Beyond The Diagnosis: Awakening Through Adversity With Liz Casper

Host April DeMille interviews former medical doctor, artist, and author Liz Casper, who retired from medicine in 2023 and now writes and paints. Casper discusses her books, Brilliant, Beautiful, Bipolar (about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 54 after decades of depression and seasonal affective symptoms) and Learning to Heal, (covering her medical training and work, plus becoming a cancer patient). She describes how seasonal depression, major losses and a breakup preceded an 18-month manic episode, the allure and dangers of mania, and how antidepressants can worsen bipolar symptoms. Casper recounts traumatic experiences in jail and psychiatric wards, criticizing mental health care and lack of discharge support. She emphasizes identifying triggers—especially weather and family dynamics—moving from the Pacific Northwest to the sunny Southeast, and finding relief from seasonal patterns. The conversation also covers spiritual/psychic experiences, a near-death experience, family fears about relapse, and focusing life on love and advocacy.Liz Casper began her academic journey at an Ivy League institution before building a successful career in New York City’s beauty industry. After moving west, she completed her undergraduate degree at a liberal arts college, where she discovered her passion for medicine. She went on to attend medical school on the West Coast, becoming a fourth-generation physician.In 2017, Liz retired from medicine and embarked on a new chapter, founding a skincare business in Los Angeles. During this time, she was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and began her healing journey at UCLA.Since 2023, following the sale of her medical practice, Liz has been working full-time as a writer and artist. Her second book, Learning to Heal, chronicles her experiences as a medical student, resident, solo practitioner, and cancer patient. The book is scheduled for publication in February [email protected]: @liz_casper123✨ Work with April 1:1 If you’re looking to work with April privately, here are the booking links:30-Minute Intuitive Breakthrough Readinghttps://calendly.com/ownyouressencepodcast/intuitive-breakthrough-reading-with-april-demille45-Minute Intuitive Breakthrough Reading https://calendly.com/ownyouressencepodcast/intuitive-breakthrough-reading15-Minute Discovery Callhttps://calendly.com/ownyouressencepodcast/breakthrough-discovery-call-15-minuteSend us Fan Mail Working with April 1:1