BipolarLines

Brooke and Laura
  • 4.8 (4)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
BipolarLines

Welcome to BipolarLines with Brooke & Laura! Our goal for this podcast is to provide support and guidance to others who love someone with bipolar disorder. Our husbands were both diagnosed with bipolar disorder 1; we talk about the good, the bad, the ugly, the lessons learned, and share all of our successes. Stick around, sometimes the best things happen when you least expect it.

  1. JAN 29

    S1 E12- Ambiguous grief

    In this episode of BipolarLines, Brooke and Laura delve into the concept of ambiguous grief that occurs when you love someone with bipolar disorder. They explore the emotional turmoil that comes with having a partner who is physically present but mentally absent, and how this affects relationships. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing and processing grief, coping strategies, and the need for understanding and support from friends and family. They also emphasize the significance of education and awareness surrounding mental health issues to foster empathy and compassion. importance of grieving lost expectations, celebrating present moments, and navigating the duality of love and grief. Takeaways: Grieving the relationship you had before the BP diagnosis is a valid process. It's important to allow yourself to feel and process emotions during episodes. Journaling can be a helpful tool for processing feelings and experiences. Grief can manifest differently depending on whether the partner is in a manic or depressive state. Seeking support from others who understand the situation is vital. Education about mental illness can help reduce stigma and promote understanding. Two things can be true at the same time: you can love your partner and grieve the loss of the person you knew. Stigma arises from a lack of understanding about bipolar disorder. Caregivers often feel judged based on their loved one's episodes.It's important to let go of expectations about how loved ones should behave. Celebrating small moments of joy can help shift focus from negativity. Duality of love and grief is a common experience for caregivers.This journey is not a sprint; it's a lifelong process.

    46 min

  2. JAN 15

    S1 E11 - Navigating mood stages

    On S1 E11 of BipolarLines, Brooke and Laura discuss the complexities of navigating relationships during various mood stages.  The conversation emphasizes the need for setting boundaries and if walking on eggshells around a partner during an episode is helpful or hurtful. The hosts discuss their experiences with the fleeting nature of lucidity during episodes. The conversation also touches on the caregiver's perspective, the need for seeking help, and the complexities of communication post-hospitalization. The talk about the importance of patience and grace during recovery, and the impact of intrusive thoughts. The conversation also highlights the differences between intrusive and racing thoughts, emphasizing the need for effective communication strategies when dealing with loved ones experiencing mood disorders. Takeaways Bipolar disorder has distinct mood stages that affect relationships. Establishing a baseline is crucial for effective communication. Manic episodes can lead to impulsive behaviors, including infidelity. Lucidity in bipolar disorder is both confusing and frustrating! Setting boundaries is necessary for both the caregiver and the person with bipolar disorder. Post-hospitalization communication requires sensitivity and patience. Understanding the mental load of depression is incredibly important! Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it is not happening. Communication strategies differ significantly between manic and depressive states. Mania causes structural brain changes. Disassociation is a common coping mechanism during depressive episodes. Intrusive thoughts can lead to suicidal ideations. Racing thoughts differ from intrusive thoughts in their nature. Communication styles must adapt to the mood state of the individual. Validating the illness during depression by not getting help can hinder recovery efforts.

    1h 16m

  3. JAN 1

    S1 E10 - Stable love & laughter

    Happy New Year! In S1 Episode 10 of BipolarLines, Brooke and Laura discuss the positive aspects of their relationships with their spouses who have bipolar disorder. They share more about their relationships and who they fell in love with. This episode might be best suited with a glass of wine or sparkling water, whatever your choice of beverage might be! Through personal stories, they highlight the beauty of love and candid reflections. You are going to learn some new things about both hosts, so stick around and cheers to a new year of looking ahead to new beginnings in 2025!  TAKEWAYS: There is a lack of positive content about bipolar disorder. Understanding personality types can enhance relationships. Humor can play a crucial role in coping with challenges. Authenticity is a gift that fosters deeper connections. Love and connection can thrive despite challenges. Don't judge a book by its cover; love can surprise you. Past experiences can shape how we view new relationships. Love can blossom in unexpected places. The importance of communication in relationships cannot be overstated. Children can have a profound impact on adult relationships. Finding excitement in life can come from various sources.

