Episode 6 - Can Self-Advocacy REALLY Save Your Life?

Overcoming Undiagnosed Bipolar Disorder: John's Journey

In this episode of the Wellness Education Network, we are joined by John Dickson, who shares his inspiring story of living much of his life with undiagnosed bipolar type 2 disorder and obstructive sleep apnea. John discusses his challenging journey, including a suicide attempt, and his path to recovery aided by technology, resources, and advocacy for his mental health. He highlights the importance of self-advocacy, the benefits of various therapies, and the vital role of mindfulness and mental health resources. John's personal insights and experiences offer hope and valuable knowledge for anyone navigating their own mental health journey.

CMHA:

https://cmha.ca/

Lakeridge Health:

https://www.lakeridgehealth.on.ca/en/index.asp

The Mindful Way Through Depression:

https://www.amazon.ca/Mindful-Way-through-Depression-Unhappiness/dp/1593851286

Mind Over Mood:

https://www.amazon.ca/Mind-Over-Mood-Second-Changing/dp/1462520421/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wICzxhQQQmnrRbLH-MK7pTgOEYYYJKGdUOJYcrr0Qkkd5DKNjb4-PxFSzGa1lcUOvPL7K6c_uJ1tm4iJlF38NUpWmMGzsqxM4_JCgrC7mBFbASllAR7ka4SU8NhHsJlMCuNRfxI-BneRlNMt-xvd0odKSGm6Sx-3FHCHLszgqz82yx3CCTL9YfTJqyXlaFmsE5sgUBmHJPIgsKCKKP1AGRxHfpouofGSjRHAx8aLh61WtVuba2QuESmLPhrABCbOkvCEgLNDWpiRcePVz78QtMVzMfb2IByVRJ82bXTKtqTE107vW7C1JAiJ70QN4HQjx4lW5PcHjDG7pWta2aIfAnSH8aBSrPim2QMZYz5VpfTNOYnwGtlxE7cZ37OXxphi6SUqFOC3ewnG8WhUPWZu1qqtKImH3e5FBvLpX19XbEni1Kbbeca4N3XvJhoCpg6g.UQ017x4bg-nxfJKMdu0HdGyibyBm0K_GIsiFxBX-2BI&dib_tag=se&hvadid=599427856976&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9194621&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=12430580273919065142&hvtargid=kwd-299779588991&hydadcr=14948_13429910&keywords=mind+over+mood&qid=1736188961&sr=8-1

Mindfulness Integrated CBT:

https://www.amazon.ca/Mindfulness-integrated-CBT-Principles-Bruno-Cayoun/dp/0470974958/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RH7zUg-wosVyWyj5wX4W8NTEY9LNa-T2OLdR70OiTc3nudubESbcrAzUIL0RlfbMot7fMBm8HbS_1oUpc6DoYeivcSEHyntvV1jMZSKliccTGDvkJdGFuJ54XQHSUTh-tuyYv4jwPRGAGCyK_WQ1VFDLxjMD4QUwcWchmYJ_Qfb48gWd0dKd8cFJqAHmEal3cEfOfzRTeJynsg0wnNSGS_PWbZC4kMRlHXaRXFToy7vn8mir4M-_zPVB2lhG8K812eMOjXsFPJ3n6Fom1g__3TfXmyP4fPmgJDP18X9vziC-UW_wSlIBOqL1ssYYanMgEF4M1R4JwMkRaPZdGTqNTM7EYzxR3brUrFdKXaSbLb8HJll6JEcYY6VFEhcjyUXtGpd9ZOCE5GWu-goYI3WPGUhQovwSArAwVv7-K65DSTlqoiWSEXs_KEnIuCay12Hl.GR9uPy6lD913yrhnQptpHPC3PP1MF12bxHeMUxiHldY&dib_tag=se&hvadid=588248971123&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9194621&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14557221822007456444&hvtargid=kwd-305936149892&hydadcr=14981_13396735&keywords=mindfulness+integrated+cbt&qid=1736189085&sr=8-3

Bear Room App:

https://bearroom.co/

00:00 Advocating for Mental Health: Lessons from John Dickson

02:26 John's Struggles Begin

03:36 Understanding Bipolar Disorder

05:33 Hypomania Explained

07:56 A Dangerous Trip to Sydney

11:06 Suicide Attempt and Aftermath

15:56 Seeking Help and Finding CMHA

18:19 Challenges with the Mental Health System

23:57 Medication and Therapy

27:32 Living with Bipolar Disorder

35:05 Seeking Alternative Therapies

37:05 Day Treatment Program Experience

38:13 Diagnosis Update and Medication Challenges

43:27 Struggles with Group Therapy

51:19 One-on-One Therapy Insights

01:02:51 Advocacy and Self-Care

01:07:06 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

 

Learn more about wellness education at:

https://wellnessproductionscanada.ca

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