Welcome to another episode of "This is Bipolar," where host Shaley Hoogendoorn delves into personal experiences and insights about living with bipolar 2 disorder. Shaley an advocate, teacher, wife, and mother, shares her own journey alongside guest Sara Schley, who brings her perspective as an entrepreneur and grandmother living with the condition.

In this episode, they discuss the profound impact of proper diagnosis and the often-long journey to receiving it, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nuances of bipolar disorders, particularly bipolar 2. Shaley and Sara explore the misconceptions about bipolar depression, the challenges of parenting with a mental health condition, and the crucial role of community support in healing and empowerment.

Through candid conversation, they aim to break down stigma, offer a supportive hand to those struggling, and showcase how creativity and resilience can emerge even in the face of adversity. Sara also shares information about her upcoming documentary film "Brainstorm," which promises to highlight inspiring stories and cutting-edge research on bipolar disorder.

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(00:07:35) Understanding Hypomania

(00:11:16) Navigating Anger & Shame

(00:12:58) The Reality of Bipolar Depression

(00:19:14) Coping with Chronic Mental Illness

(00:22:34) Discussing Parenting and Bipolar

(00:26:22) The Weight of Suicidal Thoughts

(00:39:46) The Making of the BrainStorm Film

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening. If this episode or podcast means something to you, I would be forever grateful if you would follow/subscribe the ‘this is bipolar’ podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts so you stay up to date. It would also mean the world to me if you gave a 5 ⭐️ star review- this helps the podcast reach those who need to hear it most. 

Much love, Shaley xo 

About Our Guest:

Sara Schley is the author of the acclaimed memoir, BrainStorm: From Broken to Blessed on the Bipolar Spectrum. She is a business consultant, speaker, and author who has led organizational transformations at renowned companies around the world. She is a mother, grandmother, community leader, and has been married to a great guy for twenty-six years. She also has a Bipolar II brain, on the Bipolar Spectrum. Sara has kept this mostly a secret for four decades. Until now. She is choosing to tell her riveting story – from broken to blessed – to save lives, end stigma, and optimize healing for millions.

Sara is also the leader of Seed Systems, an international consulting collaborative that she founded in 1994 to create a regenerative, inclusive, and kinder world. She has worked with over 50 enterprises and 1000s of individuals in every sector. A social change entrepreneur, Sara has also co-founded several networks including The SoL Sustainability Consortium, Women in Power, and most recently, WeTheChange.

Sara has written two previous books: The Necessary Revolution: How Individuals and Organizations Are Working Together to Create a Sustainable World (Doubleday, 2008), based on her experience convening the SoL Sustainability Consortium and co-authored with business guru Peter M. Senge, and others which was translated into 10 languages; and Secrets of the 7th Day: How Everyone Can Find Renewal Through the Wisdom and Practices of the Sabbath (White Cloud Press, 2014). She has two new manuscripts in the works.

Sara travels nationally and internationally for her work. (At least she did before Covid!) In her free time, she enjoys every outdoor sport there is: hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, rafting, paddling, sailing, windsurfing, to name just a few. When not on the road or on the water, Sara lives in the hills in Western Massachusetts with her husband, twin teens, and one aging yellow lab.

You can find all Sara's current projects here:

saraschley.com

Brainstorm the Film

BrainTalk the Podcast

More about your Host:

Shaley Hoogendoorn is a speaker, content creator and currently hosts the popular “this is bipolar” vlog and podcast. She lives with bipolar 2 disorder and shares her story and the stories of others to dismantle the stigma around mental illness. 

Shaley is passionate about educating and empowering others about bipolar disorder. She has contributed to publications for Sanctuary Ministries, Psych Central and BP Hope magazine. She hosted a series interviewing women living with mental illnesses at SheLoves Magazine in a series named "Sisters in Mental Illness." 

Shaley’s greatest hope is that creating safe spaces to connect will give hope and comfort those that struggle.