In this episode, I share my thoughts on disclosing a mental health diagnosis to someone you're dating. While it is scary to share something like this with someone you're interested in, it is something to at least consider if you're planning to make your relationship serious. For me personally, bipolar disorder is a significant part of my life - to the point that my partner not knowing my diagnosis could be dangerous and result in an unwanted outcome. If you're on the dating scene or considering it and need some advice about how to disclose your diagnosis, take a listen to this episode. Here is the blog post my husband wrote on dating someone with bipolar disorder if you'd like to read it: https://thebipolarbuzz.com/dating-someone-with-bipolar-disorder-from-a-non-bipolar-perspective/

Dating with a Mental Health Diagnosis

For almost 36 years, Alexis grew up believing that she was white and Mexican. She got the shock of a lifetime in July of 2021 when she received her Ancestry DNA test results and discovered that not only was her raised father not her biological father but also that she is a mixed race Black woman rather than a mixed race Mexican woman. In this episode of the Bipolar Buzz podcast, Alexis shares with us the different layers of trauma she experienced as she learned the truth. She also walks us through how she is embracing her new identity and maintaining her mental and emotional health as she continues to process and heal from her DNA surprise. Alexis is the host of the DNA Surprises podcast, where you can go to hear more stories like hers. You can also follow her on social media @dnasurprises.

Dealing with a DNA Surprise

Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever been doing so well mentally and/or emotionally that you started to question whether you have a mental health diagnosis at all? That's what I'm talking about in this episode. Diagnoses - especially mental health ones - are complex. Different people can have the same disorder yet present quite differently. My diagnosis was never simple to begin with; there was confusion among mental health professionals about what my label was in the beginning. After receiving the diagnosis that I knew best explained my symptoms, at times I fell into imposter syndrome. During periods of "normalcy," I would question whether I made it all up. Can you relate?

Am I Really Bipolar?

"Withdraw." A word that changed my life. It's so easy to remain stuck in a routine or in a place simply because it's all you know or because it's comfortable for you or because it's what you always wanted. However, sometimes in order to protect our mental health, we have to quit in order to not give up on ourselves. Check out this episode to hear how my therapist at the time encouraged me to quit in order to protect and nurture my mental health.

Healthy Quitting When What You're Doing No Longer Serves You

Jessica Rambo, a Marine Corps veteran, is the founder of a non-profit organization called The Painted Buffalo. The aim of the organization is to give veterans a space to unpack and share their stories through art, which is one of Jessica's passions. In this episode, Jessica shares The Painted Buffalo's origin story. Her love of country and art turned into her dream career - a camerawoman for the Marines. Due to a motor vehicle accident, Jessica had to retire from the military, but that doesn't stop her from continuing to serve. You don't want to miss Jessica's inspiring story of overcoming both physical and mental health challenges to get to where she is today.You can learn more about The Painted Buffalo by visiting paintedbuffalostudio.com and following @the.painted.buffalo on social media!

The Story Behind The Painted Buffalo

Mental health advocacy can take place on scales big and small and anywhere in between. Actress and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in honor of her father as a way to destigmatize mental health in the black community by improving access to mental health resources. Listen to this episode to learn more about the goals and initiatives of Taraji's non-profit organization as well as how her organization is meeting black students where they are.

Taraji P. Henson's Mental Health Organization

Honesty and openness about personal mental health struggles can build trust and relationship. With regards to healthcare access, it is my opinion that stigma is a barrier that sets mental healthcare access apart from physical healthcare access. In this week's episode, I talk about how public figures can use their platform to help destigmatize mental health and create safe spaces for people to improve and maintain their mental well-being.

Stigma as a Barrier to Mental Health Care

You have probably heard it said that social media is "bad for you." But what exactly does that mean? In this episode, I dive into how social media can negatively impact your mental health. Do you agree or disagree with my take on the topic? Any other thoughts? You can join the conversation by leaving a comment, sending a direct message, or tagging @thebipolarbuzz. Thanks for listening and be sure to like and follow for more!

What does it mean that social media is bad for you?

Did you know that women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety? Does this gender disparity accurately reflect rates of depression in the population? Many might attribute this difference to the decreased likelihood that men seek help or treatment for depressive symptoms. Listen to this episode of the Bipolar Buzz podcast to find out what some other possible reasons could be for the gender difference.

Gender Differences in the Diagnosis of Depression

I am your host, Lai, a Ph.D. dropout with diverse educational and personal experiences that ignite my passion for mental health. Fueled by the setback I experienced in 2017 due to bipolar I disorder and anxiety, I am continuing the fight for mental health by raising awareness and spreading courage to slay stigma through sharing and discussion. You can find me on the social platforms listed here: thebipolarbuzz.com/links.

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