A Journey of Teen Bipolar Disorder (Nicole Howson)

Today’s episode of Hope to Recharge is sponsored by https://Betterhelp.com/hopetorecharge.  Betterhelp.com is the world’s leading provider of online therapy. Their mission is to make professional counseling accessible, affordable, and convenient, so anyone who struggles with life’s challenges can get help, anytime, anywhere. Head to https://Betterhelp.com/hopetorecharge for 10% off your first month of services. IMPORTANT: Be sure to click this link in order to get the 10% off code. ————————————————————————— Growing up, Nichole and her family knew she was different; something just seemed “off.” But she wouldn’t get diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder until she was 20 years old. As a young child, she assumed everyone was having a similar inner experience to hers, so she didn’t even think to ask for help. Her parents didn’t understand how much was going on in her brain. During a manic episode, Nichole left home and moved in with a boy several hours away. When the mania subsided, she found herself in the deepest depression of her life. She took herself to the hospital many times, and was turned away every time before finally getting admitted for attempting suicide and being taken home by her parents. It can be difficult to be taken seriously when you go to the hospital with any condition. Taking someone along with you who can support and advocate for you, especially when you are not feeling well enough to speak up for your needs, can literally be a life saver. Nichole took us back to her childhood where she never felt at home with her peers. She preferred the company of teachers and other adults in her life. She begged her mom to homeschool her, but her family was unable to do so. Her struggle with social anxiety and bullying caused her to do whatever she could to hide. One of the most important things we can do to help ourselves or others who are struggling with mental illness is simply to talk about it. Have the conversation; bring it to light. No one has ever healed from pretending to be okay. Boundaries are also so important, whether in-person or online. Don’t be afraid to unfriend or unfollow or at least mute people. More importantly, surround yourself with loved ones and social media accounts that make you feel uplifted and healthy. You don’t have to keep following people or accounts that are no longer relevant or helpful to you. Finding the right medication can be such a struggle, and it took Nichole 7 years to reach this point where she feels stable AND doesn’t have negative side effects. Persistence is key. Don’t give up. Human support is also so important. Being part of a support group teaches you about your condition from the perspectives of people who are experiencing it and can not only relate to you, but also warn you about something you might experience later. Above all, don’t give up. There is always another beacon of hope around the corner. ————————————————————————— Work 1 on 1 with Matana - With our 1 on 1 coaching program, you can work directly with Matana. Get a free 30-minute fitting tryout call to see if this is right for you. You do not have to walk through your mental health struggle alone. Because as always, together is better! There is no substitute for a listening ear. Get Your Free 30 Minute, 1 on 1 Consultation Today. https://hopetorecharge.com/1on1/ ————————————————————————— As we all know, sharing can help others. We are here to support each other and to learn from each other. In mental health, Together is better. If you need more support in your mental health journey please reach out to us in our private Facebook group. ————————————————————————— Interested in joining our monthly Mastermind Group?  Find out more info here! www.hopetorecharge.com/Mastermind ————————————————————————— Connect with Nicole: Instagram: @nicholehowson Facebook: Nichole Howson Mental Health Blog: Defying Shadows The Mighty Profile: Nichole Howson Business Website: aimsmmarketing.com ————————————————————————— Quotes “I just assumed everybody felt the same way, and I didn’t understand how everyone was functioning”. @NicholeHowson #HopetoRecharge “Talking about it won’t cause it to happen… if we’re talking about depression or anxiety or self-harm… it brings to light the people who are struggling. It’s not causing it; it’s helping them”. @NicholeHowson #HopetoRecharge “We work really hard to heal… It’s not like we get to the finish of healing and, “Ok, we’re all better.” It's every day. Every day is a healing journey for us because we choose to live a healthy life”. @MatanaJacobs #HopetoRecharge “I wish every person that was struggling would be able to get the support they need without having to fight for it”. @NicholeHowson #HopetoRecharge “Don’t give up. There is help out there; we just have to get it for you”. @NicholeHowson #HopetoRecharge ————————————————————————— Topics Discussed Growing up with bipolar (and not knowing it) Boundaries Social media toxicity Medication and support groups Hope ————————————————————————— Suicide Hotlines: USA: 1-800-273-8255 USA Crisis (Text): 741-741 Canada: 1-833-456-4566 United Kingdom: 116-123 Australia: 13-11-14 International Suicide Hotlines: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines ————————————————————————— Connect with us! 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