Ep 82. Unmasking Bipolar, with Sara Schley

In this episode, I talk to Sara Schley, an organizational consultant, spiritual leader, author, entrepreneur and bipolar human, about her journey with Bipolar II. Sara speaks about her experiences with cognitive dysfunction, her late diagnosis (25 years later), and the importance of the correct medications in the successful management of bipolar disorder. Sara also shares how medical misdiagnoses can lead to further complications. Drawing on personal experience and research, the conversation delves into some prominent triggers for bipolar disorder and the importance of overall health management. Sara also shares some key takeaways including her Emergency Mental Health Team (EMHT) system and advises on measures for supporting someone living with bipolar.

In this conversation we discuss:

• Living with a Bipolar Brain - 2:55
• The Spiral - 9:56
• Misdiagnosis - 17:30
• Feeling Like Yourself Again - 21:50
• The Power of Advocacy in Mental Health - 26:54
• Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II - 29:51
• Stigma Kills - 34:56
• Understanding Triggers - 41:54
• The Importance of Support Networks in Mental Health - 50:16
• Self-Care - 53:45

You can follow Ash and Behind The Smile on IG here: ⁠@ashbutterss ⁠

Head to ⁠ashbutterss.com/behind-the-smile-podcast ⁠for the show notes.

You can find Sara Schley using the links below:

Website: https://saraschley.com/

Book: Brainstorm: From Broken to Blessed on the Bipolar Spectrum

If you or someone you know if struggling with mental health or addiction, please reach out for support. Some support options include:

• A healthcare professional

• Alcoholics Anonymous

• Lifeline or Beyond Blue (Australia)

• CheckPoint (global)

If you'd like to support the show you can "Buy Me A Coffee" by following the link below:⁠ ⁠YES I'D LOVE TO SUPPORT BEHIND THE SMILE PODCAST

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction, please reach out for support. Some support options include:

• A healthcare professional

• Alcoholics Anonymous

• Lifeline or Beyond Blue (Australia)

• CheckPoint (global)

If you'd like to support the show you can "Buy Me A Coffee" by following the link below:⁠ ⁠YES I'D LOVE TO SUPPORT BEHIND THE SMILE PODCAST