BipolarLines

In S1 E25 of BipolarLines, Brooke and Laura engage in an honest conversation about what is happening in their life and their current struggles. They explore the story of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne as a case study of love amidst struggles with substance use disorder and mental health, while also discussing the societal perceptions of such relationships. The conversation emphasizes the importance of u...

In S1 E24 of BipolarLines, Brooke andLaura talk about how careers or jobs can be challenging for people with the diagnosis of BP1. They explore the impact of medication, triggers, and the necessity of flexibility in employment. Hosts encourage spouses, partners, andloved ones to dissect how the person is affected by their job to determine what works and doesn't work for their person. The conve...

In S1 E23 of BipolarLines, hosts Brooke and Laura discuss the importance of finding the right therapist that works for you and understands the adventures of loving someone with Bipolar Disorder. They share personal experiences, insights on how to navigate therapy dynamics, and the significance of education in understanding mental health. The conversation emphasizes the need to overcome stigmas sur...

In S1 E22 of BipolarLines, Brooke and Laura host a special 2nd time guest! Brooke's husband Jeremy sits down for what turned out to be an adventurous multipart recording situation! It's a long one, but a great conversation that you don't want to miss! From the complexities of living with bipolar disorder, exploring the intersection of mental health and substance use, the role of DBT sk...

In S1 E20 of BipolarLines, Brooke and Laura start the conversation about causes of Bipolar Disorder and how genetics, substance abuse, and the impact of life events impacts this diagnosis. They share personal experiences, including challenges with rapid cycling and the importance of medication management. But...plot twist, Brooke's husband came in and they decided to pivot! Stick around for anothe...

In S1 E19 of BipolarLines, hosts Brooke and Laura talk through the components of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)! Brooke expresses some of her personal experiences and insights with using DBT skills and talks about how this type of therapy would benefit loved ones and the diagnosed! The conversation emphasizes the need for practice and understanding in utilizing DBT skills, as well as the res...

In S1 E19 of BipolarLines, Brooke and Laura discuss the myths and misconceptions surrounding bipolar disorder but they also talk about trauma, masking during episodes, narcissistic tendencies, and more. It's another great conversation with many side roads taken, so stick around and let the hosts know your thoughts about the episode! Takeaways - Bipolar disorder is often misunderstood due to my...

In S1 E18 of BipolarLines, Brooke and Laura discuss the challenges of caregiver burnout that comes with loving someone with bipolar disorder. They explore coping strategies, the importance of creating action plans, and the impact of external factors on mental health. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care and the unique dynamics of caregiving relationships, highlighting the importance...

S1 Episode 17 of BipolarLines, Brooke and Laura are going back to the basics and talking about the importance of educating yourself about Bipolar Disorder. In this conversation, Brooke and Laura delve into the complexities of understanding bipolar disorder, emphasizing the importance of education and curiosity in navigating relationships affected by this mental illness. They discuss the severity o...

In S1 Episode 16 of BipolarLines, Brooke and Laura delve into the complexities of psychosis, particularly in the context of bipolar disorder. They discuss the confusion and challenges faced by both the individual experiencing psychosis and their loved ones. The conversation covers personal experiences with hospitalization and the universal approach to communicating with a loved one during a psycho...

In this episode of Bipolar Lines, Brooke and Laura discuss the complexities of living with bipolar disorder, particularly focusing on bipolar depression. They explore the emotional and physical symptoms associated with depressive episodes, the importance of understanding the differences between bipolar depression and major depression, and the challenges faced by loved ones. The conversation emphas...

S1 E13 of BipolarLines, hosts Brooke and Laura discuss the complexities of living with a partner who has bipolar disorder, focusing on the topic of hypersexuality during manic episodes and the impact of affairs. They share personal experiences, insights, and coping strategies for navigating the challenges that arise in relationships affected by bipolar disorder. The conversation emphasizes the imp...

This week’s episode is delayed & will drop next week. So sorry for the delay, but life happens!

In S1 E13 of BipolarLines, Brooke and Laura talk about medication and their experiences over the years managing medications for bipolar disorder. They share personal situations that highlighted the necessity of medication and how meds tie back to deal breakers in their relationships. The conversation also touches on genetic testing for medication suitability and the challenges of communication wit...

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, a...

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 c...

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 th...

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

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, s...

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...

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 externa...

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 dynam...

In this episode of Bipolar Lines, Brooke and Laura discuss the complexities of navigating relationships when your partner has bipolar disorder. They explore the impact of stigma, the importance of education, and the necessity of setting boundaries to protect loved ones. The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication, self-advocacy, and the role of supportive friendships in managing th...

In this episode of BipolarLines, hosts Brooke and Laura discuss the coping strategies they deploy when their spouses are in an active bipolar episode. The conversation emphasizes the significance of communication, boundaries, and educating yourself about the illness. Brooke and Laura also share some insight about how they came about learning about bipolar disorder and how that aligns with their so...

In episode 3, Brooke and Laura discuss their personal experiences around setting boundaries and why it is crucial when you love someone with bipolar disorder. They emphasize the importance of self-love and self-worth, basically knowing you are worthy and respected by your person so that you can enforce boundaries. They remind the dear listeners that boundaries exist so you can love yourself and so...