Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? Ever wondered how to truly transition from mere survival to living a life filled with peace and fulfillment? Our conversation sheds light on the intricacies of juggling caregiving and self-care, particularly during menopause while supporting a partner with bipolar disorder. We dive into the necessity of setting boundaries, maintaining a robust support network, and the art of selective vulnerability. Hear a ...
Jul 30, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? Can you effectively juggle the roles of nurturer, psychiatric nurse, and friend without losing yourself in the process? Let's address the heavy burden caregivers, especially women, often carry in managing mental illness within their relationships. Through personal stories and expert advice, we untangle the societal expectations that pile on the stress, particularly during festive seasons. We discuss essenti...
Jul 24, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? Why might someone with bipolar disorder suddenly declare they’re divorcing their spouse or see their partner as an enemy? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dwayne from Alberta, Canada, who bravely shares his personal journey with bipolar disorder. Dwayne provides insightful explanations on these intense reactions, emphasizing the importance of viewing them as symptomatic rather than personal. Throu...
Jul 17, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? How do you navigate the emotional storms of bipolar disorder within your family? Join us for an enlightening conversation about some deeply personal experiences; from the daily hurdles of mood swings and irritability to the heart-wrenching task of shielding our children from the emotional turbulence. This episode promises to equip you with empathy and practical strategies for handling the unpredictability t...
Jul 09, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? Imagine spending three decades immersing yourself in the principles of the law of attraction, only to find yourself wrestling with deep emotional pain and challenging relationships. Our latest episode uncovers the often-overlooked dark side of the law of attraction, revealing how its commercialization can lead to self-blame and unfulfilled expectations. We discuss the concept of radical acceptance, demonstr...
Jul 02, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? Can love survive the emotional turbulence of bipolar disorder, and what strategies can truly transform these relationships? From overcoming significant challenges during anniversaries and birthdays to savoring the joy of a recent peaceful vacation, Bridget highlights the power of mutual support, therapy, and understanding. This episode is a touching testament to the resilience required to maintain a loving ...
Jun 18, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? How do you maintain a healthy relationship when bipolar disorder enters the equation? Uncover powerful insights and hear poignant stories from individuals navigating these challenging dynamics. This episode promises to provide valuable perspectives on the importance of self-awareness and mutual support in relationships affected by bipolar disorder. With firsthand accounts from our guests, you'll gain a deep...
Jun 12, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? What if loving someone with bipolar disorder is actually a form of trauma bonding? Join us as we tackle this provocative question and uncover the emotional complexities that characterize relationships with bipolar partners. From understanding why individuals stay in such challenging situations to defining trauma bonding and comparing it to non-bipolar relationships, we dive deep into the cycles of abuse and...
Jun 04, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? In this fourth and final installment of the May Mental Health series, the episode delves into the critical aspects of managing crises, de-escalation techniques, and recovery processes when living with a partner who has bipolar disorder. The discussion includes practical strategies for recognizing early warning signs, effectively communicating during a crisis, and setting boundaries to ensure both personal a...
May 28, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? Listen in as Dwayne shares his raw and moving journey with bipolar disorder, exploring the challenges and breakthroughs he's experienced through glucose supplement treatment. In this heartfelt testimony, we navigate the highs and lows of his condition, from anxiety and negative thought loops to the strains on family life. With 25 years of marriage under his belt, Dwayne offers a candid look at the difficult...
May 25, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? Embark on a transformative journey with us as we examine the intertwined worlds of mental health and relationships, especially through the lens of bipolar disorder. Unlock a deeper understanding of the roots of behavior, as we question the confinements of diagnoses and highlight the significance of recognizing underlying trauma. It's a candid conversation that also underscores the importance of nurturing em...
May 15, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? Embark on a transformative journey with us as we unravel the power of community in managing bipolar disorder. Together, we map out a foundational safety plan—a lifeline for those navigating the rocky waters of mental health. The road to securing disability services for a spouse with bipolar can feel like a labyrinth, but with tenacity and the right support, the path becomes clearer. In this episode, I candi...
