Mental health advocate Shaley Hoogendoorn shares a powerful journey of bipolar disorder, and the years spent hiding in plain sight with unexplained symptoms of mania, depression and psychosis.

After a public breakdown in front of 700 people, Shaley disappeared in shame – that moment became the turning point in her bipolar disorder journey.

Hosted by Dr. Erin Michalak.

00:00 Introduction
01:34 Early Symptoms & Growing Up
07:32 First Depression “I Wanted to Disappear”
13:03 Endless Cycles of Mania & Depression
17:56 Motherhood Mania
22:21 Meltdown In Front of 700 People
27:12 Hospitalization “This Is My Chance”
37:00 Accepting My Bipolar Diagnosis
44:08 Starting ‪“this is bipolar“‬ Podcast
47:28 Healing with Bipolar Stories Online
58:37 Thank Yous & Supporters
1:01:37 “Shame Breeds in Darkness”

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. Find episodes of “this is bipolar” on Apple, Spotify, Podbean, Prime or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Follow Shaley on Instagram: @this.is.bipolar
Subscribe to Shaley’s podcast on YouTube: ‪@thisisbipolar‬