191: What it Means to Coexist with Bipolar

Published: Feb. 19, 2024, 5 p.m.

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!

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As someone who lives with bipolar type 2, ADHD & Anxiety \u2026 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.

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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\u2019s like living with Bipolar 2 disorder, anxiety, and ADHD. Her goal is to help end the stigmas surrounding mental health disorders.\xa0

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After receiving her diagnosis in her early 20s, Birdie shares:

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1. what the early struggles looked like for her

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2. the moment she finally accepted her diagnosis

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3. strengthening her relationship with her husband who is now 5 years sober

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4. the importance of open communication and medication

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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.

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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).

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00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation

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00:57 Birdie's Journey with Bipolar Disorder

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02:19 Coexisting with Bipolar Disorder

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03:42 The Impact of Bipolar Disorder on Personal Life

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08:02 The Role of Anxiety and ADHD in Birdie's Life

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12:30 The Importance of Support and Medication

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26:31 Birdie's Future Plans and Final Thoughts

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30:37 Conclusion and Farewell

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Connect with Birdie here!