The Bipolar Writer Podcast

About A.K.

My name is A.K. Wilson, or otherwise known as Angel. I am a mother, blogger, mental health, and domestic violence survivor advocate. I am a multi-genre author and writer.  I was born in New York, Raised in NJ, made a home in Kentucky. I live life to the fullest and cherish every moment.

My links :)

About the Episode

Please join me in listening to the interview with Hunter as he talks about his journey with Bipolar 1 disorder and what he has been through before and after diagnosis.

About Hunter

Bio: "Hunter Keegan is an author and musician with a day job. He lives with Bipolar Type I and uses his experiences with this disease to inspire creative projects. His first memoir about mental illness, My Brain Is Trying to Kill Me, was published last year. He also recently released a new album with his band, Last Known Images. Hunter's works have been featured by National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Shatterproof, and other organizations. He lives in Northern Virginia and can be found on twitter @HHKeegan and his personal website, HHKeegan.com"

Links:
Twitter: @HHKeegan
Personal Site: HHKeegan.com

About the Episode

Join me as I interview Amy and discover her insights about her own struggles, and mental illness overall. 

Where to find James

About The Episode

Listen to my interview with Norm, his mental illness story, and learn about the differences in Canadian Mental Health system differences and similarities to the American one. Another great interview for The Bipolar Writer Podcast.

About James Edgar Skye

About the Episode

There are times when I get the chance to meet someone from Twitter and interview a fantastic individual, so I would like you to meet Caroline. Caroline was diagnosed with Bipolar Type I in 2015 when she was 20, and she has learned how to manage her mental illness, along with graduate school, work, and the pandemic.

Where to Find James

Episode Details

I always want the community with mental health/mental illness community and those on the front lines trying to change the way mental health and mental illness are treated here in America. Today, I am honored to introduce you to The Bipolar Writer Podcast Kasey Clabron Ph.D., a research scientist and clinical psychologist. This is her episode.

About Casey Claborn

Kasey Claborn, Ph.D., is a research scientist and licensed clinical psychologist. She is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Dell Medical School. Dr. Claborn received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Oklahoma State University and completed her internship at the University of Florida Health Sciences Center. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Brown University’s Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, where she crossed-trained in HIV and addictive behaviors at the Alcohol Research Center on HIV. Prior to joining Dell Medical School, Claborn served as an assistant professor in psychiatry and human behavior at Brown University. Dr. Claborn conducts research in the field of addictions and develops programs designed to improve access and delivery of substance use treatments. Dr. Claborn is licensed to practice psychology in Texas and Rhode Island. She is a member of PsyPact, which allows her to practice telehealth across state lines. 

Where to Find James

Episode description

This is a catch-up episode of where James is right now as we head towards the end of June 2021. Catch up with James and learn the new journey he has been on over the year. 

Episode Description

What Kim is offering in this package are the ELI Assessment and a debrief. The two ways that come are one-on-one debrief with Kim or possibly a group debrief on Saturdays. I, James Edgar Skye, am offering to be a part of that process if you trust me as an option because I know what it feels like to go through a debrief.

If you are interested, you can reach out to Kim Johnson directly at groundsforclarity@protommail.com and be open just to have a conversation about getting your ELI done TODAY. The debrief is typically done within 24 hours and on Zoom, but those details will be worked out with Kim and yourself. If there is a chance you want to jump right in, there is a special going on with my buy me a coffee website that you can purchase the ELI directly from me. Make sure to fill out the form that comes with the purchase. I will relay the information to Kim promptly, and she will reach out.

Episode Description 

Colleen Burns Durda is a self-described debut memoirist, aspiring humorist, and actual homemaker. She lives outside of Minneapolis, MN. Her mental health journey began thirty-one years ago when she was brought to an emergency room after suffering a psychotic break. She was immediately diagnosed as having manic depression, the former name of bipolar affective disorder. Colleen believes strongly in mental health advocacy and hopes through telling her story, more people will accept and own their individual mental health journeys. Her book, The Second: A Memoir of Love and Commitment, will be published June 22, 2021. You can contact her through her author website and her blog, Colleen’s Corner. 

Episode Description 

The episode before you is perhaps the most critical topic I have will cover on The Bipolar Writer Podcast. It is the most talked about, and today I want to share my experience and thoughts on the subject. I think other than my posts on suicide, bullying, and mental health is vital to ending the stigma surrounding mental illness. Writing my memoir has made me realize a lot of things. If I had talked to my parents about how deep my depression was at fourteen, I might have gotten the help I needed. I struggled so much because I left things unsaid. It was until I was in my early twenties before it got so out of control that I chose to commit suicide. Join me as I discuss bullying and mental health.

