Mental illness is widely misunderstood in our culture. In this episode, Chris shares his experience before and after his diagnosis as a person with Bipolar Disorder - www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml. Additionally, Chris shared a few resources for listeners wishing to learn more about Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and other mental illnesses.

Natalie opens with a few notes on her experience at Podcast Movement 2016 in Chicago, the world’s largest conference for podcasters. This was the third annual gathering. - podcastmovement.com/

For information or support regarding mental illness:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: dbsa.org - http://dbsa.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness: nami.org - nami.org/

 

Statistics mentioned in this episode came from MentalHealth.gov - www.mentalhealth.gov/

Music: Komiku - freemusicarchive.org/music/Komiku/Its_time_for_adventure_/Komiku_-_Its_time_for_adventure_-_13_Bleu

 

More info & view slideshow at http://www.afaceproject.com/podcasts/ep11-chris/

NOTES:

• [4:50] Mental health facts, figures, and stigmas
• [7:10] Chris talks about his family and how they felt about mental health
• [8:00] Chris talks about why he thinks it’s important to share his story
• [9:00] He talks about why he was a “terrible student”
• [10:35] He talks about his older sister’s health for the first time
• [11:30] Chris reflects on how he acted around his parents and family as a kid
• [12:20] The definition of Bipolar Disorder
• [13:20] The mania side of the disorder, for Chris
• [14:30] Chris talks about depression for the first time
• [15:42] Chris talks about simply thinking he was “weird” as a kid
• [16:40] He mentions his struggles with self esteem
• [17:35] Speaks on how he would hide his issues
• [19:20] Chris talks about his first time seeing a psychiatrist
• [19:58] Chris talks about his experience with his medication
• [21:45] He talks about how the disorder has lost him friends and the difficulties with that
• [22:30] Chris talks about finally being diagnosed as bipolar
• [23:20] Chris talks about how medications are trial and error
• [24:25] Speaks about how the disorder makes him feel old
• [26:23] Chris gives advice to others struggling
• [29:10] What goals and dreams mean for Chris