Join mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they tackle the topic of everyday anxiety. Although everyone can feel anxious during their day-to-day lives, those living with bipolar disorder often experience anxiety on a much deeper level. Listen in as Julie and Shaley share in detail about their own struggles with daily anxiety. Find out how an unreturned email or seemingly awkward social interaction can induce swirling thoughts, feed insecurities, ...and lead to irrational ...
Apr 30, 2022•53 min•Ep 32•Transcript available on Metacast Introducing the fifth interview in our series 'Conversations With'! In this episode, Shaley Hoogendoorn talks with professor, author, speaker, and theologian Monica A. Coleman. Dr. Coleman openly shares about her experiences living with bipolar II disorder- from symptoms and seeking professional help, to her reactions to her diagnosis and the role stigma has played in her life. Monica also dives into her faith journey as well as her diverse work within the Church to bring awareness and 'keep it ...
Apr 05, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this follow-up to episode 16, mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft continue the conversation on big life changes & the bipolar brain. Change can affect those living with bipolar disorder in deeper & different ways that often leave them on shaky ground. But there is hope. Tune in as Shaley, Julie, and our listeners share their coping mechanisms, strategies and solutions for finding firmer footing. It is Julie and Shaley's greatest hope that this episode offers insight, he...
Mar 21, 2022•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they tackle the topic of big life changes & the bipolar brain. Although change can be difficult for everyone, it can affect those living with bipolar disorder in much deeper & different ways that often leave them on very shaky ground. In this episode, Shaley and Julie open up about events and episodes in their own lives that were difficult to go through. From navigating the many 'moving' parts of a recent family move from Canada ...
Mar 07, 2022•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast Introducing the fourth interview in our series 'Conversations With'! In this episode, Shaley Hoogendoorn talks with author and advocate Charise Jewell. Charise openly and honestly shares about her experiences living with bipolar I disorder- from symptoms, getting help, her hospitalizations, medication, stigma to the role her doctors and family have played in her healing. Powerful excerpts from her book, CRAZY - Memoir of a Mom Gone Mad are also shared giving invaluable insight into her mental he...
Feb 16, 2022•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join mental health advocate Shaley Hoogendoorn as she shares a few tips on getting a bipolar diagnoses. Bipolar is often misdiagnosed as major depression or anxiety. There is research that says it often takes an average of 6 years to get the correct diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. Shaley hopes that by sharing her struggle with misdiagnosis, she can help others better advocate for themselves when reaching out. . Many people struggle with the high highs and low lows for years before getting the tre...
Feb 04, 2022•2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join mental health advocates Messy Beauty with Shaley and Julie Kraft as they tackle the topic of triggers. In this episode they define what a mental health trigger is and take a closer look at the various types. Shaley and Julie also open up about their own triggers (big & small), their reactions (healthy & unhealthy!), and ways they have learned to cope. It is their greatest hope that this episode offers insight, help, and hope. This is bipolar... *sources: Five Ways to Take Control of Your Ps...
Jan 17, 2022•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast SPECIAL HOLIDAY EPISODE! Join mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they share about coping & keeping calm at Christmas! Is it really ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ for them & their families? Does having bipolar disorder help or hinder them during the holidays? What tips & tricks do they have to reduce anxiety & stress? Julie and Shaley also discuss how this Christmas might still look different due to Covid-19. So, whether you’re in a bright place, a dull place, or...
Dec 15, 2021•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast Introducing the third interview (our first with a man!) in our series called 'Conversations With'! In this episode, Shaley Hoogendoorn talks with 'Louder Now' podcast host and fellow advocate, Jared Diehl. Jared shares openly about his experiences living with bipolar disorder- from symptoms, getting help, stigma and medication, to the role his faith has played in his journey -all from the male perspective! Jared also gives advice and words of encouragement to those walking a similar path. His st...
Nov 23, 2021•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast Join mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they explore the topic of how to support a friend or loved one living with bipolar disorder or a mental health struggle. In this follow-up episode (be sure to watch ep 13 for the flip side), they explore healthy & helpful ways of 'showing up'. Saying and doing certain things can make all the difference in the world. Shaley and Julie talk about their own experiences of being encouraged by others, as well as share valuable feedback...
