The Neuro Diaries Podcast

Ep 3 - Bipolar 2 with Joanne Almonte Mason

In this conversation, Jade Rose interviews Joanne Almonte-Mason, a writer who is querying a novel called On Shadow's Ledge. The book follows a college senior who experiences auditory hallucinations and is later diagnosed with bipolar II disorder. Joanne shares that her own experiences with bipolar disorder inspired the story. They discuss the challenges of the writing and publishing process, as well as the importance of sharing the journey openly. Joanne also opens up about her own experiences with bipolar disorder, including the symptoms she experiences and how she manages them. They discuss the need for better understanding and support for people with bipolar disorder, both in the workplace and in society. 
 
Takeaways
Writing and publishing a book can be a challenging and mysterious process, but sharing the journey openly can provide support and inspiration for others.
Bipolar disorder can manifest differently in each individual, and it is important to challenge the stereotypes and misconceptions portrayed in media.
Accepting a bipolar disorder diagnosis can be a difficult process, but seeking treatment and finding the right medication can lead to stability and improved quality of life.
Support from friends and family is crucial in managing bipolar disorder, and it is important for loved ones to be understanding, observant, and willing to have open conversations.
There is a need for greater awareness and accommodations for people with bipolar disorder in the workplace and in society as a whole.
Keywords
writing, publishing, bipolar disorder, auditory hallucinations, diagnosis, medication, support, workplace accommodations, mental health
 
 

Ep 2 Bipolar 2 with Birdie Thorn

Summary
Birdie Thorn, author of 'I Am Her, She Is Me,' joins Jade Rose on the Neurodiaries podcast to discuss her experience with mental health. Birdie's novel explores the life of a woman with bipolar disorder who tries to navigate life untreated. The book is based on Birdie's own experiences and emotions. Birdie also opens up about her own mental health conditions, including ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar II. She shares her journey of getting diagnosed and the challenges she faced in accepting her diagnoses. Birdie and Jade Rose discuss their experiences with bipolar disorder and the challenges they face in managing their condition. They talk about the difficulty of accepting the diagnosis and the importance of finding the right treatment and support. They also discuss the stigma surrounding mental health and the need for more education and understanding in society. Birdie shares her personal journey of coming to terms with her condition and the impact it has had on her family. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness and self-care in managing bipolar disorder.
Find Birdie
@birdies.bipolar.brain 
Buy her book
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D7QV78Y4?ref_=mr_referred_us_au_au 
Takeaways
Birdie's novel, 'I Am Her, She Is Me,' explores the life of a woman with bipolar disorder who tries to navigate life untreated.
Birdie's book is based on her own experiences and emotions, and she wanted to give readers a glimpse into the depths of emotions experienced by someone with a mental health condition.
Birdie opens up about her own mental health conditions, including ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar II.
She struggled with her diagnoses and acceptance, but eventually found the right medication and a system in place to manage her conditions and live a happy life. Accepting a bipolar disorder diagnosis can be challenging, but it is important to come to terms with the condition and seek appropriate treatment and support.
Bipolar disorder is an invisible condition, and it can be difficult for others to understand the fluctuations in mood and the impact it has on daily life.
Exercise and lifestyle changes alone are not enough to manage bipolar disorder; medication and a comprehensive treatment plan are often necessary.
Openly discussing bipolar disorder can help reduce stigma and create a safe space for others to share their experiences and seek support.
Education and awareness about mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, are crucial in promoting understanding and empathy in society.
Having a support system that checks in on you and encourages self-awareness can be beneficial in managing bipolar disorder.
Creativity is often a common trait among individuals with bipolar disorder.
Living with bipolar disorder requires self-acceptance and understanding that there is no cure, but with proper management, it is possible to live a relatively stable life.
 
Keywords
Birdie Thorn, I Am Her She Is Me, mental health, bipolar disorder, untreated, relationships, friendships, mother-daughter relationship, imposter syndrome, unrealistic expectations, controlling personality, routine, writing, puzzles, anxiety, ADHD, diagnosis, medication, bipolar disorder, diagnosis, treatment, support, stigma, mental health, acceptance, family, self-awareness, self-care

Ep 1 - Bipolar 2 with Jade Rose

In this episode, Jade Rose shares her own story of living with bipolar II disorder. She discusses her background, daily life, and the symptoms she experiences during depressive and hypomanic episodes. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting one's diagnosis and accessing appropriate treatment and support. Jade Rose shares her experience living with bipolar II and discusses the challenges and strategies she has developed to manage her condition. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, routine, and medication in maintaining stability. Jade also discusses the stigma surrounding mental health conditions and the decision to disclose her diagnosis. She highlights the need for understanding, curiosity, and empathy from others when sharing her diagnosis. Jade shares her desire for more open conversations about mental health in the workplace and the importance of flexibility and support for neurodivergent individuals. She concludes by expressing the positive aspects of living with bipolar II, such as creativity and inspiration, while acknowledging the difficulties of depressive episodes and the lack of control over the condition.
 
Keywords
Neurodiaries podcast, mental health, bipolar II disorder, diagnosis, symptoms, daily life, treatment, support, bipolar II, self-care, routine, medication, stigma, disclosure, understanding, empathy, workplace accommodations, flexibility, mental health conversations
 
Takeaways
Bipolar II disorder is characterized by extreme highs and lows, with little control over when and how these episodes occur.
Symptoms of depression in bipolar II can include crying spells, slow thinking, confusion, and heightened sensitivity to external stimuli.
Symptoms of hypomania in bipolar II can include racing thoughts, insomnia, irritability, and impulsive behavior.
Getting a diagnosis of bipolar II can provide clarity and help individuals access appropriate treatment and support.
Therapeutic interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle management can be beneficial for managing bipolar II.
Understanding and accepting one's diagnosis is crucial for self-care and mental well-being. Self-care, routine, and medication are essential for managing bipolar II.
Disclosure of a mental health condition should be a personal choice based on the level of understanding and acceptance from others.
Understanding, curiosity, and empathy are the best ways for others to respond when someone shares their diagnosis.
Workplaces should prioritize mental wellbeing and provide flexibility and support for neurodivergent individuals.
Open conversations about mental health can help reduce stigma and create a more accepting society.
Living with bipolar II has both positive aspects, such as creativity and inspiration, and challenges, such as depressive episodes and lack of control