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Our Bipolar
United States
Приєднався 22 лис 2011
Redefining bipolar disorder through stories and community
I’m Jess Curtis, the creator here at Our Bipolar. 👋🏼
Our Bipolar is dedicated to redefining bipolar disorder through personal stories and an inclusive community. This channel strives to break stigma, offer support, educate, and promote better understanding of bipolar disorder.
I’m Jess Curtis, the creator here at Our Bipolar. 👋🏼
Our Bipolar is dedicated to redefining bipolar disorder through personal stories and an inclusive community. This channel strives to break stigma, offer support, educate, and promote better understanding of bipolar disorder.
How to Advocate for Bipolar Disorder: Raising Awareness and Fighting Stigma
Advocating for bipolar disorder is an important step in raising awareness, educating the public, and fighting the stigma that surrounds mental illness.
In this video, we explore effective ways to advocate for those living with bipolar disorder, including sharing personal stories, supporting mental health organizations, and engaging in public conversations.
While advocacy is a powerful tool for change, it's important to recognize that it may not be the right path for everyone.
Personal comfort, emotional readiness, and individual circumstances play a significant role in deciding whether to take on this responsibility.
Before going public and starting advocacy work, I also spoke with my husband Bryan about how it might affect him and our daughter. He was very open to people knowing his wife has bipolar and thought it would affect him and our daughter positively.
Learn how you can make a difference and discover whether advocacy is the right fit for you. ❤️
-Jess
LINKS
-Fb posts from when I went public with bipolar on my 40th birthday: ourbipolar.com/facebook-post-1-oct-4-2019/
-Videos on Bryan's spinal cord tumor surgery
My October: How Will Bipolar Handle Husband’s Emergency Spinal Tumor Surgery? | GRWM | @ourbipolar
ua-cam.com/video/HvHp0qPDILg/v-deo.html
My November: Caregiving, Forgot My Bipolar Meds, and Almost No Exercise 🤪 | GRWM
ua-cam.com/video/UXLop51ndow/v-deo.html
-More on the NAMI In Our Own Voice program: www.nami.org/Support-Education/Mental-Health-Education/NAMI-In-Our-Own-Voice/
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:45 - Became a bipolar advocate at 40
1:03 - Went public on Facebook
1:31 - Why I became a bipolar advocate
2:54 - Discussed with my psychiatrist
3:40 - Discussed with my family
4:41 - Social media: easy way to start
5:15 - Our Bipolar blog
5:38 - Do advocacy that you enjoy!
5:56 - Our Bipolar UA-cam channel
6:30 - Just start! Despite not knowing what you’re doing
7:00 - My UA-cam journey
8:29 - NAMI In Our Own Voice
10:04 - Podcast guest, interviews, speaking
10:51 - Start a podcast/speak at conferences
12:14 - It’s OK if advocacy isn’t right for you
12:38 - If interested, give it serious thought
13:07 - Challenges of advocacy
13:37 - Advocacy is so rewarding
14:39 - Outro: subscribe, like, comment!
CONNECT WITH ME
💻 Blog: ourbipolar.com
💚 Instagram: ourbipolar
👋🏼 Facebook: m. ourbipolar
#BipolarDisorder #Bipolar #BipolarAdvocacy #FightStigma #RaiseAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #BipolarAwareness #EndTheStigma #AdvocateForBipolarDisorder #MentalHealthSupport #BipolarEducation #MentalHealthAdvocacy #StigmaFree #BipolarCommunity #SpeakUpForMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #SupportBipolarDisorder #LivingWithBipolar #MentalHealthRecovery #BipolarSupport #BreakTheStigma #MentalHealthAdvocates
In this video, we explore effective ways to advocate for those living with bipolar disorder, including sharing personal stories, supporting mental health organizations, and engaging in public conversations.
While advocacy is a powerful tool for change, it's important to recognize that it may not be the right path for everyone.
