In this episode, Megan shares her mental health advocacy journey, explaining how she has leveraged her Instagram platform to raise awareness about mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, PTSD, and anxiety. She describes the therapeutic process of writing her forthcoming book, "Now, You Know," to both document her story and inspire others to come forward with their experiences. Her story showcases the significance of sharing experiences, promoting mental health conversations on social media, and inspiring others by working through one's struggles.

Show Notes:

Guest: Megan @thisismegan_r (Instagram)

Connect with Jonathan Szarko:

JonathanSzarko.com

@JonathanSzarko (Instagram)

Music: DJ Stryer @stryermusic (Instagram)

In this episode of "Lifting with Bipolar," host Jonathan Szarko interviews Krista, a fellow bipolar disorder advocate and host of her own podcast.

Krista shares her personal journey with bipolar one, detailing her experience with hospitalization, medication, and the importance of physical fitness in managing her condition. Krista discusses how hot yoga has been a game-changer for her in terms of managing her mood and symptoms. She attributes the added heat and spiritual element of the practice to its success as a mental health tool.

Additionally, Krista emphasizes the importance of hydration when engaging in intensive exercise, particularly when taking lithium. Both Jonathan and Krista share their past struggles with substance use, particularly cannabis, and how sobriety has greatly improved their mental health management.

Krista emphasizes the importance of maintaining boundaries and staying present to prioritize her mental health. Overall, listeners will gain insight into the practical strategies and daily habits that Jonathan and Krista use to cope with bipolar disorder and thrive in their personal and professional lives.

Show Notes:

Guest: Krista @embuebikrista (Instagram)

Connect with Jonathan Szarko:

JonathanSzarko.com

@JonathanSzarko (Instagram)

Music: DJ Stryer @stryermusic (Instagram)

Welcome to another episode of the Lifting with Bipolar podcast, where we aim to provide you with the resources and support you need to thrive in your mental health journey.

Today, we are joined by Christina Mitchell, a mental health advocate and guardian who has cared for her mother and aunt for over two decades. She runs the Guardian Chronicles, a platform that connects like-minded individuals and provides resources and support for those who are caring for loved ones with mental health disorders.

The Power of Technology in Creating Supportive Communities: Christina stressed the importance of technology and how it allows us to connect with others. She spoke about how social media and online communities can create a sense of belonging and support, especially for those who are caring for their loved ones with mental health disorders.

Understanding Guardianship: Christina explained what guardianship is and the importance of it, particularly for those with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. She highlighted the difference between being a regular guardian and being a legal guardian, stating that the latter provides full ability to make decisions for the loved one under care.

Caring for Yourself as a Guardian: Christina spoke about the importance of self-care and how it can be challenging as a guardian. She shared her personal experience of feeling anxious and stressed due to a lack of self-care. Christina advised other guardians to make sure they keep themselves healthy to be able to take care of their loved ones effectively.

The Importance of Supportive Networks: Christina emphasized the significance of having a supportive network, including friends, family, hobbies, and support groups like the Guardian Chronicles. She talked about the benefits of these networks and how they can help ease caregivers' burden.

Rewards and Challenges of Guardianship: Christina shared her own experience of caring for her mother and aunt, detailing some of the rewarding moments of guardianship, especially when observing her wards achieving their goals and living happily. However, she acknowledged that guardianship is not without its challenges, particularly when it comes to housing and healthcare.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Christina reminded us that caring for loved ones with mental health disorders can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. She advised guardians to take care of themselves and to find supportive networks that can provide guidance and support. We hope this episode has been helpful to you, and we look forward to providing you with more resources in the future. Stay healthy, stay strong, and remember, you are not alone.

Show Notes:

Guest: Christina Mitchell @guardianchronicles (Instagram)

Connect with Jonathan Szarko:

JonathanSzarko.com

@JonathanSzarko (Instagram)

Music: DJ Stryer @stryermusic (Instagram)

Welcome back to "Lifting with Bipolar". I'm your host, Jonathan Szarko, and today's episode is going to be a special one. I'm joined by Nicole Fernandez, a 26-year-old English teacher who is going to be sharing her lived experience of bipolar disorder.

Nicole has recently been struggling with frequent manic episodes, which have caused her to withdraw from public view and lose a lot of friends. Despite these challenges, she remains committed to improving herself and managing her condition through the right medication and personal growth.

We dive into her story, discussing the ups and downs of her journey, including the challenges she faced with her condition and how she overcame them. Nicole opens up about her struggles and what she has done to better herself including focusing on personal development, as well as adjusting her medication dosage.

In this episode of Lifting with Bipolar, you'll learn about the emotional struggles that come with having bipolar disorder and how Nicole has managed to come through them, and to the other side. She shares valuable lessons about not giving up and working tirelessly towards growth.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about managing bipolar disorder, healing yourself, and becoming a better person. We hope this podcast will inspire you towards a better way of living, and show that you're not alone in your journey. So, let's get started!