Nov 04, 2021•56 min•Ep 23•Transcript available on Metacast Just for fun… a rousing round of 'This or That?' !! In this special bonus episode, Messy Beauty with Shaley & Julie Kraft candidly share about their favourite Fall things! Would they rather stroll through the city with a pumpkin spice latte in hand? OR pick apples in an orchard, dressed in flannel? Would they opt for a spooky halloween night or a cozy movie marathon by the fire? Tune in to find out their answers and so much more! This is bipolar... @this.is.bipolar #thisisbipolar #thisisbipolarp...
Oct 18, 2021•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Trigger warning - self harm, suicidal ideation Mental Health Advocate Shaley Hoogendoorn talks with Tatyana Frost about her experience living with bipolar disorder. In this episode, Tatyana shares her story, including an honest and insightful look at how & when her bipolar symptoms first surfaced. She also details seeking help, receiving a diagnosis, and what she has discovered about herself (and bipolar) since. Tatyana's story is one of struggle but also one of incredible strength and inspirati...
Oct 05, 2021•1 hr•Ep 21•Transcript available on Metacast NEW EPISODE! Join mental health advocates Messy Beauty with Shaley and Julie Kraft as they dive into the topic of how to support someone living with bipolar disorder or a mental health struggle. In this episode, they give a gentle but honest look at various unhealthy & often harmful ways of 'showing up'. Words can hurt. Although well-intentioned, actions aren't always helpful. Shaley and Julie share their own experiences of being hurt by others, as well as share valuable feedback from their list...
Sep 20, 2021•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast Trigger Warning: This episode contains a suicide survivor story. Introducing PART 2 of the first interview in our new series called 'Conversations With'! Mental Health Advocate Messy Beauty with Shaley continues talking with Maria Fernandez about her unique experience living with bipolar disorder. In this episode, Maria shares more of her story, including what steps she has taken to manage her bipolar and live life to its fullest! Maria's story is one of struggle but also one of resilience, surv...
Sep 03, 2021•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Trigger Warning: This episode contains a suicide survivor story. We are so excited to introduce the first interview in our NEW series called 'Conversations With'. Mental Health Advocate Shaley Hoogendoorn talks to Maria Fernendez about her unique experience living with bipolar disorder. Maria shares with us what it was like to have mental illness from a very young age and how it affected every part of her life. Maria's story is one of struggle and heartache but it is also a story of resilience a...
Aug 18, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft discuss hypomania. For them, hypomania has two sides- the bright but also the dark. In this follow-up to episode 11, they share what it feels like in their minds and bodies when the destructive side of hypomania rears its head. What are the problems & pitfalls? In what ways are their lives, and the lives of those around them, affected the most? Listen in as Shaley and Julie also share about how they spot warning signs an...
Jul 07, 2021•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft discuss how it feels to experience hypomania. Hypomania has two sides the really really good and the terrible. Shaley and Julie tell all! They share what it feels like in their minds and bodies as well as share some wacky thoughts and behaviours. They are so excited to share some big creative projects they have done (with the extra rocket fuel) over the years. Listen in as Shaley and Julie share how they have learned to ...
Jun 02, 2021•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft discuss how stigma is affected by media & modern culture. Do movies and tv shows portray mental illness in an accurate light? Do characters give a realistic glimpse? And what happens if and when they don’t? This episode also explores what responsibility, if any, the media has when reporting about 'people in the public eye' & their mental health struggles. Listen in as Shaley and Julie weigh in on specific shows, intervie...
Apr 19, 2021•55 min•Ep 14•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft discuss the importance of language. Words absolutely matter- they have the power to hurt or heal. Too often, mental health terms, even actual diagnoses, are loosely thrown around in everyday conversation. How many of us have heard the phrase, “The weather is sooo bipolar!” or heard ‘OCD’ used as an adjective to describe a tidy person? Listen in as Julie and Shaley take a gentle and nonjudgemental look at specific termino...
