Exploring BiAffect: A Technological Breakthrough for Bipolar Disorder Support Paris is joined by Dr. Alex Leow and her team to discuss BiAffect, a pioneering smartphone technology designed to aid those living with bipolar.

BiAffect turns a smartphone into a brain fitness tracker, monitoring typing habits to provide real-time neuropsychological assessments without compromising user privacy.

The team explains the technology's development, inspired by advancements like Apple Watch and Fitbit, and its implications for mental health management by tracking behavior patterns via smartphone keyboards.

Discussion highlights include the app's insights derived from typing speed, usage patterns, and circadian rhythms, and potential future enhancements using Apple intelligence.

The conversation emphasizes the potential of BiAffect to empower patients with actionable insights, helping bridge communication with healthcare providers and offering a sense of community and support for those living with bipolar disorder.

Check out BiAffect's work here and download the app here! 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:18 Meet the BiAffect Team 05:13 The Inspiration Behind BiAffect 09:45 How BiAffect Works 17:30 User Experience and Feedback 22:17 Future Developments and Conclusion

Paris is pleased to bring you Jackie Colbeth's story. She is a mental health advocate and co-owner of MedCircle who shares her personal journey of living with bipolar 2 disorder, her initial misdiagnosis at age 13, and her path to sobriety celebrating 21 years.

She highlights the importance of educating oneself about mental health diagnoses and breaking the stigma associated with them. Jackie emphasizes the significance of setting boundaries to prioritize mental health and shares insights on managing bipolar disorder effectively.

The conversation also touches on the founding of MedCircle, a platform providing accessible online mental health content, and the impact of personal stories in healing.

Both Jackie and Paris reflect on their experiences of learning to live well with bipolar disorder, offering hope and guidance to listeners navigating similar challenges.

Connect with MedCircle's free work here! 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 01:07 Jackie's Early Diagnosis Journey 02:49 Struggles with Misdiagnosis and Addiction 06:35 The Stigma of Mental Health vs. Addiction 10:38 The Birth of MedCircle 16:57 Personal Stories and Relatability 27:20 The Importance of Boundaries 36:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Unveiling the Stigma: A Conversation with Sara Schley on Bipolar Awareness and Empowerment.

Paris sits down with Sara Schley, a business consultant, social change entrepreneur, and author, to discuss her experiences living with Bipolar Type II disorder.

Sara shares her personal journey of enduring years without a proper diagnosis and living in secrecy until revealing her condition in her memoir, 'Brainstorm: From Broken to Blessed on the Bipolar Spectrum.'

The discussion delves into her life before and after the diagnosis, the immense support from her family, and her path to mental wellness. Sara’s upcoming film aims to crush stigma, save lives, and maximize healing through compelling personal stories, brain science, and breakthrough treatments.

She emphasizes the importance of compassion, emotional fearlessness, discipline, and gratitude alongside maintaining a strong support network.

The episode is filled with life-changing insights and serves as an inspiration to those affected by bipolar disorder, whether through personal experience or through loved ones.

Check out the work Sara and her team are doing to bring BrainStorm to life here!

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

00:05 Sarah Schley's Background and Achievements

01:43 Sarah's Bipolar Journey Begins

02:10 The Long Road to Diagnosis

03:57 Family Support and Stigma

04:45 The Turning Point: Diagnosis and Treatment

06:07 Overcoming Shame and Embracing the Diagnosis

10:08 The Power of Sharing and Receiving Love

13:09 The Four Pillars of Strength

18:30 Managing Fears and Setting Boundaries

18:48 Struggles with Alcohol and Self-Perception

21:07 The Importance of Support Networks

23:08 Building Community and Relationships

28:08 Upcoming Film and Future Plans

32:27 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

Finding Solace: Amanda McNamara's Journey with Bipolar Disorder and Monarch Mental Health

Amanda has become a dear friend of mine after shipping me a beautiful care package, which included her journal that helped me A LOT. Amanda McNamara, founder of Monarch Mental Health, joins Paris to discuss her personal journey with bipolar 1 disorder, diagnosed in 2010. Amanda shares how her journey began with journaling, initially a lifeline for communicating her suicidal thoughts when young, leading to her development of a color-coded brain log to track her symptoms.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including a lengthy depressive episode and a stay in a mental hospital, Amanda's resilience led her to establish Monarch Mental Health. Her advocacy work aims to break the stigma around bipolar disorder and empower others in their mental health journeys.

The discussion covers Amanda's past experiences, her involvement in mental health advocacy, and her creation of a journal designed to help individuals manage their mental health symptoms.

