Mind Matters on Bipolar - with KJ

Behind smiling depression. You Matter.

A quick thought on why it’s important to use your voice.

Overt and covert strategies are losing strategies, yet humans all use them. Recognizing what they are and why we use them, helps us to self-confront and utilize better strategies, especially when symptomatic

I have been in a depressive episode. I've had to remind myself that any thoughts of not mattering are the illness talking. I wanted to remind you that if you're in the thick of it, I promise the clouds will eventually part, and that you are meant to be here. You matter. 

This episode addresses anger and irritability. The key is committing to assertion rather than aggression.

In this episode I discuss 3 different communication models.  Visual links can be found here:

1.) 4 Horsemen- Gottman
https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-four-horsemen-recognizing-criticism-contempt-defensiveness-and-stonewalling/

2.)Listening- Gottman
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55bbdcf9e4b0c50a1d8402c7/t/5bc4cf210d92979df65514b5/1539624737634/Gottman+Rapoport.pdf

3.) DBT skill
https://dbt.tools/interpersonal_effectiveness/dear-man.php

This episode is all about Differentiation, the ability to be a unique individual while staying connected to others who think differently than you do. 

In this first of three series I talk about the importance of finding a stable baseline to function in the world as a foundation for good relationships.

In this episode I explore the difference between being symptomatic and  going through life's hard times.  We all go through hard times, managing bipolar  through hard times is completely possible if you know what your baseline is and work with your Doctors and therapists to maintain a good baseline through life's challenges.

I've talked about PMDD (Pre-mentstrual dysphoric order) many times, but today I had the honor of bringing on a guest who has helped me more than anyone else ever has with this condition.
Although not bipolar, it is sometimes misdiagnosed as bipolar because of the mood swings. I hope you will become more educated on this topic even if you yourself do not suffer from PMDD.