Personal comfort, emotional readiness, and individual circumstances play a significant role in deciding whether to take on this responsibility.
Before going public and starting advocacy work, I also spoke with my husband Bryan about how it might affect him and our daughter. He was very open to people knowing his wife has bipolar and thought it would affect him and our daughter positively.
Learn how you can make a difference and discover whether advocacy is the right fit for you. ❤️
-Jess
LINKS
-Fb posts from when I went public with bipolar on my 40th birthday: ourbipolar.com/facebook-post-1-oct-4-2019/
-Videos on Bryan's spinal cord tumor surgery
My October: How Will Bipolar Handle Husband’s Emergency Spinal Tumor Surgery? | GRWM | @ourbipolar
ua-cam.com/video/HvHp0qPDILg/v-deo.html
My November: Caregiving, Forgot My Bipolar Meds, and Almost No Exercise 🤪 | GRWM
ua-cam.com/video/UXLop51ndow/v-deo.html
-More on the NAMI In Our Own Voice program: www.nami.org/Support-Education/Mental-Health-Education/NAMI-In-Our-Own-Voice/
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:45 - Became a bipolar advocate at 40
1:03 - Went public on Facebook
1:31 - Why I became a bipolar advocate
2:54 - Discussed with my psychiatrist
3:40 - Discussed with my family
4:41 - Social media: easy way to start
5:15 - Our Bipolar blog
5:38 - Do advocacy that you enjoy!
5:56 - Our Bipolar UA-cam channel
6:30 - Just start! Despite not knowing what you’re doing
7:00 - My UA-cam journey
8:29 - NAMI In Our Own Voice
10:04 - Podcast guest, interviews, speaking
10:51 - Start a podcast/speak at conferences
12:14 - It’s OK if advocacy isn’t right for you
12:38 - If interested, give it serious thought
13:07 - Challenges of advocacy
13:37 - Advocacy is so rewarding
14:39 - Outro: subscribe, like, comment!
CONNECT WITH ME
💻 Blog: ourbipolar.com
💚 Instagram: ourbipolar
👋🏼 Facebook: m. ourbipolar
#BipolarDisorder #Bipolar #BipolarAdvocacy #FightStigma #RaiseAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #BipolarAwareness #EndTheStigma #AdvocateForBipolarDisorder #MentalHealthSupport #BipolarEducation #MentalHealthAdvocacy #StigmaFree #BipolarCommunity #SpeakUpForMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #SupportBipolarDisorder #LivingWithBipolar #MentalHealthRecovery #BipolarSupport #BreakTheStigma #MentalHealthAdvocates
Переглядів: 142
Відео
My Bipolar Medication Journey: Finding the Right Treatment 💊
Переглядів 53321 годину тому
In this video, I share my personal journey with bipolar disorder and the process (nightmare?) of finding the right medication and treatment plan. From my initial diagnoses of depression (misdiagnosis) and bipolar 1 to trial and error with different medications, I discuss the challenges and triumphs I’ve faced along the way. Whether you or a loved one are navigating bipolar disorder, this video ...
My November: Caregiving, Forgot My Bipolar Meds, and Almost No Exercise 🤪 | GRWM
Переглядів 18014 днів тому
November has been a rollercoaster. From caregiving for my husband Bryan to missed medications and the guilt of skipping exercise, I’m sharing it all while getting ready for the day. Join me for this honest, unfiltered mental health and self-care check-in. In this GRWM (Get Ready With Me) video, I talk about the ups and downs of managing bipolar disorder during a hectic month. If you’ve ever fel...
Bipolar Myths DEBUNKED 😮 | The Truth About Bipolar Disorder | Our Bipolar
Переглядів 36021 день тому
Donate or share: www.gofundme.com/f/support-bryan-curtiss-spinal-cord-tumor-surgery-recovery 🛑 Stop believing the lies about bipolar disorder! 🛑 Bipolar disorder is surrounded by myths that create confusion and fuel stigma. In just 5 minutes, I’m breaking down the most common misconceptions and setting the record straight. 📌 What you’ll learn: Bipolar isn’t just about “mood swings.” The truth a...