Episode Description 

Hi, my name is Kristina. I’m diagnosed with Bipolar type 2 and Borderline Personality Disorder. Growing up I experienced depression, low self-esteem, eating disorder behavior, and self-injury. I always poured myself into academics and was able to get into my first-choice school. I starting my college journey attending a small, private university in New York studying aerospace engineering. I started abusing alcohol and one night while drinking I overdosed on Tylenol PM. I had to go to the hospital and after I started going to therapy. A few weeks later I cut myself while I was drunk. My school decided that it wasn’t safe for me to stay on campus, so I was forced to take a medical leave of absence and go into treatment. That is when I got my diagnosis, 2005. After that first psychiatric hospitalization, I decided to transfer to a university in Alabama. 

I made the move and brought my psych meds with me. I had a counselor on campus and phone appointments with my psychiatrist in Vermont. But the meds made me tired which made it hard to study, so I decided to stop taking my medication. I was actually OK for a little while and I even got married in 2006 when I was 20. After I got married, I transferred schools again because my husband got a job in a different city, I lived off-campus and poured myself into academics. I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Latin American Studies and International Business in 2008. After graduating, I lost all the structure that was keeping me together. My mental health declined and I had to be hospitalized. This was a very dark, scary time. I was too depressed to move. When I wasn’t depressed, I was really, really mean to my husband. I would scream at him and spit on him and tell him that I hated him. When he would start to walk away, I would start crying and tell him how much I loved him. This was very confusing for him. I also stopped eating and lost too much weight. I went to hospitals and treatment centers all over the country. A specialized mood disorder program in Arizona, eating disorder residential in Nashville, a Christian residential program In Louisiana…it was all very expensive. The stress of me being gone for so long was really hard on my marriage... If you need the full biography of Kristina you can reach out.

Episode Description 

Gavin M Hicks is an American ex-pat living in Germany with his wife and two children. He has bipolar 2 disorder and a twenty-year history of mental illness. He has a Ph.D. in German Studies, is a published author, and writes prose and poetry about his experiences with bipolar in his blog "Bipolar and the Buddha."

Episode Description 

The episode is part one, and the first series on The Bipolar Writer Podcast called My Life Coaching Experience. In this episode, I discuss why life coaching with Kim Johnson and Grounds For Clarity LLC is for everyone. I also discuss my experiences that began from my weekend retreat, having that one conversation with Kim, committing to a four-month-long life coaching journey, investing in myself and my first two weeks.  

Have a conversation by reaching out to Kim through email @ groundsforclarity@protonmail.com

Episode Description

Desiree Loeven- pen name Aby Kittiwake- mother of 3 and married for over 18 years, writes poetry and fosters animals in her spare time.  She belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and her faith means everything to her.  She is diagnosed with ADHD, Major Depressive Disorder, and C-PTSD.

Episode Description

Hi, my name is Jess, I’m a Latina in my mid 30’s I’m a mom & wife, and I am diagnosed with GAD & Panic disorder. It’s an honor to be on here to speak my truths about my mental health & advocate for this movement with James. I want to continue to break the stigmas about mental illness among our communities of people of color. I have my blog called She’s Hiatus. It's my muse of self-expression through my writing from poetry, my life experiences & fictional pieces. I'm also introducing a movement called “she’s hiatus,” which serves as a reminder that it’s essential to stop & smell the roses. Life is full of hustle & bustle. We need to allow ourselves to go hiatus to work on ourselves, do things that we enjoy, be present with ourselves & loved ones by keeping those moments simple, private & just BE. 

Learning how to find balance in life and especially managing our virtual life nowadays is so important for our mental health & overall well-being since it can be so time-consuming. I also feature a remarkable collection of stories from amazing & brave women called “Her Story.” This collective brings a voice to women of color that share their personal life experiences with me & the world. This ongoing project holds great sentimental value with me & it’s an honor to be part of it. 

Please follow my blog & IG: www.sheshiatus.com 

@sheshiatus 

Check out my piece called “Violent waves,” which perfectly describes a panic attack in my perspective in the link below.

Episode Description

47 days.

That is how many days have passed since January 1st, 2021, and I rededicated to sobriety. Today was one of those I hate because there is a lot of self-doubts, self-loathing, and above all, guilt for reaching out to people. It is not my way. I wanted to share some thoughts and where I am when I recorded this episode, which is not a great place. I am here and doing my best, but the pull to alcohol and feeling alone is strong on day 47. Come along for a listen and maybe hear the pain I am in right now and know that you are not alone. 

