17: Breaking the Stigma: One Voice at a Time

On this episode, Jonathan Szarko welcomes Paris Scobie, a bipolar patient, author, and host of the Live Well Bipolar podcast. Paris shares her journey with bipolar disorder, discussing the motivation behind her podcast and book, Crooked Illness: Lessons from Inside and Outside Hospital Walls. Paris stresses the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues, encouraging individuals to openly discuss their experiences. Jonathan and Paris bring up the common theme of pushing through mental health struggles until it becomes overwhelming. They emphasize the value of sharing one's story to normalize mental health issues, unlock doors of understanding, and support other individuals. Furthermore, they talk about Paris's personal experience of being hospitalized at 19 and how it inspired her to create a resource for others dealing with bipolar disorder.   This episode serves as a powerful reminder of why it's essential to destigmatize mental health issues and provides necessary insight into the everyday struggles faced by people with bipolar disorder. Listen in as Paris and Jonathan share their experiences, and learn how every voice can contribute to breaking the stigma around mental health. Show Notes: Guest: Paris Scobie @livewellbipolar (Instagram) Connect with Jonathan Szarko: JonathanSzarko.com @JonathanSzarko (Instagram) Music: DJ Stryer @stryermusic (Instagram)