5 Things I WILL NOT QUIT as Someone with Bipolar
Переглядів 958Місяць тому
Donate or share: www.gofundme.com/f/support-bryan-curtiss-spinal-cord-tumor-surgery-recovery 💙 What keeps me strong despite the highs and lows of Bipolar Disorder? In this video, I reveal the 5 powerful things I REFUSE to give up -the habits, passions, and beliefs that keep me thriving and inspired every single day. ✨ Whether you're living with Bipolar or supporting someone who is, I hope my st...
My October: How Will Bipolar Handle Husband’s Emergency Spinal Tumor Surgery? | GRWM | @ourbipolar
Переглядів 244Місяць тому
Join me as I recap my bipolar journey in October 2024 while getting ready with my makeup routine. This GRWM includes discussion about my husband Bryan’s emergency spinal cord tumor surgery and how the stress of the surgery and travel is affecting my sleep and mental health. More info on Bryan's rare spinal cord tumor: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-tumor/symptoms-causes/syc-...
How I Graduated College with Bipolar Disorder | My Journey of Resilience & Success | Our Bipolar
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Hi Jess I forgot to tell you my last job I told my manager about my bipolar and I felt that she needed to know. I also told not to tell anybody. This just recently I only be the almost a year. My manager told the whole office co-workers and I wasn't close to those people or friends with them. I always keep to myself. They looked at me like was crazy. I felt embarrassed and mad 😡. I give my two weeks notice. They all treated me differently and I felt that vibe. I've a new job now 🎉 an I'm happy here but I will not open up again.
I went off off my lithium one time, and went into the deepest depression. It took me months to regain my footing after starting again. I will never stop again.
Maybe it was worth it if it keeps you from stopping again?
Hi Jess how are you I told a few close friends family I stay to myself and I live myself. I don't tell people anymore I happy you come out told people. I enjoy watching your video's.
I think it’s perfect to be as open about having bipolar as you want to be. ❤️
I’m an advocate for one-on-one advocacy and self-advocacy. I think just being open and honest in regular conversation is a type of advocacy. And speaking up for one’s own accommodations is advocacy too. Any way we can raise awareness and normalize it counts in my book!
Yes! I actually meant to mention in the video that talking about bipolar to whoever you feel comfortable with is probably the most effective advocacy one can do.
@ It can be harder or easier too, ya know. I think they all have a place and are needed. I know my life is better for the work you do. 🥹
I know that bipolar disorder is not easy for anyone, but with the right treatment, you can live a normal life and, I would even say, surpass many people who don’t have any disorder. I have bipolar disorder type 2 and ADHD as a comorbidity. I went through a lot in the past because I wasn’t following the proper treatment, but for many years now, I’ve been doing the right thing. I don’t consume alcohol, avoid caffeine, exercise daily, and maintain a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed early. I lead a very productive life: I am a lawyer with a postgraduate degree, specializing in cybercrimes and general contracts, and I work a lot. This year, I plan to start a new postgraduate course. My ex-girlfriend also has bipolar disorder type 1. She graduated in Law, passed an extremely challenging exam, and is now a prosecutor. Additionally, my psychiatrist also has bipolar disorder, proving that it’s possible to thrive with proper treatment. I have been seeing my psychologist weekly for over 12 years and my psychiatrist every two months. My advice to you is this: don’t let the illness control you. Be the one in control of the illness and live a prosperous life. Remember, most people with bipolar disorder have high intelligence. Greetings from Brazil!
Good advice! I’m so glad you’re doing well. Learning to live with bipolar can be difficult, but it’s easier than fighting it.
Love your dogs reaction at 14:00...
Yes! So glad you noticed. She hardly ever moves!
