A podcast sharing stories of lived experience with mental illness

I have lost 5 years of my life to BiPolar Disorder | Interview with Tim Beanland

In this episode of our podcast, we welcome back Tim Beanland, who shares his powerful insights on living with bipolar disorder and managing mental health while running a business.

After a long break, Tim reflects on his experiences over the past five years, including a significant 12-month depressive episode. He discusses the importance of having systems in place to control the length of depressive episodes and the role of accountability in recovery.

Tim opens up about the challenges of avoidance during depressive states and how he has learned to recognise early warning signs.

He emphasises the value of communication with loved ones and the need for a support system.

Throughout the conversation, Tim highlights the advantages of his mental health challenges, including the lessons learned and the unique perspectives gained from his experiences.

Join us as we explore the complexities of bipolar disorder, the importance of self-care routines, and the need for open conversations about mental health.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand bipolar disorder better or seeking inspiration on managing their mental health.

Topics Covered:

Tim's journey with bipolar disorder

Managing depressive episodes and the importance of systems

The role of medication and therapy

Recognizing early warning signs of depression

The advantages of mental health challenges

The importance of communication and support systems

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00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome Back
00:00:41 - New Insights on Managing Bipolar Disorder
00:01:01 - Personal Experience with Depression
00:01:46 - Controlling the Length of Depressive Episodes
00:02:57 - Importance of Systems and Support
00:04:27 - Communication and Support from Loved Ones
00:05:27 - Developing a Plan for Managing Episodes
00:07:27 - Treatment Approaches and Medication
00:08:09 - Challenges of Medication Tolerance
00:08:58 - Avoidance and Procrastination During Depression
00:10:08 - Guilt and Avoidance Cycle
00:12:03 - Importance of Facing Tough Tasks
00:13:08 - Medication and Situational Treatment
00:14:04 - Role of Loved Ones in Recovery
00:15:11 - Role of Psychologists in Managing Bipolar
00:16:26 - Practical Strategies from Psychologists
00:17:47 - Daily Routine and Non-Negotiables
00:19:08 - Morning Routine and Cold Showers
00:20:06 - Walking the Dog and Prioritizing Well-being
00:21:00 - Importance of Medication Adherence
00:22:07 - Early Warning Signs and Accountability
00:23:29 - Staying Active and Engaged
00:24:01 - Relatability of Routine to General Well-being
00:25:00 - Fear of Future Depressive Episodes
00:26:06 - Testing the Effectiveness of Systems
00:27:09 - Discipline and Consistency Challenges
00:28:30 - Responsibility to Stay Well
00:29:01 - Learning from Depression and Mania
00:30:06 - Choosing What to Bring Back into Life
00:31:00 - Advantages of Mental Illness
00:32:05 - Staying Well to Reap Benefits
00:33:17 - Progress in Bipolar Treatment
00:34:01 - Quality of Professional Support
00:35:06 - Awareness and Understanding of Bipolar
00:36:05 - Misconceptions and Stigma
00:37:06 - Concerns from Loved Ones
00:38:01 - Consistency in Daily Activities
00:39:03 - Importance of Posting and Engagement
00:40:10 - Raising Awareness for Bipolar and Schizophrenia
00:41:09 - Generational Differences in Understanding
00:42:03 - Education and Awareness Efforts
00:43:03 - Impact of Mental Health on Public Perception
00:44:06 - Communication in the Workplace
00:45:02 - Honest Conversations About Mental Health
00:46:04 - Improvements Needed in Mental Health Awareness
00:47:07 - Role of Lived Experience in Advocacy

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