Show Notes:

Guest: Nicole Fernandez @bipolar_baddies (Instagram) @BloodRitualsPod (Instagram)

Connect with Jonathan Szarko:

JonathanSzarko.com

@JonathanSzarko (Instagram)

Music: DJ Stryer @stryermusic (Instagram)

Welcome to the Lifting with Bipolar podcast, where we explore the intersection between mental health and fitness.

I'm your host, Jonathan Szarko, a certified personal trainer who believes in the healing power of exercise for those who struggle with bipolar disorder.

Today, we have a special guest with us - Brett Scranton, a longevity coach who will talk to us about the importance of sleep for overall health and wellness. We all know that sleep is crucial for our mental and physical well-being, but do we really know why? Brett is here to shed light on this vital topic and share some tips on how we can improve our sleep hygiene.

Brett started by explaining the critical role of sleep in repairing and restoring our body at a cellular level. It's during this downtime that our body produces hormones, maintains cardiovascular health, optimizes metabolism, and builds our immune system. It's no surprise that poor sleep can disrupt these vital functions, leading to a host of health issues.

To ensure that our sleep cycle is in sync with our body's internal clock, Brett highlighted the importance of maintaining our circadian rhythm. He provided six simple rules for circadian rhythm care, which included getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep, eating within a 12-hour window, getting 30 minutes of daylight exposure, and avoiding food and bright screens 2-3 hours before bed.

For those who struggle with sleep, Brett recommended developing a bedtime routine that includes a relaxing activity like meditation or a warm bath. He also advised against excessive caffeine intake and alcohol consumption close to bedtime.

One interesting fact that Brett shared was how sleep can directly impact our body weight, composition, and gym performance. Poor sleep can lead to overconsumption of calories and decreased motivation to exercise. If you're looking for motivation to hit the gym, getting enough sleep might be just the thing you need.

In conclusion, sleep is not a luxury but a necessity for optimal health. By following these simple tips from Brett, we can improve our sleep hygiene and reap the benefits of a well-rested mind and body. As someone who has struggled with bipolar disorder, I can attest to the transformative power of a good night's sleep. So let's prioritize our sleep and lift our way to a better life.

Show Notes:

Guest: Brett Scranton @informedlongevity (Instagram)

Connect with Jonathan Szarko:

JonathanSzarko.com

@JonathanSzarko (Instagram)

Music: DJ Stryer @stryermusic (Instagram)

Welcome to "Lifting with Bipolar," where we explore the intersection of physical fitness and mental health.

Today's guest is Vilma Arauz, a certified yoga instructor, and social work student, specializing in trauma-informed yoga. Vilma shares her expertise on how trauma-informed yoga can benefit individuals managing bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.

As someone who copes with PTSD and anxiety herself, Vilma understands the importance of self-regulation for resilience. She demonstrates tools such as orientation, grounding, centering, and breathing, which are essential for individuals struggling with mental health issues.

Vilma also discusses the benefits of incorporating yoga into fitness routines to help manage bipolar disorder symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings. She encourages listeners to try out different types of yoga styles to find the best fit for their individual needs. Incorporating trauma-informed yoga into recovery plans can help individuals manage triggers and feel more grounded.

Vilma describes how her clients have seen improvements in their overall mood, focus, and relaxation, allowing them to lead happier and healthier lives. As a trauma-informed yoga instructor, Vilma has worked with various individuals and groups, including teens and adults dealing with mental health disorders. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and finding a safe environment for practice.

Furthermore, communicating effectively with yoga teachers, therapists, or other medical professionals is key to ensuring an effective recovery plan.

Join us on "Lifting with Bipolar" and learn how incorporating trauma-informed yoga into your fitness routine can help you manage bipolar disorder's unique challenges. Vilma's insights will inspire and motivate you to take your mental and physical health to the next level.

Show notes:

Guest: Vilma P. Arauz @one.of.one.collective (Instagram)

Connect with Jonathan Szarko:

JonathanSzarko.com

@JonathanSzarko (Instagram)

Music: DJ Stryer @stryermusic (Instagram)

Welcome to Lifting With Bipolar, a podcast that empowers individuals to take charge of their mental health and wellness.

Today, we are privileged to have Steve Hedrick as our guest, a mental health professional who is an expert in suicide prevention and works primarily with Native American and veteran populations.

Steve began the conversation by discussing the unique challenges that these populations face, including distrust of the government and mental health stigma. He debunked the pervasive misconception that people with mental health issues are often violent and instead highlighted how these individuals are often the victims of violence. One of the most critical aspects of suicide prevention is integrating culture, which is particularly important in Native American communities. Steve discussed practical strategies such as engaging youth, intergenerational mentoring, embracing traditional cultural practices, and getting outdoors for physical activity.

We also discussed self-care versus self-soothing, where self-care comprises activities that promote overall wellness, and self-soothing activities provide short-term relief or pleasure. It’s vital to recognize the difference and make healthy choices when it comes to self-care.

Both Steve and Jonathan shared their personal experiences with bipolar disorder and highlighted the importance of exercise and establishing routines to maintain good mental health. We also talked about cultural competency and the importance of listening, respecting, and learning from individuals of diverse backgrounds. Walking softly and building rapport with others can help avoid misunderstandings in cross-cultural interactions.

