In this BEST of 2023 bonus episode, Coping with Christmas, mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Charise Jewell revisit one of our most-loved holiday conversations about navigating the season while living with bipolar disorder.

Shaley and Charise share personal experiences, practical strategies, and honest reflections on what has helped them manage — and sometimes even enjoy — the holidays. From laugh-out-loud moments (yes, hypomanic stocking-stuffing made the cut) to deeply heartfelt stories, this episode offers real-life insight into the traditions that worked… and the ones that absolutely didn’t.

Charise was one of the very first guests on This Is Bipolar, so listeners are encouraged to check out her original “Conversations With” episode to hear her full story. Charise is honest, kind, and deeply resilient. Her openness about her diagnosis — both online and in her book Crazy; A Memoir of a Mom Gone Mad — continues to pave the way for all of us to bravely share our own journeys.

CHAPTER MARKERS: 

• Make a list of the things you actually want to do so you don’t overbook yourself with obligations driven by “everyone else.”

• Know your capacity — and plan your holiday activities within it.

• Identify your triggers ahead of time. Note what worked and what didn’t in past years, and create a plan for situations that may arise at mandatory family gatherings. Be sure to listen for how Shaley navigates conversations around race, gender, and politics — having a prepared phrase can help diffuse tense moments.

• Find a place of refuge when you need a break — even if your only options are the bathroom or your car.

• Drive your own vehicle or arrange your own transportation so you can step out, take a breather, or leave if things become overwhelming.

• Schedule time for small moments of joy — even the little things count.

• Be honest. You don’t have to pretend to be holly-jolly if you’re not. Often, honesty opens the door to deeper connection — chances are, others feel the same way.

• Have safe people you can check in with who remind you how loved you are. If that feels hard, connecting with others online who live with mental illness can be incredibly validating. You’re always welcome to message Charise or me on Instagram — we’re happy to listen or offer encouragement.

…and so much more.

This is Bipolar.

To my listeners — thank you for being here. If this episode or this podcast means something to you, I would be so grateful if you’d favourite this account and follow/subscribe to the This Is Bipolar podcast wherever you listen, so you never miss an episode. Leaving a 5-⭐️ review also helps this podcast reach those who need it most.

If you’d like deeper conversations and more access to my guests and community, head over to @this.is.bipolar on Instagram and become a subscriber. There are so many extras that come along with it. Thank you for supporting me and this podcast 🤍

A voracious reader and aspiring writer since childhood, Charise Jewell was born in Germiston, South Africa, and immigrated to Canada at age seven. She holds an Honours B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University and spent fifteen years working as a robotics engineer before becoming a writer.

Charise proudly lives with bipolar I disorder and advocates for the fair and dignified treatment of people living with mental illness. She lives in Toronto with her husband and three children.

🔗 Learn more at AND purchase her books at www.charisejewell.com

In this episode of 'this is bipolar', Shaley and Andrea unpack the unique challenges of traveling and navigating the holiday season living with bipolar disorder.

They explore common triggers—from disrupted routines and sensory overwhelm to family dynamics, cultural expectations, and financial pressure—while offering practical strategies for staying regulated on the road and during gatherings. With honest personal stories and compassionate insight, they share realistic tools for setting boundaries, protecting sleep, planning ahead, and recovering when things don’t go as expected.

This conversation is here to support you through any holiday—Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, or any season that brings both joy and extra emotional weight.

(00:00:00) – Travel + Holidays: A Bipolar Pressure-Cooker

(00:03:45) – Identifying Your Holiday Triggers

07:10 – The Time-Pressure + Perfectionism Spiral

(00:11:30) – Travel Routines That Keep You Regulated

(00:16:20) – Sensory Overwhelm & Social Burnout

(00:20:40) – Boundary Scripts That Actually Work

(00:24:55) – Spending + Gifting Triggers

(00:28:10) – Food, Alcohol, and Cultural Holiday Norms

(00:31:40) – Using Your Support System Before You Need It

(00:34:20) – When a Holiday Trip Goes Sideways

(00:)37:50 – Personal Stories

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. 

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 is passionate about educating and empowering others about bipolar disorder. She has contributed to publications for Sanctuary Ministries, Psych Central and BP Hope magazine. She hosted a series interviewing women living with mental illnesses at SheLoves Magazine in a series named "Sisters in 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

Join Shaley Hoogendoorn and Dr. Andrea Vassilev as they share about their TRAVEL UPDATES and what strategies they used to manage their mood disorders. Shaley and Andrea share first‑hand experiences of traveling with Bipolar this summer and fall— from attending an international conference in Japan to a family camping trip. They discuss planning, managing time‑zone changes, medication paperwork, sleep strategies, and setting expectations.

The episode offers concrete tips: prepare your circadian rhythm in advance, carry backup sleep meds, check consulate rules for prescriptions, prioritize rest around events, and use “change from baseline” to detect risky behavior. They also emphasize flexibility, peer support, and gentle self‑compassion during and after trips.

Tune in for vulnerable and relatable stories, practical hacks for holiday and business travel, and encouragement to connect with community resources and peer groups.

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

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. 

