EP 11: CHRIS

Mental illness is widely misunderstood in our culture. In this episode, Chris shares his experience before and after his diagnosis as a person with Bipolar Disorder - www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml. Additionally, Chris shared a few resources for listeners wishing to learn more about Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and other mental illnesses. Natalie opens with a few notes on her experience at Podcast Movement 2016 in Chicago, the world's largest conference for podcasters. This was the third annual gathering. - podcastmovement.com/ For information or support regarding mental illness: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: dbsa.org - http://dbsa.org/ National Alliance on Mental Illness: nami.org - nami.org/ Statistics mentioned in this episode came from MentalHealth.gov - www.mentalhealth.gov/ Music: Komiku - freemusicarchive.org/music/Komiku/Its_time_for_adventure_/Komiku_-_Its_time_for_adventure_-_13_Bleu More info & view slideshow at http://www.afaceproject.com/podcasts/ep11-chris/ NOTES: [4:50] Mental health facts, figures, and stigmas [7:10] Chris talks about his family and how they felt about mental health [8:00] Chris talks about why he thinks it's important to share his story [9:00] He talks about why he was a "terrible student" [10:35] He talks about his older sister's health for the first time [11:30] Chris reflects on how he acted around his parents and family as a kid [12:20] The definition of Bipolar Disorder [13:20] The mania side of the disorder, for Chris [14:30] Chris talks about depression for the first time [15:42] Chris talks about simply thinking he was "weird" as a kid [16:40] He mentions his struggles with self esteem [17:35] Speaks on how he would hide his issues [19:20] Chris talks about his first time seeing a psychiatrist [19:58] Chris talks about his experience with his medication [21:45] He talks about how the disorder has lost him friends and the difficulties with that [22:30] Chris talks about finally being diagnosed as bipolar [23:20] Chris talks about how medications are trial and error [24:25] Speaks about how the disorder makes him feel old [26:23] Chris gives advice to others struggling [29:10] What goals and dreams mean for Chris