In this heartfelt and hope-filled episode of This Is Bipolar, Shaley and Dr. Andrea Vassilev meet in real life for the very first time in Los Angeles and dive deep into one of the most meaningful (and complicated) topics when living with bipolar disorder: friendships.

Together, they explore how bipolar disorder can impact connection, consistency, communication, and trust — from ghosting during depression to intensity, oversharing, and irritability during hypomania or mania. They talk openly about shame, grief, self-stigma, and the fear of being “too much,” while also highlighting the incredible strengths people with bipolar bring to friendships: empathy, loyalty, creativity, and deep emotional insight.

This episode also offers practical guidance for:

Navigating disclosure with friends

Asking for what you actually need during different mood states

Supporting loved ones with bipolar (and letting them support you)

Finding peer connection through bipolar communities and support groups

Above all, this conversation is a reminder that you are worthy of friendship, connection, and love — exactly as you are.

(formatted exactly as requested)

(00:03:40) — Meeting online, becoming real-life friends & why bipolar friendships matter

(00:08:55) — How depression affects consistency, ghosting, and friendships

(00:17:30) — Hypomania, intensity, irritability & how it can strain relationships

(00:25:45) — Grief, shame, oversharing & repairing friendships after episodes

(00:32:40) — Disclosure: how, when, and why telling friends can help

(00:44:50) — Reframing self-stigma & recognizing what makes you a great friend

Connect with us:

IG @this.is.bipolar

Youtube: this is bipolar channel

TT @this.is.bipolar

Be sure to sign up for my newsletter at thisisbipolar.com to get a free "Bipolar Travel Toolkit" PDF to help you prepare ahead and manage bipolar disorder while traveling. 

Chapter Markers:

(00:02:58) Andrea's Upcoming Book

(00:03:07) Andrea's Trip to Japan

(00:10:35) Medication Challenges

(00:14:20) Importance of Prevention

(00:16:26) Conference Experience

(00:21:11) Planning for Business Trips

(00:27:04) Post Travel Reflections

(00:28:17) Shaley's Camping Trip

(00:34:17) Balancing Expectations

(00:37:23) Memorable Moments

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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 

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

Meet our Guest Co-Host:

Dr. Andrea Vassilev holds a doctorate in psychology, is a therapist in California, and has lived with bipolar disorder for over 25 years. Andrea is the creator of the program Overcoming Self-Stigma in Bipolar Disorder and serves on the Board of Directors of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders. As a clinician and academic with lived experience, Andrea brings a special perspective to both her professional and advocacy work. Andrea hopes that by telling her own story of life with bipolar disorder through the lenses of clinical causes, treatments, and outcomes that she can provide education, hope, and comfort to others. You can connect with her on Instagram @best.life.bipolar or at www.andreavassilev.com. Be sure to pre-order Dr. Andrea's book - releases July 1st 2026

Beyond the Bipolar Label: A Workbook to Overcome Self-Stigma, Break Free from Shame and Live Authentically