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

Shaley is passionate about educating and empowering others about bipolar disorder. She has contributed to publications for Sanctuary Ministries, Psych Central and BP Hope magazine. She hosted a series interviewing women living with mental illnesses at SheLoves Magazine in a series named "Sisters in Mental Illness." 

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

Host Shaley Hoogendoorn and guest Jade Rose, both living with bipolar II, share honest, practical strategies for managing depression and hypomania. They discuss tiny habits — distraction, routines, gentle nudges, yoga, sleep tricks, and sensory changes — that add up to meaningful relief, and how friends and family can best offer support by holding space and creating simple action plans.

This episode is from the vault and was recorded in December 2024 and is part of the “Going Deeper” series and explores lived experience, coping tools, and the importance of community and understanding.

Chapter Markers:

About Jade:

Jade is a writer, podcaster, and mental health advocate. With a background in Philosophy and Psychology, she’s passionate about using stories of lived experience to challenge stereotypes, break stigma, and create cultural change. Learn about Jade's book 'Heart of Glass'  on her Instagram. She shares her journey navigating neurodiversity on her page @jade.rose.writes

If you love 'this is bipolar' podcast, leaving a rating or review helps others find the show and reminds us that these conversations matter. Your words truly make a difference.

(BEST OF 2022)

Tune in for part 2 of episode 19... as mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft as they tackle the tricky topic of supporting a loved one who is dealing with a mental health struggle.

They share lived experiences about ghosting, clinginess, setting healthy boundaries, and the shame and guilt that can follow mood episodes.

The episode offers practical tips for friends and loved ones—keep reaching out with no-pressure check-ins, use code words or simple responses, accept a clear "no," and prioritize self-care—along with suggestions for how people with bipolar can communicate needs and build supportive connections.

It is Julie and Shaley's greatest hope that this episode offers insight and encouragement to those with mental health struggles, as well as everyone living & loving alongside.

this is bipolar...

Connect with Shaley & 'this is bipolar' team here:

this is bipolar website

IG  @this.is.bipolar

(00:05:19) The Role of Ultimatums

(00:07:39) Loneliness in Supporting Someone

(00:09:45) Stigma and Seeking Help

(00:15:36) Examples of Setting Boundaries

(00:21:58) Compassion in Difficult Moments

(00:25:56) Reassurance and Connection

Besties!!!!!!!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening. If this throwback 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. Reach out for support if you or someone you know is struggling—help is available and recovery is possible

Much love, Shaley xo 

Connect with us:

thisisbipolar.com

IG @this.is.bipolar

Youtube: this is bipolar channel

TT @this.is.bipolar

Thank you for listening to "This is Bipolar." Stay tuned for more episodes and conversations that break the stigma and build understanding.

In this powerful episode of "this is bipolar," host Shaley Hoogendoorn sits down with David Funes to discuss his journey living with Bipolar I Disorder. David shares candidly about his strict religious upbringing, early trauma, and the onset of his symptoms in college. The conversation covers the highs and lows of living with bipolar disorder, including manic and depressive episodes, addiction, crime, and ultimately, recovery and advocacy.

David’s story is a testament to resilience, the power of community, and the importance of seeking help. Both Shaley and David emphasize that healing is a journey, not a destination, and that sharing lived experiences can help others feel less alone.

(00:08:45) – Mania, Consequences, and Shame

(00:12:37) – Escalation: Addiction, Crime, and the FBI Raid

(00:21:44) – Hitting Rock Bottom: Homelessness and Loss

(00:26:46) – Recovery: Finding the Right Psychiatrist & Medication

(00:29:17) – The Long Road: Legal Battles and Sentencing

(00:34:07) – Healing, Habits, and Advocacy

David Funes is a mental health advocate, speaker, writer, and bipolar coach. His story has been featured on People and Business Insider as well as on podcasts including Soft White Underbelly, Inside True Crime, and Rise Above with Kevin Lanning. His new memoir, Manic in Miami, released in June and reached #1 bestseller in Amazon’s bipolar category. With over 100,000 engaged followers across Instagram and TikTok, David shares his journey with honesty, heart, and humor to inspire and support others who are struggling.

Connect with David: 

IG: @bipolarguylovinglife

TikTok: @bipolarguylovinglife

Buy David's book here:

Manic In Miami Book

Besties,

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. Reach out for support if you or someone you know is struggling—help is available and recovery is possible

Much love, Shaley xo 

Connect with us:

thisisbipolar.com

IG @this.is.bipolar

Youtube: this is bipolar channel

TT @this.is.bipolar

Thank you for listening to "This is Bipolar." Stay tuned for more episodes and conversations that break the stigma and build understanding.

In this episode of This Is Bipolar, host Shaley Hoogendoorn sits down with Cuban-American spoken-word poet and mental health advocate Dailyn Santana to share her powerful lived experience with bipolar I disorder.

Dailyn opens up about the earliest signs she noticed in middle school, the challenges of navigating undiagnosed symptoms, and a significant manic episode that led to hospitalization during college. She reflects on how these experiences shaped her family life, her cultural identity, and her ongoing journey through stigma and misunderstanding.

