bipolar.



Stay connected with Dee right here [https://instagram.com/thrivingbeyondthediagnosis] & if you haven't already please leave a rating/review for the show! :)

00:00 Welcome to Live Well Bipolar00:13 Introducing Damaris Huff00:59 Early Experiences with Mental Health02:57 Receiving the Bipolar Diagnosis05:53 Lifestyle Changes and Challenges07:42 Discovering Fitness11:57 The Impact of Cycling16:42 Teaching and Community Building22:48 Fitness as a Mental Health Tool29:13 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

229: Pedaling into Bipolar Support

In this episode, Paris opens up about the deeply personal why behind her brand-new course, Love Well Bipolar—a course designed specifically for those who love, support and stand beside someone living with bipolar.



Born out of five years of sharing stories, advocacy, and lived experience, this course is more than just information—it’s a roadmap. Paris shares how each of the five core modules came to life, and why they’re essential:



 * Understanding Bipolar
 * Navigating Challenges
 * Effective Communication
 * Sustainable Self-Care
 * Design Your Love Well Blueprint



You’ll hear the real story behind the course—how Paris went from overwhelmed and unheard to empowered and clear on how to support both herself and you.



So if you love someone living with bipolar — this episode is your reminder: you deserve support too.



You are never alone in this. Enroll in Love Well Bipolar here [https://paris-scobie-s-school.teachable.com/p/lovewellbipolar] and get the support you deserve. 00:00 Introduction and Exciting News00:24 The Importance of Support01:52 Personal Journey with Bipolar02:42 Creating the Course: Love Well Bipolar06:01 Course Overview: Five Key Modules07:51 The Why Behind the Course15:11 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

228: Love Well Bipolar

The only podcast where you will hear solutions for bipolar disorder every single Monday! Tune in as Paris, NAMI Speaker and Best-Selling Author of "Crooked Illness," and her beautiful guests get into what works, what doesn't & how to thrive despite bipolar! Each episode will teach you how to SHATTER the stigma & CONQUER those obstacles we so often face with bipolar. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/masteryourmental/support

Master Your Mental