Mar 15, 2021•3 min•Ep 13•Transcript available on Metacast LET’S TALK!! Join mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they share how to keep important conversations going after Mental Health Awareness Days. Statistics tell us that 1 in 5 people struggle with a mental health disorder. This means someone that you know or love is suffering (often in silence) right now. How can you support those suffering around you? What does it look like to keep showing up when things get hard? Shaley and Julie share tips and tools to use when engagin...
Jan 28, 2021•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they give a raw and real look at what it’s like to accept that they are living with Bipolar 2 Disorder. They share their own personal struggles to tell family, friends and eventually the world! It is Julie and Shaley’s greatest hope that in telling their stories they will offer insight and encouragement to anyone going through the process of being diagnosed. This is bipolar..... #thisisbipolar #thisisbipolarvlog. #thisisbipolarpo...
Jan 06, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast SPECIAL HOLIDAY EPISODE! Join mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they share about coping & keeping calm at Christmas! Is it really ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ for them & their families? Does having bipolar disorder help or hinder them during the holidays? What tips & tricks do they have to reduce anxiety & stress? Julie and Shaley also discuss how this Christmas will look vastly different due to Covid-19. So, whether you’re in a bright place, a dull place, (o...
Dec 12, 2020•27 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast NEW EPISODE!! In this episode, mental health advocates Messy Beauty with Shaley and Julie Kraft discuss their vastly different experiences of seeking professional help and receiving their bipolar II diagnoses. They describe when, where, and how they first heard the life-changing news, " You have bipolar disorder." It is Julie and Shaley's greatest hope that in sharing they will offer insight and encouragement to anyone going through the process of being diagnosed. This is bipolar..... Instagram:...
Nov 14, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they openly share about their lives before their bipolar II diagnoses. In this episode, they both detail the final days and events that led them to seek professional help. How did they unravel? Did others know they were falling apart? This episode also explores what getting help looked like. Julie and Shaley discuss their experiences and reactions - from the emergency room to a doctor's office, with feelings ranging from utter re...
Oct 08, 2020•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Julie and Shaley both candidly detail their depressive episodes. Although they have the same diagnosis, their symptoms presented in various and different ways. Prediagnosis.....how did depression manifest in their daily lives? What effects did it have on their families and friends? Could they carry on with daily life despite being in a darker place? Did they reach out for help? Find out the answers to all of these questions and more! It is Shaley and Julie's hope that in sharing...
Oct 08, 2020•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they openly share about their lives before being diagnosed with bipolar II disorder. In this episode, they both candidly detail what daily life looked like in the decades leading up to their diagnoses. Julie and Shaley discuss the various ways their depression and anxiety affected them and all those living alongside - from throwing birthday parties & hosting playdates, to organizing big events and attending book clubs. How did th...
Sep 09, 2020•38 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft both candidly share about falling in love with their husbands, and what life looked like in the early years of marriage and motherhood. Although they have the same diagnosis, their symptoms presented in various and very different ways. Find out how anxiety and panic manifested in their daily lives and the effects it had on them and all those living alongside. This is bipolar. If you enjoyed this episode or if this podcast means something to you...
Jul 09, 2020•42 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast Join mental health advocates Messy Beauty with Shaley and Julie Kraft (together in person!) as they discuss ALL things advocacy. With ten years of combined experience- sharing their bipolar II journeys on stages, paper, social media, even street corners -hear them talk about why and how they came forward. What were the reactions of those around them? Did they share too much, too soon? Do they have regrets? And what advice would Shaley and Julie give to anyone with the burning desire to come forw...
Jun 15, 2020•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast Join mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they discuss the impact of Covid-19 on their lives and the world around them. What were their initial reactions? Has having bipolar disorder helped or hindered their ability to cope and keep calm? Have silver linings been found in the midst of such unimaginable circumstances? Although we're all weathering the same storm, we are in different boats- our feelings should never be compared to anyone else's. It is Julie and Shaley's gr...
May 20, 2020•34 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast TRAILER Unfiltered & authentic - a real-life glimpse of bipolar disorder. Mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft passionately share their bipolar II journeys. It is their greatest hope that their honesty will give insight, shatter stigma, and offer hope. This is bipolar... @this.is.bipolar
May 08, 2020•3 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast 