Ditto 😂
Another great way to be a bipolar advocate that I forgot to mention: write! You can self publish a book or do it the traditional way through a publisher. You could also write articles for magazines or websites. What are other ways to be an advocate that I didn’t mention in the video?
Lamictal has been a lifesaver. I am on respirdol and lamictal. My bipolar leans more to mania and psychosis. I can honestly say I have been stable for five years and feel pretty good if I manage my health and what I eat. Thanks for being so honest about your story. I definitely relate to the Depakote.
I’m so glad that Lamictal has worked for you! This gives me hope.
@ hope it works out for you if you do try it.
Thank you for sharing ..you are beautiful ❤
Thanks for being so real. It helps me a lot. Hope you're feeling better soon!
Thank YOU 🥹🥹🥹
The what else is new made me laugh 😂 in all seriousness hope you are doing ok and good on you for taking a day off ❤
Glad I made you laugh. The day off was much needed.
Depakote is the reason why I stopped taking my meds for seven years. It could’ve been avoided if I took other medication it was horrible.
I know people who are doing great on Depakote, but it’s still hard for me to believe. 😂
I've turned down 4 invitations to various parties & social functions in the last month; I'm very intentionally trying to keep my energy low. But I was invited to an upcoming holiday party from my boss, and I decided to go (I can't say 'no' to everything, haha). I'm already thinking of early-exit strategies in case it gets to me too much. I find it interesting how people who don't have bipolar disorder focus so much on the depression side of it, yet for me the hypomania is what scares the hell out of me.
I so get planning for exit strategies! Mania and depression both terrify me but in different ways. Depression for the risk of ending it all and full-blown mania for the destruction it does to my life.
Seroquel fucked me up pretty bad. I had to discontinue it.
Glad you moved on then 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thanks for sharing 😀. Did u mention that taking thyroid meds causes mania?
It’s complicated. Synthroid didn’t cause mania, but it got my body running again and I wasn’t on bipolar meds so that caused mania. Without bipolar meds, mania is always imminent for me.
With you!!!
🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Those stupid fucking college dorm beds should be banned lol I have fallen out of them dozens of times I had a roommate that fell out of it hit his head cracked his skull never saw him again. It's crazy how stupid it is to have a tiny bed over a concrete floor when you are used to a queen size or even king size bed.
❤I also started a keto diet to ease my symptoms one week ago, not easy, I currently feel even less energy, but at least I am not crying that often🥹
I did a video with my friend who does keto. Maybe it will help: Can the Keto Diet Treat Bipolar Disorder? 🤯 | Interview with Lauren Contey | Our Bipolar Journey ua-cam.com/video/vxhp7m9GZQM/v-deo.html
I had already watched it and it made me to do more research ❤️thank you
I am trying lamictal(100mg) and hoping it will work for me, my doctor offered me to add seroquel ,but thanks to you Jess, I was aware of its big weight gain side effect, so I asked something different that should not cause the weight gain, she offered me abilify small dose(5mg) to add to lamictal (100mg) to prevent mania in the future❤ thank you for sharing with us your experience My depressive episodes are 9 months long, very long, if left without medications.🥹 I can’t work that period full-time,only a couple of hours a day,because I am very slow and depressed
Report back on how you’re doing on lamictal and abilify if you can. Ugh, 9 months of depression is a long time. Really hoping the meds help. ❤
Have been experiencing irritable mania as well for quite some time. I hope you got better eventually.
I did. It just took longer than usual. Ugh, the irritable mania. 😩
After lots of trial and error, I too am on lithium. I also deal with mania, have not experienced deep depression thankfully. I was wondering if you could talk about the lithium side effects you've experienced if any. I've only been on lithium about five months but have ongoing GI issues (frequent loose stool), a handful of nausea episodes resulting in vomiting with little to no warning, increased thirst, weight gain. Have you experienced any of these issues? Thank you for being so willing to talk about your experience. I was actually on Lamictal for about nine months and I really liked it, felt much more clear headed than some of the other meds my psych had me on, but I do think it's more geared towards people struggling with depression... I ended up having a manic episode at the end of the nine months and getting switched off it. Wishing you all the best!
