191: What it Means to Coexist with Bipolar

I had the pleasure of meeting this amazing guest in person because she also lives in AZ! I first met her where I meet so many of you guys... via Instagram. After she saw my post about episode 183, she reached out to me and I got her connected with NAMI so she can share her story with others! As someone who lives with bipolar type 2, ADHD & Anxiety … my guest describes the way this impacted other areas of her life. She shares what it was like being a young mother, military spouse and struggling to find herself amidst the passing of her aunt. Birdie Thorn is a mental health advocate, writer, and content creator. She has written an article for the International Bipolar Foundation and is a speaker for NAMI. She has made it her mission to bring awareness to mental health disorders with a comedic twist. You can find her on instagram @birdies.bipolar.brain where she showcases what it’s like living with Bipolar 2 disorder, anxiety, and ADHD. Her goal is to help end the stigmas surrounding mental health disorders.  After receiving her diagnosis in her early 20s, Birdie shares: 1. what the early struggles looked like for her 2. the moment she finally accepted her diagnosis 3. strengthening her relationship with her husband who is now 5 years sober 4. the importance of open communication and medication Birdie emphasizes the importance of removing stigma around mental health disorders and reassures listeners that it is possible to lead a successful life despite living with a mental health disorder. Exciting news: Birdie wrote a book & it will be launching in a few months!!! She also shares how she crafted the 5 phases of bipolar and is a speaker for NAMI (where she killed it on her first presentation this month). 00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation 00:57 Birdie's Journey with Bipolar Disorder 02:19 Coexisting with Bipolar Disorder 03:42 The Impact of Bipolar Disorder on Personal Life 08:02 The Role of Anxiety and ADHD in Birdie's Life 12:30 The Importance of Support and Medication 26:31 Birdie's Future Plans and Final Thoughts 30:37 Conclusion and Farewell Connect with Birdie here!