Finally, both Steve and Jonathan emphasized the importance of healthy stress and investing time in activities that promote overall wellness. We can all take actionable steps to take care of our mental health, and through education and openness, we can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness in our communities. Remember, taking care of ourselves is not just a luxury – it’s a necessity.

Thank you for listening to Lifting With Bipolar.

Connect with Jonathan Szarko:

JonathanSzarko.com

@JonathanSzarko (Instagram)

Music: DJ Stryer @stryermusic (Instagram)

In this episode, Jonathan Szarko speaks with his guest Sydney, a 26-year-old healthcare worker living in Seattle, Washington, about her journey with bipolar disorder. Sydney was diagnosed with bipolar disorder two years ago and has since been navigating the ups and downs of living with this mental illness.

The conversation between Jonathan and Sydney is a raw and honest reflection on what it's like to live with bipolar disorder. Sydney talks about the challenges she's faced in the first year of her diagnosis, including hospitalizations and depressive episodes. She also shares her experience in learning about her diagnosis and how she's obtained knowledge and resources to help her cope with the illness.

Throughout the episode, Jonathan and Sydney bond over their shared experience with bipolar disorder and discuss the importance of seeking help and support from medical professionals. They also emphasize the need for self-compassion and self-care while living with a mental illness. Sydney's story is one of resilience and hope. Despite the challenges she's faced, she is now on the other side, feeling more confident in her ability to navigate life with bipolar disorder.

Her words of encouragement and strength are sure to inspire others who are also living with mental illness. Join us for an open and authentic conversation about mental health, resilience, and hope on the Lifting with Bipolar Disorder podcast.

Show notes:

Guest: Sydney @bipolarandbougie (Instagram)

Connect with Jonathan Szarko:

JonathanSzarko.com

@JonathanSzarko (Instagram)

Music: DJ Stryer @stryermusic (Instagram)

Welcome to the Lifting with Bipolar Podcast with your host, Jonathan Szarko.

In today's episode, we have a special guest, Andrew, who shares his journey of overcoming mental health hospitalization. Both Jonathan and Andrew share their experiences and insights on mental health, sobriety, growth, and positivity. Andrew shares his story of being diagnosed with bipolar one with psychotic tendencies, PTSD, and OCD. He also talks about being a certified high school counselor and living a sober life for more than 650 days.

Andrew's positive attitude towards life and growth is evident in his daily practice of R.A.G. - routine, awareness, and gratitude. The conversation dives deep into mental health hospitalization, which is not talked about enough, but deserves attention.

Andrew shares his experiences of being hospitalized three times, the first time being a full-blown manic episode, followed by being hospitalized for suicidal ideations, and his most recent hospitalization in August 2021.

Jonathan and Andrew discuss the importance of awareness and seeking help when needed without shame. They encourage listeners to take control of their lives and seek help and support when facing challenges.

The acronym R.A.G. plays a crucial role in Andrew's life and has helped him deal with daily challenges. They discuss how routine, awareness, and gratitude can help anyone make positive changes in their lives.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone going through mental health challenges, sobriety, or anyone interested in personal growth. Tune in to know more about Andrew's inspiring journey and discover ways to overcome challenges in life. Remember, with the right mindset and support, anything is possible.

Show notes:

Guest: Andrew @bipolar_realtalk (Instagram)

Connect with Jonathan Szarko: JonathanSzarko.com

@JonathanSzarko (Instagram)

Music: DJ Stryer @stryermusic (Instagram)

Welcome to "Lifting with Bipolar"! In today's episode, we are thrilled to have Brett Scranton, an expert in longevity tactics, as our guest. Brett shares his knowledge and expertise on how to become "Harder to Kill" through simple lifestyle changes that promote optimal health and well-being.

One of the topics we discuss in detail is the practice of earthing and its potential benefits. Brett explains the concept of earthing and how it involves connecting with the earth's natural electrical charge. He also highlights the many potential health benefits of earthing, including reduced inflammation, improved circulation, and enhanced immune function.

We also dive into the importance of ensuring that you are getting enough vitamin D, especially if you live in an area with limited sunlight. Brett shares his personal experience with vitamin D deficiency and offers practical tips and advice on how to incorporate this vital nutrient into your lifestyle.

Another critical aspect of achieving optimal health is regular bloodwork. Brett emphasizes the importance of getting routine bloodwork and explains some of the essential tests to request. He stresses that bloodwork can provide valuable insights into your overall health and help you make informed decisions about your well-being.

Finally, we explore whether Brett has noticed any positive changes in his own health and well-being after incorporating earthing and vitamin D into his lifestyle. He shares his personal story and provides some valuable inspiration and motivation to help listeners make the changes necessary to optimize their health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to achieve optimal health through longevity tactics. Join us for an informative and inspiring discussion with Brett Scranton on "Lifting with Bipolar."

Show Notes:

Guest: Brett Scranton - YouTube

Connect with Jonathan Szarko:

JonathanSzarko.com

@JonathanSzarko (Instagram)

Music: DJ Stryer @stryermusic (Instagram)