5 Strong Takeaways about Bipolar Disorder from Threads Podcast: Life Unfiltered (Episode 82)
Hey Threadies,
I gotta say, I came to this episode thinking that bipolar disorder involved times where you felt great, and times where you felt terrible. It’s more than that. The guys at Threads Podcast: Life Unfiltered recently released their interview with Dawn Sherine, of Dancing with Bipolar. Dawn is a very interesting person. To give you an idea, she’s the kind of person who gets bored waiting to be a guest on someone else’s podcast, so instead of waiting, she simply started her own podcast! Talking to the guys, Dawn shared her story of living with bipolar disorder. A few highlights:
#1 – Most people don’t understand bipolar disorder
Dawn broke down bipolar disorder this way: “It’s a serotonin/dopamine imbalance in the brain.” (And it’s also important to note, according to Sane.org, that bipolar is rare, often gets misdiagnosed as depression, and there are actually FOUR different classifications.)
#2 – Meds alone aren’t a fix-all
Bipolar disorder turned Dawn into a self-described “crazy person,” but she now takes meds and “lots and lots of therapy,” which have both been an enormous help. (Unofficial Threads motto: Everyone should go to therapy!)
#3 – There are things YOU can do to help yourself
Diet and exercise to help with bipolar. Here’s an article from ADDitude Magazine that lists what people should and shouldn’t eat if they’re bipolar.
#4 – Sticking to your meds is a struggle
Dawn said: “I hate em. I hate the feeling of not being fully myself. But when I’m fully myself, that usually means I’m in full blown mania, so…”
Jason relates. He was prescribed meds once that made him feel “flat”. He described that flat feeling with this hypothetical: “If I saw a puppy get run over, I’d feel nothing. Or at least, very little.” And this from a man who absolutely looooooves his little doggy.
#5 – If you don’t stick with your meds, you could go into detox
If you get a certain medication in your system, going without can have a negative impact. Even with “common” drugs like Adderall. Regardless the drug, detox isn’t pleasant. Dawn put it this way: “Detoxing suuucks.” If you find meds that work, stick with them. They can only work if you keep taking them. And if you don’t, you could be in for a rough time.
Episode 82 of Threads Podcast: Life Unfiltered is a MUST LISTEN!
This episode touched on personal, sometimes painful things, but Dawn’s optimism and humor make it a super easy listen. And Dawn has a message for parents out there whose kids struggle with mental illness. Encourage their creativity!
WebMD has a list of famous people with bipolar disorder, including (but not limited to): Mariah Carey, Carrie Fisher (princess Leia!), Mel Gibson, Demi Lovato, Russell Brand, Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, Jimi Hendrix, and Frank Sinatra. Creativity is a powerful medicine in it’s own right.
It’s hard sometimes, but there’s always hope, folks. Check out episode 82 of Threads Podcast: Life Unfiltered for inspiration and education on bipolar disorder. And please…check out Dawn’s website, dancingwithbipolar.com.
For all things Threads, visit the show’s website and social media. To get a head start on your own mental health, try our sponsor, betterhelp.com.
We’re here for ya. Good luck!
-CT
Christopher Tallon writes, plays guitar, and enjoys yelling at traffic. Find out more about him: