0104 - Advocacy in the Face of Mental Illness and Loss - Bipolar Relationships
Do you wish you had someone to understand what you're going through or have been through?
Temple Leffingwell reflects on the resilience of the human heart never ceases to amaze me, particularly when it comes to the intricate dance of love and bipolar disorder.
As I sit with the memory of my mother, who left us on a quiet October day, I'm reminded of the bittersweet symphony of emotions that her journey with bipolar disorder composed in our lives. This episode is an intimate reflection on the highs and lows, the vibrant energy of hypomanic phases, and the adjustments required as these episodes became fewer and further between. It's a conversation about the complexities of caregiving, the importance of support systems, and the delicate balance of advocating for someone when they're at their most vulnerable.
Through the trenches of personal crisis, this discussion takes you by the hand and walks you through the challenges of caring for a loved one amidst the storm of mental health and critical medical issues. The narrative unfolds as I share the struggle of advocating for my mother's health, her hesitations, and the nuances of tough negotiations with an uncooperative patient. It's a tribute to the unyielding power of protective love, the commitment it demands, and the strength required to push through the darkness of a family crisis exacerbated by mental illness.
Closing this chapter on a poignant note, I lay bare the emotional journey of grief and the continued responsibility of advocacy, even when the spotlight is upon us. My personal battles with PTSD and anxiety serve as a testament to the resilience we muster in the face of adversity. This episode seeks to offer solace, understanding, and resources for those who find themselves navigating the unpredictable waters of bipolar relationships or the echoing absence they leave behind. It's a commitment to education, to support, and to the protective love that binds us, even through the most trying of times.
Three Questions That This Episode Answers:
1. How does love influence the management and advocacy for someone with bipolar disorder?
2. What are the challenges and strategies for caregiving in t
Connect with Temple
Templeleffingwell@gmail.com
Instagram
Facebook
Amazon / Kindle
"Whoops, I Married Bipolar: An Inside Look at A Real Relationship with Mental Illness"
Book / AudioBook
Links
Heart Healers
Brain Gang
Major Transformation
Healing Foundation
90 Minute One on One
Post Production for I Married Bipolar is done by:
...
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free