I'm always on the lookout for ways to help share get the word out about what living with a particular mental health challenge is like, from as many perspectives as possible, and being able to chat with Anja is surely going to help reach so many, especially those who are young adults and parents who's children are growing up and heading out on their own.
Anja is a blogger and advocate for Mental Health, and a recent graduate of UNC, Chapel Hill, where she studied Psychology, and is now looking to begin her career in addition to continuing her current advocacy work.
As outlined on her blog, "She often writes about mania, depression, and anxiety, from a first-person perspective. Being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (Type 1) 2 years ago has given her insight into the struggles many face with finding the right diagnosis, treatment, and providers. She hopes that sharing her story will create more open, honest conversations about mental health, fighting the stigma one conversation at a time. Lately, she has been exploring new ways to be an advocate, including getting involved in a podcast, guest posts, and vlogging."
Her blog, The Calculating Mind, is her thoughts on living with Bipolar, Depression, and Mania, written from a unique and insightful point of view. As I read through several of her recent articles, it gives me a sense that Anja writes with the intent of telling it like it is, and not sugar coating the challenges or what she feels needs to be changed. Her blog was also recently nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award! Congrats, Anja!
Some of the topics we cover during her podcast include:
FIRST SIGNS OF DEPRESSION: What were the first signs that what you were experiencing was more severe than a typical "low" period? How did you know that it was depression, not merely sadness?
BIPOLAR DIAGNOSIS: When did you realize that your diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder was inaccurate? What were signs of bipolar disorder? How did you react (i.e. denial, sad, angry, relieved)?
IMPACT OF ILLNESS ON COLLEGE: How did being depressed or manic impact your academic life (i.e. exams, grades)? --This could also be asked about impact on family, friendships, relationships, etc
HOSPITALIZATIONS: From your experience (hospitalizations), what do you believe are some misconceptions the general public has about psychiatric wards? What did you think the hospitalization would be like (i.e. Were you scared to be admitted)? How did your perception of those with "severe mental illnesses", such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, change during your hospital stay?
RECOVERY: What has helped you get back to "baseline" level? Medications? Therapy? Support networks? Coping mechanisms?
ONLINE MENTAL HEALTH COMMUNITY: You are an active member of the mental health community online. What got you started? Why do you continue to be active with mental health blogging and social media? What is your overall goal (i.e. fighting stigma, psychoeducation)?
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: What is your outlook regarding your future and your condition? Are you concerned about relapsing? Are you keeping a more positive outlook? Given your past episodes and what you know now, do you feel better prepared for another episode, should it happen?
If you are in college, have a child in college or perhaps getting ready to head off to school soon, you'll definitely want to check out Anja's perspective on how these diagnoses changed her life, a
Is it Time to Get Help for Your Mental Health?
Essential Employees - Tips and Strategies for Dealing with Overwhelm, Stress, and Uncertainty
Tips for Dealing with Anxiety and Worry during Isolation and Uncertain Times
What We Learned in Therapy and How We Continue to Heal.
Using Creative Expression to Navigate PTSD and Heal, with Amy Oestreicher
Gratitude and Forgiveness, Essential Aspects of Healing and Empowerment, with Lisa Cybaniak
Re-Victimized, the Risk of Sharing Your Trauma Story with Family, with Miranda Pacchiana
The Rule of 7, How Narcissists Use Repetition to Manipulate You, with Kim Saeed
There is No Shame in Recovery from Addiction, with Lisa Boucher
Taking Charge of Your Trauma Narrative, with Dorothy Pierre-Joseph.
Navigating Daily Life and Continued Healing, after Sharing Your Survivor Story, with Larry Ruhl.
Self-Esteem and Reframing Negative Core Beliefs in Healing from Complex PTSD.
Childhood Trauma, Addiction, and the Hope of Recovery, with Tricia Moceo
Living with BPD, One Hourly Battle at a Time, with Jody Betty
A Diagnosis She Would Not Accept, and a Holistic Approach that Changed Her Life.
"Feel to Heal", Integrative Wellness for Healing and Life, with Delisa Richardson
Chronic Suicidality, It's Always on the Table...with Frank King
Healing from Abusive Therapy, It's Not Your Fault.
Understanding the Needs of a Community after a Mass Shooting, with Melissa Glaser
Living Your Best Life through Healing Your Past, with Karen Cesario Rizzo
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Meaningful Life with Andrew G. Marshall
Heal, Survive & Thrive!
A Voice In The Darkness
BPLUS بیپلاس پادکست فارسی خلاصه کتاب
The Jordan Harbinger Show