James Edgar Skye 

Episode Description 

I wanted to share my experiences as James Edgar Skye with the ups, the downs, even the negatives and positives of life. I shared what I went through, which was a lot in 2020, with my mother's loss in December 2019, and it changed my world. I still went through immense pain, and I am trying my best to continue to work on my inner I with living in the now. Life coaching was a major part and was suicidal thoughts that I endured. I felt the feels and was more vulnerable to others outside of me than at any point on this journey.  Join me as I talk about what 2020 meant to me, The Bipolar Writer and James Edgar Skye.

Episode Description

I wanted to share a conscious thought episode that will not be a part of the 50 episodes planned in the first season. This is one of those that is just me, the mic, and the audience. Enjoy!

Episode Description 

Episode Description  

I want to welcome all audiences from around the world to The Bipolar Writer Podcast season one, episode thirteen. Today I get to share a story from Ontario, Canada, and her story of dealing with Bipolar One and Generalized Anxiety. Please listen to Brittany's story of her diagnosis came about, her history, and above all, her unique story. Her journey is her own, and it is always an honor to share the community's stories. Thank you, Brittany, for being a guest. 

Episode Details

 \*disclaimer\* I am not advocating that cutting is right or wrong. For some people, like myself, it is just a way you have to live with when emotional pain becomes unbearable for a good portion of my life. This subject means the world to me. When I look at the scars on my arm, it is a constant reminder of who I was and how far I have come since I was a teenager. It’s a sensitive subject, but I would rather talk about it than push it to the side. Here is my story of how cutting and self-harm was a major part of my life. 

James Edgar Skye 

Episode Eleven 

 Today's episode features an interview with the founder of Grounds for Clarity, Kim Johnson. Kim comes on The Bipolar Writer Podcast at my behest to share her story like all the interviewees that come on and share what she does for a living (life coaching) and sharing her wisdom. Doubt can always creep into our lives, and it can be hard to move on from the past. Kim discusses many essential topics connected to these things that include LivingWorks and how one conversation with her is perhaps what you are looking for right now, in the mental illness community like myself. I have firsthand experience with Kim's brand of life coaching, and it has helped me be aware of life around me, be open to feelings and emotions, be vulnerable, find ways to live in the now, and work on the inner I. What is unique is that life coaching is not telling you what you need but instead giving you the tools you already have within you.  

 Have a conversation by reaching out to Kim through email @ groundsforclarity@protonmail.com  

Episode Details

I wanted to share this small piece about today, January 23th, 2021, that I felt the darkest of thoughts, but I am still here. 

Episode Nine 

This is one of those episodes that makes me happy as it is just me, the mic, the ideas in my head, and you, the audience. On January 1st, 2021, I recommitted to my sobriety after losing five years after my mother's death. Alcoholism has a history in my life, and I discuss how it came into my life, how it is not great to mix alcoholism with mental illness, how I used alcohol as a coping mechanism, and so much more. What I want from these episodes is to learn through my own experiences, and if it reaches one person, then that is okay. I have done what I set out to do. 

This is episode eight of The Bipolar Writer Podcast.

Episode Description

This is episode seven of The Bipolar Writer Podcast.

In this interview episode, it is an honor to have Tiffany on my podcast. New to a diagnosis this summer, Tiffany has dealt with her own childhood trauma and working through it to get to a point where her diagnosis became PTSD and Persistent Depressive Disorder. We discuss life living with a mental illness, how childhood trauma tends to affect us in the mental illness community, how it is to share her story, and living in a pandemic world with a mental illness. Tiffany talks about mental illness being heredity and how her nephew is the light and reason to live each day. Join us as we take a journey through Tiffany's story. 

Fair warning, this will be a different approach than I have ever taken in the time since this blog became a reality. My approach to suicide as it has been in the past changed in October. Suicide is a challenging subject to talk about, and if you are not ready for what I will write here, you may want to stop reading any further. There is nothing wrong or right with suicide. It just is something that happens. I told you it would be different.

In this episode, we discuss the taboo and often overlooked topic of suicide. I take a different perspective than what I have written on my blog before and share some great resources that can help. Tune in for a riveting podcast in this fourth episode of The Bipolar Writer Podcast.

A quick introduction to James Edgar Skye and The Bipolar Writer Podcast.

This podcast is a previously recorded interview with Kim Johnson, the founder of Grounds For Clarity LLC. In this episode, we talk about suicide, life coaching, and what Grounds for Clarity does for those like James, who have lived with suicide in the mental illness community. This interview talks about LIVINGWORKS ASSIST, and we discuss dealing with the challenging topic of suicide and suicidal thoughts in the now moments, and how the safety plan was the most incredible experience while feeling suicidal.

You can contact her @ groundsforclarity@protonmail.com