When Carey Kirkella got pregnant at age 40, she had already been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had survived two manic episodes, which - for her - are brought on by stress and lack of sleep. She knew she was predisposed to have postpartum mental health issues, so she worked to put a preventative care plan in place - most of which fell apart during labor, delivery and the aftermath. She ended up slipping into another manic episode and went to a maternal postpartum facility where she was separated from her newborn baby for about 10 days. Carey shares this story, along with how these episodes have helped her uncover her life purpose and create a spirituality practice that works for her.

Guest Bio

Carey Kirkella is an award-winning photographer and the creator of The L.E.N.S. Method™ creative photography workshops with a focus on personal growth. In addition to her programs, she works with purpose-driven brands, creating powerful story-telling images that help them share their messages with the world. Carey is passionate about mental health, motherhood, messages from the Universe, and connecting with others who are on a mission to help improve our world. She currently lives in Brooklyn, NYC with her husband, 5 year old son and their sweet rescue dog.

Turning 40 and Using Mental Health Challenges and Resilience to Uncover a Life’s Purpose 

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Carey Kirkella, a talented photographer and a brave woman who shared her deeply personal journey through postpartum issues caused by bipolar disorder, and her spiritual experiences. Carey’s “forty story” is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of mental health awareness and advocacy, and the strength that comes from sharing our stories.

Episode Highlights

Carey's Bipolar Disorder Journey: Carey shared her experiences with bipolar disorder, which she prefers to describe as being a highly sensitive empath with a touch of psychic ability. She had her first manic episode in her late twenties, triggered by post-traumatic stress and financial stress.

Premonition of 9/11: Carey worked as a photo editor and staff photographer for the Wall Street Journal, located across the street from the Twin Towers. She quit her job two months before the 9/11 attacks due to a strong premonition that the towers would come down.

Postpartum Issues: After giving birth to her first child at 40, Carey experienced severe postpartum issues. Despite her best efforts to put preventative measures in place, she ended up being separated from her newborn for 10 days due to postpartum psychosis.

Spiritual Experiences: Throughout her life, Carey has had profound spiritual experiences, including premonitions and connections with the spiritual realm. These experiences have played a significant role in her mental and emotional well-being.

Advocacy for Mental Health: Carey's journey has made her a strong advocate for mental health, particularly for women dealing with postpartum issues. She emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences and providing support for others going through similar situations.

Finding Purpose: Going through all she has helped Carey uncover her purpose. She’s a creative person and a photographer by trade and she’s bringing those skills together with self-development and spirituality to create workshops and programs that help other people use creative photography as a tool to develop their own emotional resilience and raise their vibration.

Mentioned Links and Resources

Carey Kirkella's Photography and Workshops

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle 

Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch

If you enjoyed this episode, please remember to rate, follow, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue these important conversations. 

Sponsor

The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications

Carey’s L.E.N.S. Method™ Workshops

Carey Kirkella's Photography

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