Is it possible to leave a high-pressure career, find deep stability, and turn a Bipolar diagnosis into a source of humility and growth? 🌱

In this episode of Bipolar Talk, Clément sits down with Lily Strachan, a former top-tier corporate lawyer turned university chaplain. Lily shares her raw and inspiring journey of navigating a psychotic episode while working on massive corporate deals 💼, facing the stigma of the legal world, and ultimately pivoting her life toward faith and community connection.

We dive deep into the intersection of spirituality and mental health 🧠, discussing how faith can provide "soul rest" when medication alone isn’t enough. Plus, Lily shares actionable strategies for setting strict boundaries at work—like her non-negotiable "10 PM to 8 AM" rule 🚫—to protect her sleep and sanity 😴.

If you are looking for hope, practical workplace advice, or a new perspective on the role of faith in recovery, this episode is for you. ✨

What really happens if you have a bipolar relapse and need urgent help? Navigating the public mental health system, especially during a crisis, can be confusing. 🧭

In this episode, Dr. Lieux-Chi Nguyen, a public sector psychiatrist, pulls back the curtain on inpatient care. We tackle the tough questions: What's the first number you should call?

What is the critical difference between a voluntary and an

involuntary admission? We also explore how you can prepare in

advance so your wishes are known, even if you lose the capacity to make decisions. 📝 Dr. Nguyen breaks down who is on your care team—from case managers to psychiatrists—and what each person actually does to support you. 🤝

This is a must-listen guide to understanding the public sector, building your support system, and knowing your rights before you need to use them. 🎧✨

🧠 He’s a psychiatrist who also has bipolar disorder. Now, he’s on a mission to redefine it.

In this powerful episode, host Clément Baissat sits down with Dr. James Le Bas, a psychiatrist who shares his unique "double skill"—the medical expertise of a doctor combined with the lived experience of a person with the condition. After stopping his psychiatric work to focus on this new project , James is researching a new model of bipolarity, detailed in his book, Beyond Bipolar.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to move beyond shame and find deeper meaning in their diagnosis.

You will discover:

- 🧬 The "FASAD" Personality: James introduces his new model for the personality traits many people with bipolar disorder share: Fear, Anxiety, Self-esteem variations, Striving, Addiction, and Depression.

Addiction Isn't a Sickness. It's a Solution.

Why are people with bipolar disorder 4-5 times more likely to struggle with addiction? 🤔

In this episode of "Bipolar Talk", we talk with psychologist Nick Marcon, who shares a powerful perspective from 20+ years working with addiction and complex trauma. His core message: addiction is an "external manifestation of internal pain". It's a solution to a problem, which is why it's so hard to give up.

Tune in to learn:

• The #1 thing that matters when finding a psychologist (it's not their title) .

• Why you don't "give up" an addiction—you substitute it with something more beneficial.

• How healing the internal trauma first is the key to reducing the need for the substance.

• The "Eat an Elephant" method for taking on overwhelming goals (like recovery) one small bite at a time 🐘 

This episode offers a more compassionate way to understand your own mind and the real root of addiction. ❤️

• #Bipolar #Addiction #Trauma #MentalHealth #Recovery #BipolarDisorder #AddictionRecovery #Psychology #HealingTrauma #BiPolarityTalk 

We welcome Brett Stevens, bipolar, writer, advocate, and author of Crossover: A Look Inside a Manic Mind in the podcast "Bipolar Talks"🎤. He is here to share his deeply personal story, from a life-threatening manic episode to his Bipolar I diagnosis and what it truly means to own your condition.

Together, we explore the multiple facets of living with Bipolar I. Brett offers a raw and honest account of his manic episodes, describing the intense and rapid escalation from normal functioning to a state of complete delusion, believing he was a god and engaging in extremely risky behaviors. This episode is a powerful testimony for anyone wishing to understand the realities of mania, the challenges of acceptance, and the path to building a stable and happy life 💡.

Brett shares valuable insights into his recovery journey, emphasizing the critical role of medication, the difficult but necessary lifestyle changes like cutting out alcohol and caffeine, and the importance of a strong support system. This discussion is a source of inspiration, offering a candid look at the dedication required to manage the condition and highlighting the importance of personal responsibility in the recovery process ❤️‍🩹.

I invite you to listen to this profound exchange to discover how lived experience can transform our understanding of bipolar disorder and contribute to a future where every patient can become an active participant in their own well-being 🌐.

We welcome Ananya Banerjee, a young mental health activist, psychology student, and poet in "Bipolar Talk" 🎙️. Ananya shares her inspiring journey from India to Australia and her fight to destigmatize mental health conditions through education and advocacy.

Together, we explore her lived experience with depression, which she was diagnosed with at 18. Ananya offers a powerful insight: the opposite of depression is not happiness; it is expression. She explains how self-expression, psychoeducation, and social support are crucial tools for regaining control and moving forward on the path to healing 🌟.

