Jessie Bucci-Carter is a mental health advocate, regional manager at a mental health nonprofit supporting youth mental health advocates and a rescue dog lover, foster, and volunteer who shares her compelling journey living with bipolar.



Together we explore Jessie's early experiences with mental health struggles, including panic attacks and depression during her teenage years and her subsequent diagnosis of bipolar at 22. She reflects on the profound impact of supportive relationships, especially with her family and wife, and discusses the significance of cultivating a strong community.



Jessie also highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health through non-negotiable practices like sleep, sobriety, therapy and medication. Additionally, she passionately details her work with Bring Change to Mind, a nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness clubs in schools and how her lived experience fuels her dedication to her role. Jessie's story is one of resilience, advocacy and the transformative power of support and self-care.



Stay connected with Jessie here [http://instagram.com/jessie_bucci_carter]!



Learn to support someone you love who lives with bipolar here [https://paris-scobie-s-school.teachable.com/p/lovewellbipolar]! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:54 Jessie's Early Experiences with Mental Health03:21 First Manic Episode and Diagnosis08:16 Support Systems and Relationships13:43 Navigating Life with Bipolar Disorder18:34 Jessie's Career in Mental Health Advocacy27:40 Reflecting on Mental and Physical Health31:34 Living Well with Bipolar Disorder35:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

242: From Lived Experience to Nonprofit  Leadership

In this week's episode of Live Well Bipolar, Paris welcomes Ashley Dutta, an artist, writer and mother with 15 years of experience in foreign policy, communications and technology, most recently at Microsoft.



Ashley shares her story of living with bipolar II, ADHD, PMDD, and anxiety. She discusses her late diagnosis at the age of 41 and the implications it had on her life, career, and self-identity.



After being impacted by severe burnout, Ashley also shares how she managed her mental health having experiences working in high-stress environments. The conversation delves into her coping strategies, her creative pursuits and her journey towards self-compassion. Ashley emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness, community support and finding joy through creative expression.



Connect with Ashley here [http://instagram.com/whimsicalpath]!



Learn how to support the one you love who lives with bipolar here [https://paris-scobie-s-school.teachable.com/p/lovewellbipolar]! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:02 Ashley's Initial Experience with Bipolar03:01 Late Diagnosis and Initial Reactions04:57 Living with Bipolar: Highs and Lows06:40 Hypomania and Its Impact10:03 Seeking Help and Diagnosis15:17 Post-Diagnosis Reflections and Research16:50 Navigating Misdiagnosis and Career Challenges17:42 Struggles and Support in the Workplace21:00 Transitioning to a New Career Path24:51 Embracing Creativity and Wellness29:33 Reflections on Diagnosis and Self-Compassion32:05 Living Well with Bipolar34:30 Conclusion and Staying Connected

241: From Late Bipolar Diagnosis to Creative Redefinition 

In this solo episode of Live Well Bipolar, host Paris Scobie addresses her fears related to living with bipolar and how she manages them through therapy, writing, and support networks.



Paris shares advice she would give her younger self about overcoming isolation and stigma. She discusses the impact of her bipolar diagnosis, how she rebuilt her confidence and belief in herself and the importance of self-care.



Paris highlights the changes she made in her life to improve her mental health and how you can make changes to support yourself. The episode aims to provide valuable insights and support to listeners living with bipolar or those supporting someone who is.



Grab a copy of Paris's 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 to support someone you love who is living with bipolar here [https://paris-scobie-s-school.teachable.com/p/lovewellbipolar]!



00:00 Introduction to Live Well Bipolar

01:42 Handling Fears with Bipolar

09:32 Advice to My Younger Self

14:12 What Bipolar Took and How I Rebuilt

19:30 Things I No Longer Do to Care for Myself

29:20 Conclusion and Additional Resources

240: What Bipolar Once Took to Build Hope 

Paris is joined by Gordon Strain, a filmmaker, college professor, mental health advocate as well as the dad/husband of a very busy blended family.



Gordon shares his journey living with bipolar, from his early signs of mania and depression to his diagnosis and finding the right treatments. Key topics include the importance of a holistic 'bipolar toolkit,' the supportive role of his wife, the benefits of running for mental clarity, and his work as a college professor and filmmaker.



Gordon emphasizes the importance of taking small steps and being open about mental health to combat stigma and inspire others.



Stay connected with Gordon on IG here [https://www.instagram.com/runningwithbipolar/]!

Check out the films Gordon helps bring to life here [https://www.pigasuspictures.com]!



Learn how to support someone you love or care about who lives with bipolar here [https://paris-scobie-s-school.teachable.com/p/lovewellbipolar]!00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:15 Gordon's Early Experiences with Bipolar Disorder02:40 College Years and Hypomania04:24 Understanding Bipolar and Breaking Stigma06:38 Building a Bipolar Toolkit07:35 The Role of Running in Mental Health09:21 Advocacy and Openness about Bipolar12:25 Balancing Professional Life and Mental Health16:21 Support Systems and Personal Relationships19:51 The Importance of the Right Medication25:53 Creative Outlets and Film Making28:14 Overcoming Intrusive Thoughts29:48 Living Well with Bipolar35:01 Final Thoughts and Goodbye

239: Big Steps on the Run with Bipolar

Paris welcomes Polly Wiseman, a theater maker from the UK who uses their skills in writing, acting and a dash of comedy to spread awareness of bipolar and challenge stigma, online and on stage. Polly discusses their journey from childhood fascination with actress Vivian Lee to receiving a bipolar diagnosis at drama school.



Polly candidly talks about the struggles, stigma and lack of support they faced initially. Polly delves into the details surrounding the creation of a play based on their experiences in psychiatric wards and the impact it has had over the years.



Polly emphasizes the importance of community support, vulnerability and the role of art in mental health advocacy. Polly also touches upon the significance of de-stigmatizing psychosis and offers insights into finding balance and support in life with bipolar. The conversation highlights the ongoing journey of managing mental health and the power of sharing stories to foster understanding and connection.



Stay connected with Polly's work through Fireraisers here [https://www.instagram.com/fireraisers/] and on her IG here [instagram.com/polly_wiseman]!



Learn how to support someone you love or care about who lives with bipolar here [https://paris-scobie-s-school.teachable.com/p/lovewellbipolar]! 00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:19 Meet Polly Wiseman: Theater Maker and Advocate01:18 Polly's Early Experiences with Bipolar Disorder04:20 Diagnosis and Initial Struggles06:56 Creating Art from Personal Struggles07:59 Impact and Reactions to Polly's Work09:55 Living with Bipolar: Challenges and Support13:15 Finding Connection and Community Online16:20 De-stigmatizing Psychosis through Comedy18:43 Support Systems and Personal Growth22:01 Reflections on Living Well with Bipolar30:09 Final Thoughts and Advocacy

238: Behind the Bipolar Curtain with Polly 

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

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