Navigating Bipolar Disorder with Briony Davies: Insights, Complexities, Challenges, and Support

In this episode, Allegra, a trauma-informed bodyworker, speaks with Briony Davies, a passionate mental health advocate who has lived with bipolar disorder since 2013. 
 
 Briony, who transformed her personal experiences into a source of strength and empowerment, discusses the complexities of bipolar disorder, including its different types, the challenges in getting an accurate diagnosis, and the disorder's intersection with neurodivergence and trauma. The conversation covers the impact of bipolar disorder on relationships, the importance of support systems, the effects of substance misuse, and the significant role of sleep and perimenopause. 
 
 Briony candidly shares her personal journey, highlighting the stigmatization faced by individuals with mental health conditions and offering strategies for managing the disorder, including the importance of a strong support network and self-care practices. The episode aims to educate and inspire listeners, providing valuable insights into living with bipolar disorder.
 
 00:00 Introduction to the Episode
 02:05 Understanding Bipolar Disorder
 03:53 Personal Experiences with Mania
 09:02 Challenges of Bipolar II
 17:16 Gender Differences in Bipolar Disorder
 23:56 Impact of Trauma and Addiction
 43:17 The Long Road to Diagnosis
 53:57 Struggles with Medication and Addiction
 55:24 Misdiagnosis and Overlapping Symptoms
 56:49 Challenges in Mental Health Support
 58:14 Impact of Childhood Experiences
 01:01:04 Neurodivergence and Bipolar Disorder
 01:03:40 Systemic Issues in Mental Health Care
 01:11:28 Grief and Bipolar Disorder
 01:15:05 Advice for the Newly Diagnosed
 01:20:14 Perimenopause and Bipolar Disorder
 01:26:26 Invisible Disabilities and Discrimination
 01:33:26 Supporting Someone with Bipolar Disorder

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