From Broken to Blessed on the Bipolar Spectrum | Sara Schley | TEDxDeerfield

[@bubbercakes528]

I was diagnosed with bipolar II at 36. I’m now 60. I am divorced. I haven’t worked in 15 years. I survive but I do not live. The worst thing is the loneliness. We are social creatures and are not intended to be lonely and unloved.

[@tyh.p.2798]

Please don't be lonely. Look for support groups in your area. Any type of support group to start is better than nothing. Don't feel like you have to be alone. Do some research and find a group even if it's online to start with. Just don't think that you're alone blessings to you❤

[@WandaThake]

I read this and I am moved to reach out to you. You are a survivor and a Warrior. I have a bi polar brain type 2. You matter and you have worth. ❤

[@TrebleCat]

I don’t know where you live but where I live we have a wonderful community for those affected by mental illness. If you have something like that it makes a big difference. ❤️ reach out.

[@Simplymesf123]

I can relate to you very well. I’ve said the same things… I’m living a life but not actually living and I feel very alone.

[@WhiskersAndFeathers-vr1vi]

Your talk was very motivating. I want to take a telephonic appointment from the doctor who diagnosed you. Can you pls post details of him pls.

[@patrician3821]

I cried in the end. Bipolar II her since I was 15. Diagnosed at 40. Lost teenage years, colleges ( 3), failed marriages, debts from impulse buying. Finished medical school I don’t know why but even working hard I live with my parents and have no money or property at 54. That’s this disease. I am much better now, no antidepressants, only mood stabilizers and trying to exercise and sleep well. But sad for a life that I Could have had, scared of a future alone and with no money. At least is good that people were talking about us now. It will help the younger ones

[@saralangley6691]

This helped me so much. I’ve been gaslighting myself and telling myself I was wrongly diagnosed. Because of the fear/stigma and also my misconceived notions. She explains how I feel perfectly

[@theelevatedempath]

Same! 41 now; first episode at 18 y/o. I’ve gone through countless cycles of believing I don’t have it; it’s how I was raised, where I live, I’m an empath, etc. FINALLY surrendering to the illness and getting back on meds. Viewing through different lense of how strong we are for surviving this illness & making it my purpose to no longer live in shame/secrecy and help others. Many blessings to you 🙏

[@eddiedann6472]

@@theelevatedempath May God Bless u! What are the symptoms you started out with?

[@sammy8672]

If I could give u a billions likes I would thank u for being our voice . U helped me to have my voice now. Biopolor pride. Your a blessing from God . Keep doing what your doing . Your a saint .

[@Joseffi]

I was just diagnosed yesterday with BPII, I’m really scared but this gave me a really good understanding of my disorder, thank you

[@sparkmama157]

thank you. i have been diagnosed with bipolar desorder 4 years ago following a breakup i went into psychosis. i was and i still am on a spiritual journey so i call it a dark night of the soul. the pain brings breakthroughs that allow us to get stronger and to fins self-love. i stopped all codependant relationship with friends who can't understand and i meditate a lot. that helps. the treatment is doing good. im no longer afraid to sleep. i sleep well. i spend a lot of time with my daughter. life is good. im grateful

[@elainetoohey1187]

Bipolar 1 diagnosis at 40 after blowing my life up many times. Somehow I made it to 40. All the symptoms were there starting at 13.

[@bethcarls]

Sara, thanks for sharing your journey and helping so many people on the Bipolar Spectrum and their family and friends.

[@awesomeness1414]

Thank you I'm bipolar also

[@tanvimalik0701]

Thank you for telling me I am not alone.

[@OttoNormando]

I am BI Polar 2 and it gets easier . The first medication was in the late 1980's. Seeing a physiologist every four months is great. I first received one morning and one at night. Stable at 30 to today.

[@HabibeBoyraz-hg2nk]

Are you still taking medication? What are symptom differences from bipolar -1?

[@timurkodirov7483]

@@HabibeBoyraz-hg2nkin type 2 you get less severe form of mania(hypomania) and mostly depression

[@anniehosfeld59]

Fabulous. Bravo. Thank you for sharing your story and cheering on the rest of us in ‘the club’ You’re an inspiration.

[@rosalinafernandez7840]

May the Lord give you strength to all of you. I'm a mother of a son with BP, and it hasn't been easy for my son, he takes med, but he finds peace reading the Bible. God's love you!❤

[@anneparkerbrigham1622]

Your story is inspiring….thanks for encouraging confidence with the truth. It hasn’t worked well for me as friends and family scatter and run! Finally diagnosed at 55…..I’m marching on at 65 ; ) Thanks again for encouragement ❤ Bipolar1

[@BipolarCourage]

Multiple doctors said I had major depression & told me to stay on antidepressants "for life". In my 40s, my primary diagnoses changed to bipolar 1 & PTSD.

[@keepfaith4976]

Thank you for stressing the importance of a proper diagnosis. I was 24 when I was finally diagnosed. The first paychiatrist i had put me on Prozac... an antidepressant. Without a mood stabilizer.. Therefore I had a manic episode that landed me in the hospital. Im 31 now, on the right meds and have a therapist.. but still wishing I didnt feel so misunderstood.

[@KelliHawkBartlett]

I appreciate everything you are sharing. I just can't stand this. I'm 54 and so exhausted. Diagnosed with BP2 nearly 30 yrs ago. I was just also diagnosed with ADHD, PTSD, BPD, and Severe Anxiety Disorder. I don't know what to do with this overload. I want to come out of the mental illness closet and throw away the mask that I have mastered wearing my whole life. But the shame of self-harm has left me with scars all over my arms from cutting and knowing that all of the neurotypicals in my life judge me when I leave the room, keeps me isolated.

[@tamarakonczal6350]

I am so sorry. NAMI? Find a group of folks you can share life with? I say this as a lifelong major depression and GAD person. 64 yrs old.

[@tiffineyholmes3227]

❤ this neurotypical is hugging you.

[@DeWegVanAdam137]

Look at the you tube channel Metabolic Mind PLEASE! Keto Diet can save your life!

[@vladkagreen1824]

I am 59. Diagnosed bipolar II 3 months ago. For last 30 years I was on every pill under the sun, did more damage than good. Thanks modern medicine!

[@elizabethvlach9902]

This woman is a Godsend. ❤ I can’t even describe how helpful this was. ❤❤❤

[@merrisol]

Thank you so much for articulating feelings shared by many of us on the spectrum. I have been diagnosed with BP1 and later SAD so my experiance is quite different however I am also a parent with a family. So many of us especially in the depressive state are unable to communicate despite our out most efforts so thank you so much.

[@dougmckay5466]

Thank u Sara, day by day! Genetically predisposed, environmentally induced

[@DeWegVanAdam137]

Look at the you tube channel Metabolic Mind PLEASE! Keto Diet can save your life!

[@jesperandersenjever]

Great video from a beautiful person. I have bipolar 2 as well and I really hope that I one day will recover as much as you have. But there is a long road ahead of me and iḿ very afraid. Thank you so much for being an inspiration.

[@davidcooper4385]

If and only IF you want to control your bipolar medication is key trust me,my buddy has bi-polar really smart he takes Celexa, valproic acid and a sleeping pill,took him a month before he found himself at ease at back to being himself..

[@Maleboligia]

I am bipolar and I have immediate family who are. I disagree that my brain is broken, it is just a different type. I think the idea of calling it a disorder is wrong, just because I process things differently and have different moods does not mean I have any type of disorder. I am me and there is no broken brain or disorder involved unless you compare me to some idealistic standard of what I should be. Except I already am what I should be. I find the idea of a bipolar spectrum a useful tool for identifying how to help people enjoy their lives but I do not think the disorder/broken brain aspect is required at all.

[@RustybeatShorts]

Yes I agree. I believe bipolar would have been a huge advantage in societies gone by, hundreds/thousands of years ago. The depressive side comes from having these qualities in a world that has little use for energy in abundance. There would only be one pole if all of this energy was put into healthy use

[@BeeBee-tb2it]

I agree with you! Broken brain-is heavy name to use. I had brain injury and can't follow sequences.. I have big gaps( I call it ) .Inside my head I feel enormous , painful pressure to think, to follow sequences..I get sudden forgetfulness ,have to stop and leave the task for later on, often next day. I lost short memory. My brain feels easily very exhausted, and fatigued. I actually feel the brain to shutdown which happens unpredictably and l am not able to absorb any info or process with task. To push myself and think in this situations is impossible because brain is switched off . I need 2-3 weeks to recharge the brain and in that time , l have to avoid crowds,noises, calls,heavy appointments or one on one company. I need complete peace.All needed lots of trials to be able to function. BTW I am BP 2 and before brain injury sometimes I couldn't follow sequences but it wasn't dramatic at all in comparison to now, after BI. I had successful job . 10 years after Brain injury, BP 2 feels lot different, generally lot harder; deeper longer depressions , etc. BI is known to be unable to follow sequences .

[@thephoenixlifewithliz3166]

I just want to say a huge thank you for this video. Thank you for your bravery and for making me feel seen.

[@muted22]

Sara, thank you so much for sharing your insight and journey with us. Very inspirational.

[@gregsmith6373]

Beautuful! Im B2, this was THE most beautiful show about B2. It was a mirror how Im feeling every F day! Thank you

[@Kai-Malachi]

Thank you for bringing awareness to Bipolar Disorder 💙

[@Brooke-o4y]

This was the most accurate, honest, raw take on Bipolar

[@daughterofthemosthigh3366]

This is a great talk! Thank you for sharing your story and important information about Bipolar.

[@OLGALAZINDr]

Amazingly good talk. This helped with the distinctions , and correct diagnosis.

[@lizcuero9065]

Thank you Sara. May you be blessed BIG Time!

[@lizcuero9065]

Today I’m grateful for a 7:am gym class with piers. I’m grateful for a robot vacuum that helps me out. I’m grateful for an organized office, bedroom, living room and clean bathroom. Learning new ways of feeling in my own skin is interesting. I can finally walk straight with the help of my mom getting me a chiropractor.

[@yourcareerclub8766]

Thank you for sharing your story. There's hope❤

[@claredolman6003]

Fantastic talk Sara, thank you from all of us on all parts of the bipolar spectrum

[@chandy521]

Awesome talk and understanding about BP2, this was very helpful, and love the Phoneix description and the compassions of love. Thank you!

[@henrygriffithii5886]

THANK YOU!

[@EastCentralEurope35]

The innovative ideas and powerful storytelling truly resonate with my personal journey. I’m eager to share my unique insights, particularly how life events and environmental factors like music have impacted my mental health. Having experienced significant challenges, including how certain triggers have affected my life and relationships, I believe I could bring a valuable perspective to the TEDx community. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to connect and explore these themes further.

[@Ianarling]

Absolutely fantastic 👏

[@julianfranco3099]

What always scares me, being uninsured, is that the prices of these medications are often so high. Having BP can feel like redeveloping skills for the workplace aren't attainable. Then it feels like so much of the budget goes towards said medications. Then having a proper budget or the thought of a "normal" life seems even less reachable :(

[@patrickboruett6646]

Excellent,this is a sure way to bust stigma

[@aenaei]

Such an amazing video filled with learning and positivity. Thanks for sharing. I needed that.

[@eddykuipers2971]

Great work. What a fantastic explanation of all things Bipolar and what an inspiration. I’m amped (well not too amped 😂)

[@LittleAnastasY]

Thank you sooo much for the inspiration ❤️🙏 I needed it soo much 🙏❤️

[@jennanetroe607]

I cried I have been in denial for a while

[@angelahernandez523]

I don't know if I have bipolar but after having COVID my head never stops aching. I find myself with extreme mood changes which I called unstable. If I will go back before I got sick i was normal but now it's different. I can relate to the last part is a miracle when the brain feels right. Because of this I'm wanting to resign from my work because it affects how I manage and see the workplace. Hope everyone with this challenges will soon have a normal mind.

[@jimwilkey7294]

Well done, beautiful work 🙏

[@romanaaziz9946]

Thank You ❤

[@anarakish]

Thank you for being incredible 💕

[@mohammadhashim5684]

Lovely awesome stories I can relate to it very much... inspiring ❤❤

[@alvareztarver5545]

Thank you for this. I too am bp II. Right meds changed my life.

[@dawnkaufman1188]

Far from a BROKEN brain! I become the "most" productive (during mania) and can run circles around my work colleagues BECAUSE of my BIPOLAR but the "flipside" of that is I am DOWN for 3 wks=1 month and sometimes more. I come up with some of the most "creative solutions" for complex problems that should have been evident for years. I am a polyglot (meaning I speak 3+ languages. But SLEEP what is that?? We have plenty enough time when we are dead. When my "brain imploded" I was 48. I had finished another degree after normal work hours, and I was working at a large software company. I had a 6 year old at home and a husband that stay-at-home. I had gone through a house fire in 2004, the birth of my son in 2004 and the death of my Mom in 2005. My husband REACHED out and grabbed me off the edge. 2011 was the turning point. I agree with the Stigma KILLS. Please do the PECTS exercise is GREAT. Don't stop your meds - and make sure you get on the RIGHT ones.

[@stephanpeck6445]

Remarkable, thank you. I live with bi-polar 2.

