Episode 200: Navigating Bipolar Disorder & Focusing on The Role of Culture with Dr. Lauren Yang

In this special 200th episode of 'Live Well, Bipolar,' the host celebrates this milestone by interviewing Dr. Lauren Yang, a clinical psychologist and Associate Board President and past Vice Chair of the Young Adult Council for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.

With her personal experience living with bipolar II disorder, Dr. Yang shares her journey from her initial hypomanic episode as an undergraduate at UCLA to her self-diagnosis and eventually receiving professional confirmation.

She discusses the challenges she faced, including medication side effects and societal stigma, particularly within the Asian American community. Dr. Yang also touches upon her transition from aiming for a medical career to pursuing clinical psychology, emphasizing her commitment to support and advocate for mental health and reducing stigma.

The episode highlights the importance of acknowledging bipolar disorder as part of one's life but not letting it define one's entirety, advocating for a holistic approach to wellness and embracing one's authentic self.

Stay connected with Dr. Yang here!

00:00 Celebrating Episode 200: A Special Guest Joins Us!

00:23 Meet Dr. Lauren Yang: A Journey Through Bipolar Disorder

02:07 Navigating Life and Diagnosis: Lauren's Personal Story

07:34 The Challenges of Living with Bipolar Disorder

13:21 Opening Up: Conversations with Family and Cultural Reflections

25:04 Pursuing Passion: From Pre-Med to Clinical Psychology

30:17 Living Well with Bipolar: A Multidimensional Approach

35:08 Connecting with Dr. Lauren Yang: Advocacy and Support

36:10 Wrapping Up: Reflections and Gratitude