Grab your own journal here! 00:00 Introduction to Amanda McNamara 00:39 Amanda's Early Struggles and Coping Mechanisms 01:18 Founding Monarch Mental Health 02:42 Personal Reflections and Impact of Journaling 03:46 Amanda's Diagnosis and Family History 06:21 Initial Treatment and Challenges 08:44 High School Experiences and Coping Strategies 11:52 Transition to Adulthood and Medication Struggles 17:55 Taking Bipolar Disorder Seriously 24:05 Medication Adjustments and Environmental Changes 26:35 Deepest Depressive Episode 27:21 Questioning Medications and Side Effects 29:49 Hospitalization and New Medications 31:36 Manic Episode and Suicidal Thoughts 35:32 Creating the Brain Journal 39:33 Founding Monarch Mental Health 42:52 The Importance of Journaling 45:59 Connecting with Monarch Mental Health

Embracing Breaks for Growth and New Beginnings In this episode, Paris shares significant personal and professional updates, announcing a one-year break from alcohol, social media, and the podcast. The decision is driven by health, fitness, and a desire to focus on new goals, including a big project being announced soon.

Reflecting on her experiences, she discusses the importance of taking breaks to invest in oneself. Paris also opens up about reconnecting with her faith, sharing an emotional journey reconnecting with God after years of hurt.

Additionally, she highlights the importance of community, mental health advocacy, and her ongoing mission to de-stigmatize bipolar disorder.

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• Join my free newsletter 00:00 Introduction and Major Announcements 01:07 Taking a Break from Alcohol 01:30 Prioritizing Health and Fitness 04:02 Podcast Hiatus Announcement 06:42 Stepping Away from Social Media 15:25 Personal Reflections and Religious Journey 23:16 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

Taking a Break: Exciting Changes and Upcoming Adventures In this heartfelt episode, Paris announces a rare break from the podcast due to an overseas trip, a keynote speaking engagement in Virginia and more explained here.

Starting on August 26th, she will be away until September 30th, when she will return with a solo episode. The podcast's format will shift, featuring more solo episodes alongside one guest interview per month split into two parts.

Paris shares her gratitude for the community and discusses upcoming episode topics like social anxiety, bipolar rage, and accepting the diagnosis.

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You can also purchase Crooked Illness here and leave a rating/review that is always greatly appreciated!

Please share your feedback on what you think of these changes by sending topic ideas to livewellbipolar@gmail.com or messaging directly here! 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:12 Announcing a Break 01:51 Upcoming Travel Plans 04:14 Podcast Updates and Future Plans 05:38 Listener Questions and Future Episodes 10:47 Ways to Support the Podcast 17:08 Reflecting on the Journey 21:46 Conclusion and Farewell

Kate Simonet's Inspiring Journey as a Speaker and Author In this episode of 'Live Well, Bipolar,' the host reunites with Kate Simonet, a returning guest and a personal inspiration. Kate is an author, mental health advocate, and public speaker who shares her journey navigating life with bipolar to help others.

They discuss her experiences starting her public speaking career, the fears she overcame, and the impact of publishing her book, 'Out of the Darkness.'

Kate highlights the importance of a supportive environment, both personally and professionally, as she transitioned from corporate America to working at a mental health nonprofit.

The conversation delves into how sharing vulnerable stories can help others and the significance of not letting mental illness define one's identity. Kate also provides practical insights for aspiring speakers and underscores the value of allowing oneself to have imperfect days.

Stay connected with Kate here!

Grab Kate's book here! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction 00:43 Kate's Journey to Public Speaking 01:39 First Speaking Experience and Audience Reactions 08:06 Balancing Career and Mental Health Advocacy 14:55 Impact of Speaking Engagements and Audience Feedback 28:09 Living Well with Bipolar: Personal Insights 32:09 Conclusion and Staying Connected

Mike McDonnell joins me from Essex, UK, to share his inspiring journey navigating entrepreneurship and bipolar. Mike talks about his first experience with psychosis in 2019, the challenges he faced, and the changes he implemented to prioritize his mental health.

He opens up about the impacts of focusing on sleep, reducing alcohol and cannabis use, and building a supportive routine. He also discusses his entrepreneurial path, transitioning from corporate life to successful ventures in web design, personal training, and digital marketing.

This episode dives into the strategies Mike employed to lead a fulfilling life, and illustrates the powerful shift in perspective that transformed his experience with bipolar disorder into a source of strength and creativity.

Connect with Mike here! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:16 Mike's Background and Initial Connection 02:03 Mike's First Experience with Bipolar Disorder 05:49 Hospitalization and Recovery Journey 09:04 Lifestyle Changes and Sobriety 22:07 Entrepreneurship and Career Evolution 30:18 Living Well with Bipolar 33:14 Conclusion and Contact Information