Bipolar Treatment with LITHIUM & My Bipolar Bestie Moss 💊 | Side Effects, Dosage & Experiences ua-cam.com/video/-SEFQZWLQio/v-deo.html Here’s a video where my friend Moss and I talk about our experiences on lithium and side effects. Moss had been on lithium about a year and I had been much longer. I still have increased thirst. I don’t think either of us has experienced nausea or weight gain, but I’ve heard this can happen based on other people I know on lithium. I hope those parts improve for you! Thanks for sharing your experience on lamictal! I hope I can stay on lithium forever but it doesn’t seem likely.
Its funny you mention Zoloft being a kickoff to mania, because the same crap happened to me years ago. Zoloft is terrible for bipolar in my opinion. I was on Lithium for about 25 years but then my kidneys started to fail on me, my doctor switched me to Depakote which I'm not the biggest fan of. I wish I was on Lamictal but med changes are so dramatic and I don't want to deal with that right now so I'm choosing to stick with Depakote at the moment.
I understand that. Med changes are so difficult.
Thank you for sharing! I have a question Depakote gave you memory problems or brain fog?? I do have problems with my memory 😭
Not that I recall. Then again I was having near constant bipolar symptoms on Depakote so anything is possible. Maybe others can speak to this?
@ourbipolar and its true with Depakote i fall as sleep very hard and sleep more than 10 hours and have anxiety problems, i Will try to Talk with my doctor!! Ty Jess ❤️
When I first started being treated, I was not well enough to track what medication I was taking so I forgot which ones I tried 😔
I could see that happening. I don’t remember being diagnosed. Maybe you could contact the dr if you really wanted to know?
@ yes I could but I changed hospitals(doctors) so I don’t think I can🤔 It’s so important to record which meds affected us how !
I am heartbroken. I met this girl and I ended up dating her. She had this strange personality, like hiding something. I didn't felt comfortable with the relationship and ended up with her. But days later I researched her meds and find out was for BPD then I connected the dots with her behavior. I just realized She was mentally ill. I'm still devastated. She doesn't want to talk to me again no matter all good things I did for her. IDK what to do. I want to help her. 💔💔💔😢
If she wants your help, she’ll ask for it ❤️
@ourbipolar thanks for answering me. I appreciate it.
Ambien made me sleep walk too. I would wake up in different parts of my house. Also I would have the worst dreams ever. I was on lithium and I had alot of side effects. The main one was nausea which was really bad. I was 13 yrs old when I got put on it
I’ve heard this about Ambien. I don’t remember having nightmares, but I definitely did some weird shit on it. 😂
@ourbipolar the scariest part was when I would wake up outside. I'm glad you shared your experiences with your med journey. I'm finally on the right meds but it was alot of trial and error.
😮😮😮 So scary! So glad you found the right meds!
I choose not to take meds. Not risking getting a dui on medication. Dot says if I take my medicine and drive I get a DUI. So I drink to clam my nerves because where I live the mental health doctor does not write stuff that works
Can you share which med it was?
Thank you for sharing your experiences. It can be a real challenge to get the right therapies. For me zoloft made the condition worse. I have also been prescribed neurotin, but was given it for bipolar not for anxiety. It did not work for me. Ambien I had bad side effects. A good psych makes all the difference. I tried many other meds as well. Including strong-anti-psychotics. They had strong side effects, but they were very essential at the time. I never took any as maintenance meds. And am on lithium now which has been amazing. Feel free anyone to ask me more. Thanks again for a great video, Jess.
Thanks for sharing, Moss! Now that I think about it, I was also briefly on a strong tranquilizer to bring me down from my first manic episode with psychosis. I don’t know which one. Yes, Moss is a wealth of info on meds!
Well yes. I didn’t mean to imply that you had first-hand experience with every bipolar med. I bet some people do though.
Maybe you got akathisia
Possibly. Although irritability is a big part of my hypomania. Luckily this was a long time ago.
YES! Absolutely get accommodations if you struggle with Bipolar, ADHD or any type of mental health issue. Having accommodations is the ONLY reason I was able to graduate and it still took me 12 years to earn my degrees (25 if you count the classes I took here and there when I was 18-23). Even with accommodations, I needed to take some semesters off and I ended up graduating late because of the stress of my capstone. However, I was also extremely lucky because I was a really good student until the stress would overwhelm me (usually close to finals). So, a lot of my professors would give me extensions beyond what my accommodations called for. I also identify with not having a great social experience, partly because I was older than a lot of my classmates who were pretty privileged and a little out of touch with the realities of life for people but also because a lot of the time I was just trying to survive. I do sometimes wonder if it was worth it. I was doing pretty well (for me) the last couple years of school and then WHAM! Things got so much worse around the same time that I graduated. I worked really hard to earn my degrees so I could get off SSDI and be independent. In the end, and I ended up becoming more dependent on it. Unfortunately, my moods are too unstable and the depression and anxiety are too overwhelming to even think about going back to work at all. Sorry for the long comment!
Thanks for sharing your college story. Yes, ask for accommodations, people! I wish I had known to do that or had been advised properly.
im seventeen and diagnosed with bipolar 1 and adhd. yesterday i took a bunch of my addrall (way more than prescribed dose) and i havent slept in 40 hours, i also feel euphoric, restless, irritated etc. could this have possibly triggered a hypo/mania? how do I deal with the mania without going to the hospital since i dont wanna tell my parents
I’m not sure. Please contact your doctor.
@@ourbipolar i called my doctor earlier and she said it was probably hypomania. thanks for the advice
i've decided i will probably not go to the hospital and just ride it out at home because i really dont want my parents to find out ive been using addrall recreationally.
I have bipolar 2 and am lucky enough to be able to work. It’s not possible for some people and we have to respect that.
💯
Bob evans sells a precooked full Christmas dinner. You can order it in advance online for curbside pickup. It is called the farmhouse feast. I order it every year now and just relax on the holiday.
I’m going to look into this. Thank you!
What differences do you notice when you miss just one dose of your meds?
This time I felt a bit heightened: a little more energy, more talkative, more easily irritated. The last time I missed a dose of my mood stabilizer and antipsychotic was years ago when I had a bad stomach virus and couldn’t keep anything down. I didn’t notice a change, but then again I was very sick.
Way to go making it through so much lately. And going forward. On the days when we only have 50% and we give it all, then that is 100%. Much love to you.
It’s totally 100%. Thank you friend. I’m cheering for you as well and sending love.
Thats good that you are making sure that you are taking care of yourself too. My dad had severe covid and almost died so i was his caregiver and my mental health went bad because i wasnt taking care of myself. Being a caregiver can be exhausting.
Caregiving can be rough. Sorry to hear about your dad. So good of you to take care of him. I’m trying to take care of myself but I definitely fell short last month.
❤️
Same here. Head up and onwards even though it's sooooo hard ❤
It is. I could do without the holidays.
It's hard but 😢 I miss my mom so much
I’m so sorry
Really struggling at moment. But I have been going through this Rollercoaster for nearly 50 years so I know i will get through it
I usually walk my dog a lot but its harder to do that when its 15 degrees outside. I've been doing pushups and wanting to expand to other exercises I can do that don't involve going to the gym or having weights.
Doing exercises that use your own body weight is really smart. I’m doing some of that now too.
Same
This time of year doesn’t help I feel
@ourbipolar yes that's true
You’re doing a fantastic job helping me recover from this surgery. I know it’s taking a toll on you and I’m sorry for that. Thank you for all you’re doing. We’ll get through it. I love you. ❤
Awww. It would take a toll on anyone. I’d rather be with you and helping you than doing anything else. We can get through anything. I love you. ❤️