This episode is a true source of hope for anyone looking to better understand depression and discover the power of vulnerability 💡. Ananya provides an authentic and courageous look at the challenges of mental health, emphasizing the importance of expression in all its forms, from talking to poetry , to heal and help others 🌱.

I invite you to listen to this deep conversation to discover how sharing your story can not only save yourself but also light the way for others 🌍.

We welcome Dr. Lillian Nejad 👩‍⚕️, a clinical psychologist, author, and the founder of Contain Your Brain in "Bipolar Talk" 🎤. She joins us to share her innovative resources designed to help people reduce worry, stress, and insomnia.

Together, we delve into the complex and essential world of managing mental health, particularly for those of us living with bipolarity, for whom stress and sleep are critical for stability. Dr. Nejup explains her powerful tools and methods to help patients better understand their anxiety, manage their symptoms, and regain control of their well-being journey 💪. She offers valuable insights into the specific challenges of overcoming the worry that can keep you awake at night and drain your energy. This episode emphasizes the importance of proactive strategies in the therapeutic relationship 🙌.

This episode is a true source of inspiration for anyone looking to better understand how to manage the psychological challenges of bipolarity and discover individual-centered approaches 📘. Dr. Nejad provides an enlightened perspective on current practices and future innovations, while highlighting the importance of personal engagement in the recovery process 🚀.

I invite you to listen to this profound exchange to discover how you can turn bipolarity into an opportunity and how innovative tools can transform lives, contributing to a future where every patient becomes an actor in their own recovery 🌐.

We welcome Dr. Steven Chau 🩺, a renowned psychiatrist and director of Melbourne Mental Health in "Bipolar Talk" 🎙️. Dr. Chau shares his expert perspective on the profound connection between sport, identity, and mental wellness. 

Together, we explore the crucial role of physical activity as a cornerstone of mental health, especially for those living with bipolar disorder. Dr. Chau introduces his four pillars of health—eat, move, sleep, and structure—and explains how sport offers more than just exercise; it provides community, discipline, and builds self-confidence. He shares invaluable insights on overcoming the challenge of motivation, offering practical tips like "habit stacking," finding an accountability partner, and the importance of starting small to build momentum. 

This episode is a source of genuine inspiration for anyone looking to better understand their mental health and discover patient-centered strategies for recovery. Dr. Chau provides an enlightened view on the science behind exercise, discussing its effects on brain chemicals like dopamine, and emphasizes the power of sincerity and self-compassion in the therapeutic journey. 

I invite you to listen to this insightful conversation to discover how you can harness the power of sport and routine to transform your life and become an active architect of your own recovery 🌍.

We welcome Dr. Zola Chihombori Quao 👩‍⚕️, a psychiatrist with unique training in addiction, family medicine in the podcast Bipolar Talks 🎤. Dr. Zola joins us to explore the critical intersection of bipolar disorder, addiction, and underserved care.

Together, we delve into the complex world of addiction, exploring its roots in the brain's reward system 🧬 and why individuals with bipolar disorder are about four times more likely to develop a substance use disorder. Dr. Zola shares invaluable insights on how both manic and depressive mood episodes can fuel self-medication , the long-term effects on the brain , and the life-threatening dangers of withdrawing from substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines without support. We also tackle the significant barriers of shame and stigma that prevent many from seeking help ❤️.

This episode is a vital resource for anyone looking to understand the dual challenge of managing bipolar disorder and addiction, offering practical, compassionate strategies for recovery and harm reduction ✅.

Dr. Zola provides a clear, integrated perspective on treatment, emphasizing the need to address mood and substance use together rather than as separate problems. She shares tangible advice on creating safety plans , navigating social triggers , and building a supportive environment to foster wellbeing 🌿.

I invite you to listen to this insightful conversation to discover how an integrated and compassionate approach can transform lives and empower individuals to reclaim their health journey 🧭.

We welcome Dr. Alina Soto ✨, a doctor of neuropathic medicine and trauma specialist, who shares their unique approach to breaking cycles and creating new life-changing patterns in this episode of Bipolar Talk 🎤.

Dr. Soto introduces us to the complex and essential world of FMPI (focal neurocognitive and physio-emotional integration) 🧭, a framework they passionately advocates for to help people move from feeling stuck to achieving healing.

Together, we explore the many facets of this holistic approach, a powerful tool for understanding how narrative, biology, and daily habits are interconnected 💪. Dr. Soto shares valuable insights into the specific challenges of bipolarity, particularly how the distorted stories of mania and depression can be managed, and reminds us of the crucial importance of starting with one "tiny domino" to initiate change 🙌. This episode is a true source of inspiration for anyone who wants to better understand mental health and discover person-centered approaches to wellness 🔑.

Dr. Soto offers an enlightened look at current practices, emphasizing the power of small, consistent actions in the recovery process 🌿. I invite you to listen to this profound discussion to discover how a holistic framework can transform lives and contribute to a future where every patient is empowered in their own recovery ☀️.