    1h 7m

  4. 12/18/2024

    How to get in contact with us

    This week, we are taking a week off due to the holidays and personal reasons but will be back to drop a fresh episode next week. Find us in our private facebook group: Bipolar Lines Pod Find Laura on Tiktok or IG under the handle @thebpspouse Find Brooke on Tiktok under the handle @break_thestigma

    1 min

  5. 12/04/2024

    S1 E9- Telling kids about the illness

    In this episode of BipolarLines, Brooke and Laura discuss some strategies to help communicate with children about the other parent's bipolar disorder diagnosis. They explore the importance of education, open dialogue, and the use of resources like children's books to help kids understand mental illness. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents to empower their children through knowledge, set boundaries during episodes, and create safe communication signals within the family. They explore generational shifts in attitudes towards therapy and their experiences as kids. TAKEAWAYS: - Biblio therapy can help children understand mental illness. - Open dialogue about mental illness reduces shame and blame. - Children need to know about their parent's mental illness to feel safe. - Using children's books can bridge the gap in understanding. - Empowering children through education helps them cope better. - Setting boundaries during episodes is crucial for family dynamics. - Non-verbal communication signals can help children navigate difficult situations. - It's important to validate children's feelings about their parent's illness. - Therapy can be beneficial for children dealing with a parent's mental health issues. - Teaching kids about boundaries helps them in all relationships. - Recognizing red flags in relationships is vital for self-worth. - Education about mental health is necessary for children. - Open communication can alleviate fears about mental illness. - It's okay to not have all the answers as a parent. - Following through on boundaries is key to their effectiveness.

    48 min

  6. 11/20/2024

    S1 E8- Navigating the Holidays

    In this episode of BipolarLines, Brooke and Laura talk about how to prepare for the holiday season! They share personal experiences, coping strategies, and the importance of setting boundaries to protect mental health during this often stressful time. The conversation emphasizes the figuring out what preparation looks like for you, understanding triggers, and the significance of open communication within families. The duo also highlights the importance of taking up space and not adhering to toxic family traditions, encouraging listeners to prioritize their well-being during the holidays. Takeaways: • Navigating the holidays can be particularly challenging for those with mental illness. • Preparation for potential triggers is essential during the holiday season. • Family dynamics can significantly impact mental health during the holidays. • Not all holiday traditions are healthy; it's okay to break them. • Taking up space and asserting one's needs is a right everyone has. • The holiday season can bring up past traumas and emotional challenges.It's a journey of learning and adapting to ensure mental well-being.

    57 min

  7. 11/06/2024

    S1 E7- Is my person in an episode?

    In this episode of BipolarLines, Brooke and Laura discuss the complexities of identifying whether a loved one with bipolar disorder is in an episode. They share personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual behaviors, recognizing triggers, and maintaining open communication. The conversation highlights the emotional challenges faced by partners, the impact of external factors like work, and the necessity of setting boundaries for self-care. They also touch on the role of PTSD in navigating these situations and reflect on personal growth and resilience in the face of mental health challenges. In this conversation, Brooke and Laura delve into the complexities of navigating relationships affected by mental health issues, particularly bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. They explore emotional responses, the influence of substances, and the dynamics of communication during challenging times. The conversation concludes with reflections on the ongoing journey of managing mental health within relationships and the resources available for support.

    51 min

  8. 10/23/2024

    S1 E6- Outside the Lines with Matt

    In this episode of Bipolar Lines, hosts Brooke and Laura engage in a heartfelt conversation with Matt, who shares his journey of loving leaving his person with a bipolar disorder diagnosis. The discussion covers the complexities of relationships affected by mental illness, including the challenges of navigating mania and depression, the importance of support systems, and the impact on family dynamics. Matt reflects on his experiences, offering insights into coping strategies and the necessity of understanding mental health. The episode emphasizes the need for open communication, education, and compassion in relationships where bipolar disorder is present. Takeaways • Matt shares his experience of being married for 23 years to someone with bipolar disorder. • The importance of addressing mental health issues early to prevent escalation. • Understanding the signs of mania can help in managing relationships. • Matt emphasizes the need for support systems for both partners in a relationship. • The impact of bipolar disorder on family dynamics is significant and requires careful navigation. • Communication is key; using softer language can help in difficult conversations. • Therapy can provide valuable insights and coping strategies for partners of those with bipolar disorder. • Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining mental health in relationships affected by bipolar disorder. • Matt highlights the importance of self-care for caregivers in these situations. • The episode underscores the need for education about bipolar disorder for families and loved ones.

    42 min
See All (24)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to BipolarLines with Brooke & Laura! Our goal for this podcast is to provide support and guidance to others who love someone with bipolar disorder. Our husbands were both diagnosed with bipolar disorder 1; we talk about the good, the bad, the ugly, the lessons learned, and share all of our successes. Stick around, sometimes the best things happen when you least expect it.

Information

  • Creator
    Brooke and Laura
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Brooke and Laura
  • Show Website
    BipolarLines

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada