this is bipolar

In this deeply honest episode of this Is bipolar, Shaley sits down with a guest Jess who shares her lived experience of being diagnosed with bipolar I after antidepressant-induced mania and psychosis in college — and what it took to rebuild a life of stability, work, love, and motherhood.

Together, they unpack what psychosis and mania actually feel like in the body, how symptoms can be rooted in reality, and why bipolar disorder is better understood as a spectrum rather than a box. The conversation moves through medication missteps, the fear of hospitalization, suicidal ideation, and the long road to finding the right psychiatrist and treatment.

They also dive deeply into parenthood with bipolar disorder — pregnancy decisions, staying on medication, sleep protection, guilt, support systems, and why putting your mental health first is putting your child first.

This episode is validating, nuanced, and full of moments that will resonate with anyone living with bipolar disorder — or loving someone who is.

this is bipolar...

Chapter markers:

(00:07:00) Childhood trauma & missed signs

(00:14:20) When psychosis first hit

(00:18:30) The phone call that saved her

(00:22:30) Living in constant cycling

(00:30:20) The meds that changed everything

(00:33:30) Inside bipolar psychosis

(00:48:30) Bipolar isn’t black & white

(01:06:00) Motherhood with bipolar

Connect with us:

IG @this.is.bipolar

Youtube: this is bipolar channel

TT @this.is.bipolar

Be sure to sign up for my newsletter at thisisbipolar.com 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening. If this episode or podcast means something to you, I would be forever grateful if you would follow/subscribe the ‘this is bipolar’ podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts so you stay up to date. It would also mean the world to me if you gave a 5 ⭐️ star review- this helps the podcast reach those who need to hear it most. 

Much love, Shaley xo

 

MEET JESS:

Jess Curtis was diagnosed with bipolar 1 during her sophomore year of college. After a decade of ineffective treatment and poor self-care, she achieved stability by self-advocating for better medication and making healthy lifestyle changes. 

As a bipolar advocate, Jess strives to be the friend and mentor she needed when she was first diagnosed with bipolar.

On her YouTube channel Our Bipolar (https://youtube.com/@ourbipolar), she posts videos to break stigma, offer support, and promote better understanding of bipolar disorder.

She also shares her story with high school and college students as part of NAMI's In Our Own Voice program and has been a keynote speaker at mental health events.

You can find her on Facebook and Instagram at OurBipolar. Jess lives in Pittsburgh with her husband Bryan, daughter Pearson, and dog Lucy. She works for a nonprofit as assistant managing editor for scientific journals.

BEST OF 2025

Welcome back to 'This is Bipolar,' where Shaley Hoogendoorn, a passionate mental health advocate living with Bipolar 2 disorder, invites us into a heartfelt conversation about navigating change as we head into 2025. Alongside her friend and new co-host, Dr. Andrea Vasilev, a doctor of psychology also living with bipolar, they explore the complexities of the New Year's transition for those living with bipolar disorder.

Glammed up in sparkling New Year's dresses (which you can see on the Youtube version), the duo dives into the challenges and expectations that come with the start of a new year, offering hope and alternative perspectives on how to approach personal goals and resolutions. Their stories and practical insights help shed light on managing life's pressures, accepting one's bipolar journey, and finding solidarity in shared experiences.

With emphasis on connection, self-acceptance, and redefining success, Shaley and Andrea encourage listeners to embrace their unique path, sharing methods they've employed to cultivate resilience and joy. Join them in this engaging episode, which reminds us that our stories aren't over and that there is profound strength in our shared journey.

this is bipolar...

(02:36) Welcoming Guest Co-Host

(04:15) Embracing New Years Themes

(07:54) Navigating Holiday Stress

(12:59) Body memory & bipolar

(14:53) The pressure of self-improvement

(17:35) Goals vs Resolutions

(21:16) Celebrating Small Achievements 

(27:41) Accepting bipolar disorder

(32:30) The Journey to Self-Love 

(35:45) Redefining Success

(40:29) Finding Joy in Quirkiness

(44:40) Closing Thoughts on Acceptance

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Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening. If this episode or podcast means something to you, I would be forever grateful if you would follow/subscribe the ‘this is bipolar’ podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts so you stay up to date. It would also mean the world to me if you gave a 5 ⭐️ star review- this helps the podcast reach those who need to hear it most. 

If you are looking to connect with a caring bipolar community or a support group, you can subscribe on Instagram and be added to a peer support chat and have access to a peer support meeting every month. We would love to see you there.

Much love, Shaley xo 

 

About our guest cohost:

Dr. Andrea Vassilev holds a doctorate in psychology, is a therapist in California, and has lived with bipolar disorder for over 25 years. Andrea is the creator of the program Overcoming Self-Stigma in Bipolar Disorder and serves on the Board of Directors of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders. As a clinician and academic with lived experience, Andrea brings a special perspective to both her professional and advocacy work. Andrea hopes that by telling her own story of life with bipolar disorder through the lenses of clinical causes, treatments, and outcomes that she can provide education, hope, and comfort to others. You can connect with her on Instagram @best.life.bipolar or at www.andreavassilev.com. * to hear Andrea's full story scroll back to our 'Conversations with' episode or the 'Self stigma episode".

In this BEST of 2023 bonus episode, Coping with Christmas, mental health advocates Shaley Hoogendoorn and Charise Jewell revisit one of our most-loved holiday conversations about navigating the season while living with bipolar disorder.

Shaley and Charise share personal experiences, practical strategies, and honest reflections on what has helped them manage — and sometimes even enjoy — the holidays. From laugh-out-loud moments (yes, hypomanic stocking-stuffing made the cut) to deeply heartfelt stories, this episode offers real-life insight into the traditions that worked… and the ones that absolutely didn’t.

Charise was one of the very first guests on This Is Bipolar, so listeners are encouraged to check out her original “Conversations With” episode to hear her full story. Charise is honest, kind, and deeply resilient. Her openness about her diagnosis — both online and in her book Crazy; A Memoir of a Mom Gone Mad — continues to pave the way for all of us to bravely share our own journeys.

CHAPTER MARKERS: 
Here is the list of chapter markers:
 * (00:00:09) Welcome to Conversations With
 * (00:00:42) Tips for Surviving Holidays
 * (00:05:10) Changes in Family Dynamics
 * (00:06:25) The Importance of Saying No
 * (00:08:32) Managing Holiday Indulgences
 * (00:15:53) Navigating Family Gatherings
 * (00:28:23) Creating New Traditions
 * (00:47:40) Finding Moments of Joy
 * (01:00:26) Embracing Small Acts of Joy
 * (01:07:43) Encouragement for Those Struggling
 
✨ Tips sprinkled throughout this BEST OF episode include:

• Make a list of the things you actually want to do so you don’t overbook yourself with obligations driven by “everyone else.”

• Know your capacity — and plan your holiday activities within it.

• Identify your triggers ahead of time. Note what worked and what didn’t in past years, and create a plan for situations that may arise at mandatory family gatherings. Be sure to listen for how Shaley navigates conversations around race, gender, and politics — having a prepared phrase can help diffuse tense moments.

• Find a place of refuge when you need a break — even if your only options are the bathroom or your car.

• Drive your own vehicle or arrange your own transportation so you can step out, take a breather, or leave if things become overwhelming.

• Schedule time for small moments of joy — even the little things count.

• Be honest. You don’t have to pretend to be holly-jolly if you’re not. Often, honesty opens the door to deeper connection — chances are, others feel the same way.

• Have safe people you can check in with who remind you how loved you are. If that feels hard, connecting with others online who live with mental illness can be incredibly validating. You’re always welcome to message Charise or me on Instagram — we’re happy to listen or offer encouragement.

…and so much more.

This is Bipolar.

🤍 A note from Shaley
To my listeners — thank you for being here. If this episode or this podcast means something to you, I would be so grateful if you’d favourite this account and follow/subscribe to the This Is Bipolar podcast wherever you listen, so you never miss an episode. Leaving a 5-⭐️ review also helps this podcast reach those who need it most.

If you’d like deeper conversations and more access to my guests and community, head over to @this.is.bipolar on Instagram and become a subscriber. There are so many extras that come along with it. Thank you for supporting me and this podcast 🤍
— Shaley

🌿 Meet Charise
A voracious reader and aspiring writer since childhood, Charise Jewell was born in Germiston, South Africa, and immigrated to Canada at age seven. She holds an Honours B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University and spent fifteen years working as a robotics engineer before becoming a writer.

Charise proudly lives with bipolar I disorder and advocates for the fair and dignified treatment of people living with mental illness. She lives in Toronto with her husband and three children.

🔗 Learn more at AND purchase her books at www.charisejewell.com
📲 Follow her on Instagram @reesechaell

In this episode of 'this is bipolar', Shaley and Andrea unpack the unique challenges of traveling and navigating the holiday season living with bipolar disorder.

They explore common triggers—from disrupted routines and sensory overwhelm to family dynamics, cultural expectations, and financial pressure—while offering practical strategies for staying regulated on the road and during gatherings. With honest personal stories and compassionate insight, they share realistic tools for setting boundaries, protecting sleep, planning ahead, and recovering when things don’t go as expected.

This conversation is here to support you through any holiday—Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, or any season that brings both joy and extra emotional weight.

Timestamps
(00:00:00) – Travel + Holidays: A Bipolar Pressure-Cooker
Why this season can be uniquely destabilizing for people with bipolar disorder.

(00:03:45) – Identifying Your Holiday Triggers
Crowds, disrupted routines, emotional memories, cultural expectations.

07:10 – The Time-Pressure + Perfectionism Spiral
How holiday “performance mode” can contribute to mood shifts.

(00:11:30) – Travel Routines That Keep You Regulated
Sleep protection, medication planning, overstimulation prevention.

(00:16:20) – Sensory Overwhelm & Social Burnout
Practical ways to ground yourself during busy gatherings.

(00:20:40) – Boundary Scripts That Actually Work
Simple phrases for saying no, leaving early, or protecting downtime.

(00:24:55) – Spending + Gifting Triggers
Navigating money impulsivity and emotional spending during the holidays.

(00:28:10) – Food, Alcohol, and Cultural Holiday Norms
Staying centered in environments that can escalate symptoms.

(00:31:40) – Using Your Support System Before You Need It
Check-ins, accountability partners, partner communication.

(00:34:20) – When a Holiday Trip Goes Sideways
How to reset expectations and recover emotionally.

(00:)37:50 – Personal Stories
What past holiday experiences taught us and how we handle things now.

Connect with us:

IG @this.is.bipolar

Youtube: this is bipolar channel

TT @this.is.bipolar

Be sure to sign up for my newsletter at thisisbipolar.com to get a free "Bipolar Travel Toolkit" PDF to help you prepare ahead and manage bipolar disorder while traveling. 

 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening. If this episode or podcast means something to you, I would be forever grateful if you would follow/subscribe the ‘this is bipolar’ podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts so you stay up to date. It would also mean the world to me if you gave a 5 ⭐️ star review- this helps the podcast reach those who need to hear it most. 

Much love, Shaley xo 

More about your Host:

Shaley Hoogendoorn is a speaker, content creator and currently hosts the popular “this is bipolar” vlog and podcast. She lives with bipolar 2 disorder and shares her story and the stories of others to dismantle the stigma around mental illness.

Shaley is passionate about educating and empowering others about bipolar disorder. She has contributed to publications for Sanctuary Ministries, Psych Central and BP Hope magazine. She hosted a series interviewing women living with mental illnesses at SheLoves Magazine in a series named "Sisters in Mental Illness." 

Shaley’s greatest hope is that creating safe spaces to connect will give hope and comfort those that struggle.

Meet our Guest Co-Host:

Dr. Andrea Vassilev holds a doctorate in psychology, is a therapist in California, and has lived with bipolar disorder for over 25 years. Andrea is the creator of the program Overcoming Self-Stigma in Bipolar Disorder and serves on the Board of Directors of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders. As a clinician and academic with lived experience, Andrea brings a special perspective to both her professional and advocacy work. Andrea hopes that by telling her own story of life with bipolar disorder through the lenses of clinical causes, treatments, and outcomes that she can provide education, hope, and comfort to others. You can connect with her on Instagram @best.life.bipolar or at www.andreavassilev.com. Be sure to pre-order Dr. Andrea's book - releases July 1st 2026

Beyond the Bipolar Label: A Workbook to Overcome Self-Stigma, Break Free from Shame and Live Authentically

Join Shaley Hoogendoorn and Dr. Andrea Vassilev as they share about their TRAVEL UPDATES and what strategies they used to manage their mood disorders. Shaley and Andrea share first‑hand experiences of traveling with Bipolar this summer and fall— from attending an international conference in Japan to a family camping trip. They discuss planning, managing time‑zone changes, medication paperwork, sleep strategies, and setting expectations.

The episode offers concrete tips: prepare your circadian rhythm in advance, carry backup sleep meds, check consulate rules for prescriptions, prioritize rest around events, and use “change from baseline” to detect risky behavior. They also emphasize flexibility, peer support, and gentle self‑compassion during and after trips.

Tune in for vulnerable and relatable stories, practical hacks for holiday and business travel, and encouragement to connect with community resources and peer groups.

Connect with us:

IG @this.is.bipolar

Youtube: this is bipolar channel

TT @this.is.bipolar

Be sure to sign up for my newsletter at thisisbipolar.com to get a free "Bipolar Travel Toolkit" PDF to help you prepare ahead and manage bipolar disorder while traveling. 

Chapter Markers:

(00:02:58) Andrea's Upcoming Book

(00:03:07) Andrea's Trip to Japan

(00:10:35) Medication Challenges

(00:14:20) Importance of Prevention

(00:16:26) Conference Experience

(00:21:11) Planning for Business Trips

(00:27:04) Post Travel Reflections

(00:28:17) Shaley's Camping Trip

(00:34:17) Balancing Expectations

(00:37:23) Memorable Moments

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening. If this episode or podcast means something to you, I would be forever grateful if you would follow/subscribe the ‘this is bipolar’ podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts so you stay up to date. It would also mean the world to me if you gave a 5 ⭐️ star review- this helps the podcast reach those who need to hear it most. 

Much love, Shaley xo 

More about your Host:

Shaley Hoogendoorn is a speaker, content creator and currently hosts the popular “this is bipolar” vlog and podcast. She lives with bipolar 2 disorder and shares her story and the stories of others to dismantle the stigma around mental illness. 

Meet our Guest Co-Host:

Dr. Andrea Vassilev holds a doctorate in psychology, is a therapist in California, and has lived with bipolar disorder for over 25 years. Andrea is the creator of the program Overcoming Self-Stigma in Bipolar Disorder and serves on the Board of Directors of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders. As a clinician and academic with lived experience, Andrea brings a special perspective to both her professional and advocacy work. Andrea hopes that by telling her own story of life with bipolar disorder through the lenses of clinical causes, treatments, and outcomes that she can provide education, hope, and comfort to others. You can connect with her on Instagram @best.life.bipolar or at www.andreavassilev.com. Be sure to pre-order Dr. Andrea's book - releases July 1st 2026

Beyond the Bipolar Label: A Workbook to Overcome Self-Stigma, Break Free from Shame and Live Authentically

Shaley is passionate about educating and empowering others about bipolar disorder. She has contributed to publications for Sanctuary Ministries, Psych Central and BP Hope magazine. She hosted a series interviewing women living with mental illnesses at SheLoves Magazine in a series named "Sisters in Mental Illness." 

Shaley’s greatest hope is that creating safe spaces to connect will give hope and comfort those that struggle.