May 08, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? Join us as we explore the often misunderstood world of codependency, where we challenge the negative stigma and embrace the nurturing spirits that codependent individuals embody. With compassion and humor, we peel back the layers of how growing up in a dysfunctional family environment can shape our behaviors, leading to the suppression of emotions and the prioritization of others' happiness over our own. We...
May 01, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? "Bipolar Grammys," cleverly integrates the theme of the Grammy Awards with personal triumphs in managing bipolar disorder. The host and guests engage in a playful yet poignant discussion about the parallels between musical achievements and personal battles with mental health, celebrating "Bipolar Grammys" for overcoming daily challenges. The conversation includes heartfelt testimonials from the guests, who ...
Apr 23, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? Join us as we navigate the ebbs and flows of bipolar episodes with compassion and understanding. Setting realistic expectations and intentions can be a challenge for those dealing with bipolar disorder, and I share insights on the power of emotional regulation and internal peace. By moving beyond crisis-oriented words like "stability" and "rest," we can focus on proactive strategies for managing relationshi...
Apr 16, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? Embark on a profound journey with us as we unravel the often hidden challenges of living alongside a partner with bipolar disorder and addiction. Our latest conversation delves into the raw realities that partners face, from the infectious nature of manic energy to the seductive escape offered by substances. This episode promises to shine a light on the shadowy corners of these complex relationships, offeri...
Apr 09, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? Welcome to our heartfelt space where we explore the intricate dance of emotions and positivity. This time around, we open our hearts to the subtle yet profound difference between authentic positivity and its deceptive counterpart, toxic positivity. Listen in as we share stories and insights on how a genuine compliment or empathetic support can uplift us, while also examining the ways in which a forced cheer...
Apr 02, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? Imagine navigating the unpredictable tides of a relationship with a partner whose moods oscillate like a pendulum, from the dizzying highs of mania to the deepest troughs of depression. This episode peels back the layers on such relationships, where bipolar disorder plays an unwelcome third wheel. Together, we underscore the significance of respected authority figures in the bipolar individual's life, such ...
Mar 26, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? Unlock the secrets of brain health and the life-changing potential of glucose supplementation with Dr. David Stephens, a neuropsychologist at the forefront of neuroscience research. In a heartfelt dialogue, we traverse the personal and scientific landscapes of bipolar disorder, with my own journey alongside my husband’s battle with schizoaffective bipolar disorder serving as a poignant backdrop. We'll unrav...
Mar 19, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? Temple Leffingwell reflects on the resilience of the human heart never ceases to amaze me, particularly when it comes to the intricate dance of love and bipolar disorder. As I sit with the memory of my mother, who left us on a quiet October day, I'm reminded of the bittersweet symphony of emotions that her journey with bipolar disorder composed in our lives. This episode is an intimate reflection on the hig...
Mar 12, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? Temple Leffingwell shares her experience of dancing on a tightrope while trying to support a partner with bipolar disorder. Valentine's Day, may be triggering, but it is also an opportunity for this heart-to-heart discussion that promises to provide solace and understanding for those loving someone on this emotional roller coaster. Our session is a touchstone for empathy, where real-life stories, such as Li...
Mar 05, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? Temple Leffingwell navigates the complexities of treatment, from the frustration of feeling unheard by healthcare professionals to the victory of successful advocacy and improved communication. Our candid discussion lays bare the emotional toll on partners, the importance of a release of information, and the tenacity needed to champion our loved one's health. Our conversation continues with an intimate look...
Mar 05, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? Temple Leffingwell walks you through the delicate choreography of building trust and safety, without losing sight of the warmth and affection that make a relationship sing. We open up about our own experiences, highlighting the art of empathy when dealing with manic episodes and the crucial role of understanding triggers together. When you love someone with bipolar disorder, the dance of a relationship take...
Mar 05, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through? I fell in love with a man that had the most attractive energy I had ever met. He was attentive, sexy, strong, intelligent, enthusiastic and had a quick wit. He was the best hype guy and ready to ride at anytime. Want to get a coffee? Yes. Want to meet for a drink? Yes. You want to move? Yes. I was drawn into a relationship with someone because of his powerful energy of willingness and his ability to lock hi...
Feb 28, 2024•2 min0
