In this episode of 'Conversations With', Mental Illness Activist Shaley Hoogendoorn talks with Edison Htun. Edison shares openly about his experiences living with bipolar disorder in Southeast Asian country, especially in a conservative country with no mental health policies or regulations. It was fascinating to learn about the cultural influence on stigmas and misconceptions about Bipolar Disorder in Myanmar. Edison also shares about his own internalized stigma toward medication and diagnosis. Edison's words of encouragement to those walking a similar path. His story is one of perseverance and inspiration. I am so grateful for Edison's's voice in his country and in the world. We feel honoured that he trusted us with his story. Edison’s story is not over yet. 

This is bipolar...

IG @this.is.bipolar

Meet Edison: Kyaw Si Thu Htun (Edison) is twenty-six years old and born and raised in Yangon, Myanmar. Edison lives with Bipolar 2 Disorder with Rapid cycling and is passionate about sharing with others to help end stigma around mental health and mental illness. Edison has a B.A (Hons) Business from University of Wolverhampton and was a media focal person of U-Report Myanmar, UNICEF Myanmar's youth program. He was also a manager for Junior Creative Dance Crew (America's Got Talent: The Champion Season 2 participant). Edison is currently an Account Manager, PR Agency based in Yangon. You can find Edison on Instagram @ejiiison.

#mentalhealth #mentalillness #bipolarawareness #bipolar #thisisbipolar