Imagine a life where your emotions feel like a runaway train, careering between exhilarating highs where you feel unstoppable, to crushing lows where even getting out of bed seems impossible.

This isn't just a bad day; it’s a pattern that can leave you and those around you feeling lost and exhausted.

This is a glimpse into the world of bipolar disorder, a condition marked by these extreme highs and lows that can feel like being on a relentless emotional rollercoaster.

Welcome to Living Beyond the Bipolar Rollercoaster, the podcast offering expert insights on managing these extreme highs and lows of Bipolar Disorder. Think of this as your guide to understanding the ride, finding the brakes, and ultimately, steering your way towards a more stable and peaceful journey.

We delve into what exactly bipolar disorder is, going beyond just simple mood swings. As Navi Hughes explains, it's like a seesaw with weights on either end, creating dramatic shifts unlike the smaller ups and downs most people experience.

We explore how these intense phases can manifest, from feeling on top of the world, even god-like, to experiencing deep irritation and restlessness, or the complete opposite, a profound sense of worthlessness.

You might wonder how someone ends up on this rollercoaster. Navi highlights that bipolar disorder has a strong genetic component, often running in families.

While you can't blame anyone, understanding this hereditary link can be a crucial first step. Environmental factors and significant life stressors can also act as triggers, activating those underlying genes.

Navigating the world with bipolar disorder can be challenging, and getting the right diagnosis is key. Because initial symptoms often present as depression, it’s vital to seek specialist help to avoid treatments that might inadvertently worsen the condition.

We explore the different types of bipolar disorder, such as Bipolar I, characterised by more severe and longer manic episodes, sometimes requiring hospitalisation, and Bipolar II, which involves less severe but still significant high (hypomanic) and depressive episodes.

But this podcast isn't just about understanding the condition; it's about finding a way forward. We explore practical and effective management strategies. Medication plays a crucial role for many in stabilising moods and taking control of the intense cycles.

Beyond medication, we delve into the power of social rhythms therapy. Imagine creating a steady rhythm in your daily life – consistent sleep, regular meals, and structured activities – which can significantly contribute to emotional stability and prevent those dramatic ups and downs.

We also explore therapeutic approaches like Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), which equips you with valuable emotional regulation techniques. Think of these as tools to help you navigate intense emotions without letting them spiral into full-blown episodes.

Living Beyond the Bipolar Rollercoaster is about breaking down the stigma often associated with mental health conditions and fostering acceptance. As Navi Hughes, who brings both professional and personal experience to the conversation, emphasises, accepting the diagnosis is a vital first step towards taking control.

Our aim is to empower you – whether you are living with bipolar disorder, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking to understand this complex condition – to find the knowledge, strategies, and hope needed to navigate your journey towards a more balanced, fulfilling, and ultimately, peaceful life. Join us as we explore the pathways to living beyond the bipolar rollercoaster and discovering the potential for lasting stability.

In "I'm Not Like Other Children" Growing Up with ADHD with Rachael Harper", we uncover the early experiences that shaped Rachael's understanding of herself in a world that often didn't quite fit.

Join us as Rachael shares her poignant childhood revelation at just four years old, a moment when she instinctively knew, "I'm not like other children". This early awareness became the foundation of her journey with what would later be diagnosed as ADHD.

This episode explores:

* Rachael's recollections of being a child who felt different even before her diagnosis at the age of 10 in 1998. A time when there wasn't a lot of information known about ADHD, and it was largely considered a "boys condition".

* How her early presentation of ADHD, which she describes as more typical of a boy – being loud and disruptive – may have been a factor in her diagnosis at that time.

* The challenges of navigating primary school as a child who felt different, including both nurturing teacher support and instances of misunderstanding and accusations of "inappropriate behaviour," such as hugging a play therapist.

* The stark contrast of entering high school and naively sharing her ADHD diagnosis in year seven, which unfortunately led to bullying and being called names like "psycho" due to a lack of understanding from her peers.

* Her resilience as a child, finding solace and a means of expression through writing poetry to cope with bullying.

Listen to Rachael's compelling firsthand account of growing up with undiagnosed and later diagnosed ADHD in a world that didn't always understand neurodivergence.

Gain a deeper appreciation for the early signs, the impact of limited awareness, and the personal journey of a child coming to terms with being different.

This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in understanding the childhood experiences of individuals with ADHD.

Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In "ADHD, Face Blindness and AI with David Chalk," discover a compelling story of resilience and innovation. This podcast episode explores how David Chalk navigated the intricate challenges of living with ADHD and prosopagnasia (face blindness).

Despite these cognitive differences, David not only achieved success but also found inspiration in helping others. His journey took a pivotal turn when, at 62, he learned to read in just 11 hours, sparking an epiphany about the potential within everyone.

This experience led him to develop AI-driven solutions to assist others facing similar challenges.

* Learn about the turning points in David's life, including overcoming business loss and using self-esteem to confront personal shame tied to reading difficulties.

* Explore how David's understanding of the brain, flow states, and pattern recognition shaped his approach to learning and technology.

* Gain insights into the development of an AI application designed to teach reading, leveraging cognitive science and gamification to create an engaging and supportive environment.

* Hear how David's personal experiences with ADHD, dyslexia, and prosopagnasia influenced his mission to provide accessible learning tools.

* Understand the critical role of unconditional love and support in fostering self-worth and resilience in the face of neurodivergent challenges.

This episode not only shares David's personal story but also offers a broader perspective on neurodiversity, the power of AI, and the importance of self-belief in achieving the impossible.Find DavidWebsite: https://readingroad.ai/Facebook: Page Instagram: PageInstagram: Profile

Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.