In this heartfelt episode of Live Well Bipolar, Paris shares the exciting news of expecting a baby girl in February 2026. Reflecting on the journey since finding out on June 24th, she discusses the initial surprise, the ultrasound experience and the special ways she shared the news with family.

She delves into her personal journey with bipolar and pregnancy, addressing initial fears, particularly regarding medication, and the immense support from her community and healthcare professionals.

The episode also includes her thoughts on embracing the present moment, overcoming fears, and preparing for motherhood while living with bipolar. She offers to share more insights and experiences via Instagram and encourages listeners to connect and ask questions.

Connect with Paris here! 00:00 Exciting News: We're Having a Baby!02:19 The Journey Begins: Finding Out and Sharing the News07:51 Navigating Pregnancy with Bipolar Disorder11:40 Support Systems and Overcoming Fears16:27 Reflecting on the Journey and Future Plans25:35 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Paris speaks with Daniela Skinner, an artist, corporate professional and mother who shares her journey navigating bipolar to raise her now 9 year old son.

Diagnosed at 27, Daniela recounts her challenging experiences with postpartum mania, hospitalizations and navigating life as a new mother under immense stress.

She details her struggles, the pivotal role of finding the right medication and how she managed to rebuild her life through creative practices and strong family ties. Daniela opens up about her fears, coping strategies and how she found balance, ultimately showing that it’s possible to lead a full, meaningful life with bipolar.

This episode is a compelling testament to resilience, offering hope and insightful advice to others on a similar path.

Stay connected with Daniela here!

Learn to support someone you love with bipolar here!00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:27 Daniela's Bipolar Diagnosis and Early Episodes03:34 Postpartum Challenges and Manic Episode07:42 Hospitalization and Personal Struggles10:16 Custody Battle and Road to Recovery14:03 Finding Stability and Creative Reconnection18:46 Living Well with Bipolar24:53 Motherhood and Family Conversations33:32 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Jessie Bucci-Carter is a mental health advocate, regional manager at a mental health nonprofit supporting youth mental health advocates and a rescue dog lover, foster, and volunteer who shares her compelling journey living with bipolar.

Together we explore Jessie's early experiences with mental health struggles, including panic attacks and depression during her teenage years and her subsequent diagnosis of bipolar at 22. She reflects on the profound impact of supportive relationships, especially with her family and wife, and discusses the significance of cultivating a strong community.

Jessie also highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health through non-negotiable practices like sleep, sobriety, therapy and medication. Additionally, she passionately details her work with Bring Change to Mind, a nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness clubs in schools and how her lived experience fuels her dedication to her role. Jessie's story is one of resilience, advocacy and the transformative power of support and self-care.

Stay connected with Jessie here!

Learn to support someone you love who lives with bipolar here! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:54 Jessie's Early Experiences with Mental Health03:21 First Manic Episode and Diagnosis08:16 Support Systems and Relationships13:43 Navigating Life with Bipolar Disorder18:34 Jessie's Career in Mental Health Advocacy27:40 Reflecting on Mental and Physical Health31:34 Living Well with Bipolar Disorder35:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this week's episode of Live Well Bipolar, Paris welcomes Ashley Dutta, an artist, writer and mother with 15 years of experience in foreign policy, communications and technology, most recently at Microsoft.

Ashley shares her story of living with bipolar II, ADHD, PMDD, and anxiety. She discusses her late diagnosis at the age of 41 and the implications it had on her life, career, and self-identity.

After being impacted by severe burnout, Ashley also shares how she managed her mental health having experiences working in high-stress environments. The conversation delves into her coping strategies, her creative pursuits and her journey towards self-compassion. Ashley emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness, community support and finding joy through creative expression.

Connect with Ashley here!

Learn how to support the one you love who lives with bipolar here! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:02 Ashley's Initial Experience with Bipolar03:01 Late Diagnosis and Initial Reactions04:57 Living with Bipolar: Highs and Lows06:40 Hypomania and Its Impact10:03 Seeking Help and Diagnosis15:17 Post-Diagnosis Reflections and Research16:50 Navigating Misdiagnosis and Career Challenges17:42 Struggles and Support in the Workplace21:00 Transitioning to a New Career Path24:51 Embracing Creativity and Wellness29:33 Reflections on Diagnosis and Self-Compassion32:05 Living Well with Bipolar34:30 Conclusion and Staying Connected

In this solo episode of Live Well Bipolar, host Paris Scobie addresses her fears related to living with bipolar and how she manages them through therapy, writing, and support networks.

Paris shares advice she would give her younger self about overcoming isolation and stigma. She discusses the impact of her bipolar diagnosis, how she rebuilt her confidence and belief in herself and the importance of self-care.

Paris highlights the changes she made in her life to improve her mental health and how you can make changes to support yourself. The episode aims to provide valuable insights and support to listeners living with bipolar or those supporting someone who is.

Grab a copy of Paris's book here!

Take Love Well Bipolar to support someone you love who is living with bipolar here!

00:00 Introduction to Live Well Bipolar

01:42 Handling Fears with Bipolar

09:32 Advice to My Younger Self

14:12 What Bipolar Took and How I Rebuilt

19:30 Things I No Longer Do to Care for Myself

29:20 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Paris is joined by Gordon Strain, a filmmaker, college professor, mental health advocate as well as the dad/husband of a very busy blended family.

Gordon shares his journey living with bipolar, from his early signs of mania and depression to his diagnosis and finding the right treatments. Key topics include the importance of a holistic 'bipolar toolkit,' the supportive role of his wife, the benefits of running for mental clarity, and his work as a college professor and filmmaker.