[@christinevakas92]

Thank you this was very useful and informative

[@silva10oli]

Sometimes the person who is going through that awful disease must take a strong decision to stop it once and for all That's the only way to get to another lifestyle

[@msaid7879]

My son is having very difficult time but we tray everything I don’t know what to do please we need help

[@priyadharsini4629]

How is he now?

[@ToddWilson-eb6ie]

Before I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder my doctors had me on antidepressants which actually made me worse.

[@kmidelah]

I like to know this now. I always feel like I'm not bipolar enough to be bipolar, but not depressed enough to be depressive and not psychotic enough to be schizophrenic. But just a bit of all, to have a terrible time here and there.

[@kmidelah]

Also, I agree with not calling it a broken brain, it is very misleading.

[@lyell6115]

My partner has Bipolar but she is in-denial. I am partly because I’m unsure if I can manage it. Is there any advice out there?

[@keepfaith4976]

My 1st psychiatrist put me on just Prozac and I ended up in a Mental hospital

[@nadzzz1018]

🙏❤

[@TrebleCat]

I wouldn’t say broken, poor choice of words. Our brains work differently.

[@DonnaCipollone-qz9xg]

What bipolar medicines have worked for bipolar 2

[@kirstenbromann6484]

I know that lamitrogen (also a med. for epilepsy) works well for many Bipolar II

[@ImperatorZed]

Lithium is considered the single most effetcive treatment in modern medicine for anything. And the thing it treats is bipolar

[@fatimagerendasobiols6252]

How do you manage to keep a normal job having BP1?

[@elainetoohey1187]

I've done so since medication treatment but it took until I was 40 to get the right diagnosis and so many wrong medications with serious side effects.

[@DeWegVanAdam137]

Look at the you tube channel Metabolic Mind PLEASE! Keto Diet can save your life!

[@kaylaboo7100]

Does anyone know of a northern CA area where bipolar people can fellowship? Successful Lives being built 😉💕

[@gigihumen]

omg 😮 those stats!

[@gigihumen]

it literally feels like i have a learning disability with the sequencing

[@msaid7879]

Thank you first how can we get help ?

[@DeWegVanAdam137]

Look at the you tube channel Metabolic Mind PLEASE! Keto Diet can save your life!

[@lizcuero9065]

It’s called SIN. The Bible is so true! But God can really help us with great doctors & meds.❤ I’ve had this condition for 2o years. Prozac and Seroquel helps but so does exercise, rest, and you tube sermons plus educational vids. Small tasks like cleaning the fridge and jogging uphill are miracles for me.

[@DIONYABA]

❤

[@pilotgfx]

Could we just globally cancel christmas? Its not that i don't like it but i always just wanna kill myself when santa is jingling his bells

[@Theboizoe]

My brain isn’t broken miss

[@thenutritionalhealer7233]

bipolar is reversible with diet and rest

[@ihavenofriendsboi4825]

That is a very dangerous comment. If it was that easy, we would all cure ourselves!!!!

[@lynnjackson782]

I never said it was easy and why is improving diet dangerous,? It’s not, don’t say because of meds as it’s not a case of getting off meds to go on a diet it’s a case of doing a few months or even years work and seing how things are then. Look up Keto and bipolar or drew Ramsey md. There are many people that have done this now and you also have the power to start healing. I know it seems impossible mountain, but you can learn a bit and do a bit and there’s loads of great meals for mental health and also many foods and drinks which don’t help anyone heal. This is the battle with weaning off our lives for the sake of our bodies and minds. Hard job with Christmas coming up, I never said healing was easy, but it’s all there ever was, no cures for any illnesses, only folks that have healed. Ancestral diets are best before farming, like paleo, fruit, smoothies, veg, salads, soups, not eggs, dairy, sugar or grains. Give it a try.

[@poochini7272]

There is no way this woman has Bipolar the way most of us experience it. Her early years (pre 21) being glorious and normal simply isn’t characteristic of our illness. So those of u watching who may feel they are Bipolar (and do not identify with this video) please get your hands on material by Nassir Ghaemi and Jim Phelps. They are the real deal on all things Bipolar. Advice I wish I had earlier: Keep your circadian rhythms balanced by doing certain things at the same time each day!! Insert social rhythm therapy into this as well so you are interacting with people when your brain wants to retreat instead. Don’t drink or smoke. It’s tough at times, but never, ever give up.

[@drkarenbukharibukhari9931]

Raciststackledinhospitalandhome🎉

[@kimohayes98]

❤