Through her story, Dailyn highlights the healing power of poetry, community, and compassion. Together, Shaley and Dailyn explore the importance of peer support, advocacy, and authentic storytelling in recovery, while also unpacking the complex intersection of creativity, culture, and mental health.

This candid conversation offers both hope and honesty — showing how art can be a lifeline, a way to reclaim identity, and a tool to shift the conversation around bipolar disorder.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

Dailyn’s early signs and symptoms of bipolar I during adolescence

The impact of manic episodes and hospitalization on her life and relationships

How stigma and cultural expectations shaped her mental health journey

The role of poetry and spoken word in expressing truth and finding community

The power of peer support, advocacy, and compassion in recovery

A hopeful look at how art can change the mental health conversation

this is bipolar...

About Today’s Guest:

You can connect with Dailyn here:

dailynsantana.com 

linkedin: Dailyn Santana

Instagram: Dailyn Santana

TikTok:  Dailyn Santana

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 is passionate about educating and empowering others about bipolar disorder. She has contributed to publications for Sanctuary Ministries, Psych Central and BP Hope magazine. She hosted a series interviewing women living with mental illnesses at SheLoves Magazine in a series named "Sisters in Mental Illness." 

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

#thisisbipolar #bipolar #bipolardisorder #bipolarawareness

We are sharing some of our most listened to episodes once a month! In this BEST OF episode, mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft discuss their vastly different experiences of seeking professional help and receiving their bipolar II diagnoses. They describe when, where, and how they first heard the life-changing news, "You have bipolar disorder." It is Julie and Shaley's greatest hope that in sharing they will offer insight and encouragement to anyone going through the process of being diagnosed.

This is bipolar.....

Connect with Shaley on the website or IG and share your diagnoses story!

Sign up for the newsletter at thisisbipolar.com  

Instagram - @this.is.bipolar

Episode features JULIE KRAFT @julie.kraft.author

www.juliekraft.com

#thisisbipolar #thisisbipolarvlog. #thisisbipolarpodcast

Join hosts Shaley Hoogendoorn and Dr. Andrea Vassilev as they delve into the complexities of traveling with Bipolar Disorder in this enlightening episode of 'this is bipolar'. Together, they explore how changing time zones and disrupted routines can impact mental health, offering practical tips to manage these challenges. They share personal stories and expert insights on maintaining balance and stability while traveling, ensuring that your adventure is both memorable and manageable.

Discover strategies for regulating your body's internal clock, managing overstimulation, and finding downtime for self-care even amidst the excitement of travel. Shaley and Andrea underscore the importance of self-awareness, planning, and kindness towards oneself, creating a roadmap for travellers with Bipolar Disorder to feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.

Tune in for an open, supportive conversation that empowers listeners to embrace travel with confidence and self-compassion.

Resources Mentioned:

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. 

Jet Lag Rooster

Chris Aiken Jet Lag Document

Chapter Markers:

(00:04:15) Challenges of Travel

(00:06:26) The Impact of Social Rhythms

(00:09:27) Substance Use on Vacation

(00:10:36) Personal Travel Stories

(00:15:25) Comfort Items and Coping

(00:20:17) Managing Physical Wellbeing

(00:24:49) Navigating Support at Airports

(00:40:40) Encouragement and Empowerment

Connect with us:

IG @this.is.bipolar

Youtube: this is bipolar channel

TT @this.is.bipolar

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 is passionate about educating and empowering others about bipolar disorder. She has contributed to publications for Sanctuary Ministries, Psych Central and BP Hope magazine. She hosted a series interviewing women living with mental illnesses at SheLoves Magazine in a series named "Sisters in 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.

Throwing back to a heartfelt episode of "this is bipolar" with co-hosts Shaley Hoogendoorn and Julie Kraft. In this episode, the duo dives deep into their personal experiences dealing with bipolar disorder and everyday anxiety. They open up about the struggles of coping with irrational fears and the constant overthinking that accompanies their bipolar journeys.

Shaley and Julie candidly share their battles with anxiety in daily situations, from social interactions to medical appointments, and how these challenges impact their relationships. They discuss the importance of acknowledging their anxieties rather than dismissing them, and provide insights into how they strive to manage their worries.

Through humour and vulnerability, Shaley and Julie aim to create a sense of community and understanding for those who face similar struggles. Join them as they navigate the layers of anxiety, offering support and showing that despite the obstacles, they are not alone on this journey.

this is bipolar...

(00:07:02) Navigating Relationships and Anxiety

(00:14:36) Anxiety and the Pressure of Perfection

(00:30:16)Everyday Anxiety: Real Life Scenarios

(00:44:12) The Awkward Moments We All Face

(00:48:34) Understanding and Supporting Each Other

Connect with us:

IG @this.is.bipolar

Youtube: this is bipolar channel

thisisbipolar.com

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 is passionate about educating and empowering others about bipolar disorder. She has contributed to publications for Sanctuary Ministries, Psych Central and BP Hope magazine. She hosted a series interviewing women living with mental illnesses at SheLoves Magazine in a series named "Sisters in Mental Illness." 

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