Gordon emphasizes the importance of taking small steps and being open about mental health to combat stigma and inspire others.

Stay connected with Gordon on IG here!

Check out the films Gordon helps bring to life here!

Learn how to support someone you love or care about who lives with bipolar here!00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:15 Gordon's Early Experiences with Bipolar Disorder02:40 College Years and Hypomania04:24 Understanding Bipolar and Breaking Stigma06:38 Building a Bipolar Toolkit07:35 The Role of Running in Mental Health09:21 Advocacy and Openness about Bipolar12:25 Balancing Professional Life and Mental Health16:21 Support Systems and Personal Relationships19:51 The Importance of the Right Medication25:53 Creative Outlets and Film Making28:14 Overcoming Intrusive Thoughts29:48 Living Well with Bipolar35:01 Final Thoughts and Goodbye

Paris welcomes Polly Wiseman, a theater maker from the UK who uses their skills in writing, acting and a dash of comedy to spread awareness of bipolar and challenge stigma, online and on stage. Polly discusses their journey from childhood fascination with actress Vivian Lee to receiving a bipolar diagnosis at drama school.

Polly candidly talks about the struggles, stigma and lack of support they faced initially. Polly delves into the details surrounding the creation of a play based on their experiences in psychiatric wards and the impact it has had over the years.

Polly emphasizes the importance of community support, vulnerability and the role of art in mental health advocacy. Polly also touches upon the significance of de-stigmatizing psychosis and offers insights into finding balance and support in life with bipolar. The conversation highlights the ongoing journey of managing mental health and the power of sharing stories to foster understanding and connection.

Stay connected with Polly's work through Fireraisers here and on her IG here!

Learn how to support someone you love or care about who lives with bipolar here! 00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:19 Meet Polly Wiseman: Theater Maker and Advocate01:18 Polly's Early Experiences with Bipolar Disorder04:20 Diagnosis and Initial Struggles06:56 Creating Art from Personal Struggles07:59 Impact and Reactions to Polly's Work09:55 Living with Bipolar: Challenges and Support13:15 Finding Connection and Community Online16:20 De-stigmatizing Psychosis through Comedy18:43 Support Systems and Personal Growth22:01 Reflections on Living Well with Bipolar30:09 Final Thoughts and Advocacy

Sachini (Sach) Vithanage is an aspiring forensic psychologist and mental health advocate who shares her personal journey living with bipolar and how you can cultivate strength.

She speaks about experiencing depression and anxiety at 12 to being diagnosed with bipolar just before her 21st birthday. She discusses the challenges she faced, including a manic episode leading to hospitalization and how she eventually found stability through sleep hygiene, medication, and a gratitude mindset.

Sach also talks about her blog, 'Serenity by Sach,' and how it has connected her with others facing similar struggles. Through her story, Sach aims to provide support and hope for those navigating life with bipolar.

Stay connected with Sach through her blog here and social media here.

Learn how to support the one you care about who lives with bipolar here!00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:17 Early Experiences with Bipolar Disorder03:29 Diagnosis and Hospitalization04:31 Manic Episode and Hospitalization Details09:36 Post-Hospitalization and Coping Strategies23:47 Starting Serenity by Sach28:31 Living Well with Bipolar32:59 Conclusion and Staying Connected

Join Paris and she welcomes special guest Colleen Sharlow, a Prevention Educator, Mental Health Advocate, creative writer and Cat Mom.

Colleen shares her journey with bipolar, starting from her childhood in a large family where mental health was seldom discussed, through her misdiagnosis with depression, struggles with an eating disorder and eventual diagnosis with bipolar I after a frightening episode of mania and psychosis.

She recounts how writing, family support and therapy became essential tools in her recovery. The episode also highlights Colleen's work as a prevention educator, her efforts to support students and her advice for others living with bipolar.

Stay connected with Colleen here!

Check out her free journaling club here!

Check out this resource to support someone you love who lives with bipolar! 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement01:31 Colleen's Early Experiences with Mental Health04:31 Struggles with Depression and Eating Disorders06:27 Therapy and Misdiagnosis10:53 Coping Mechanisms and Writing as Therapy15:14 Family Support and Spirituality17:11 Professional Work and Impact17:40 Mental Health Programs for All Ages18:22 Personal Experiences Shaping Professional Life18:49 Supportive Work Environment During Crisis19:24 Living with Bipolar Disorder20:15 Diagnosis and Manic Episode21:27 Experiencing Psychosis25:17 Reflecting on Mental Health Stigma28:02 Living Well with Bipolar31:10 Final Thoughts and Staying Connected

Join Paris as she addresses topics around overcoming comparison, self-doubt, and bipolar shame spirals.

The discussion delves into personal experiences and insights from Paris's own experience living with bipolar, providing detailed explanations on how manic, hypomanic and depressive episodes can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation.

Practical strategies for managing these spirals include self-awareness, documenting triggers and seeking support from trusted individuals or support groups. Emphasis is placed on the importance of self-compassion and understanding the root causes behind these feelings.

The episode also covers how to combat negative thinking patterns and comparison to past selves or others, offering actionable advice to foster better mental health and personal well-being.

• Stay connected with Paris here
• Grab a copy of her book here!

• Take Love Well Bipolar to support the one you care about!00:00 Introduction and Recap of Last Episode01:37 Understanding Bipolar Shame Spirals04:41 Personal Experiences with Bipolar Shame Spirals12:27 Managing and Overcoming Shame Spirals25:48 Dealing with Comparison and Self-Doubt29:23 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes