16: Living with Bipolar Disorder: Staying Authentic and Building a Future

In this episode of "Lifting with Bipolar," host Jonathan Szarko and guest Jas (the bipolar badass) delve into the complex journey of living with bipolar disorder. They share personal experiences and strategies for staying true to oneself amidst bipolar fluctuations and building a future despite the challenges. Jas, who shares her bipolar journey on Instagram as the_bipolar_badass, emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between who she wants to be and who she can be during different phases of bipolar disorder. She stresses that despite the disorder's impact on her emotions and behavior, it does not define her identity. Both hosts discuss the challenges of living with bipolar disorder, from being mute during low phases to being overly sociable and restless during manic/hypomanic stages. Jas discusses her strategy of writing letters to her future self to stay motivated and connected to her aspirations, even during difficult times. She recommends both "Say It Out Loud" by Vasavi Kumar and "After Your Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis" by Dr. Elaine Hanzak as helpful resources for managing bipolar disorder. Jonathan and Jas emphasize the importance of small achievements, such as getting out of bed, as a way to stay motivated and build momentum towards future goals. They share their apprehension about their future depressed selves but focus on building resilience and coping strategies to handle difficult times. Listeners will come away from this episode with a greater understanding of bipolar disorder, as well as practical strategies for managing mood swings and building a fulfilling future while staying true to oneself. Show Notes: Guest: Jasmine @the_bipolar_badass (Instagram) Connect with Jonathan Szarko: JonathanSzarko.com @JonathanSzarko (Instagram) Music: DJ Stryer @stryermusic (Instagram)