Psychiatrist Dr. Joanna Jarecki shares a powerful story of living with bipolar disorder - from spiralling into depression to being taken to hospital in handcuffs during mania. Dr. Jarecki reveals how her experience with bipolar I disorder turned her to psychiatry to help others in their recovery journey, and delivers a heartfelt message of hope that living well with bipolar disorder is possible. Hosted by Dr. Erin Michalak.

(00:00) Introduction (01:52) Growing Up & Early Signs (03:01) First Depressive Episode: "My World Was Ending" (08:14) Mania: Grandiosity & Delusions (10:52) Handcuffs & Hospitalization: "Fighting for My Life" (15:02) The Aftermath: Shame, Treatment & Rebuilding (21:49) Bipolar Disorder Made Me a Better Psychiatrist (26:43) Why Recovery Is Possible (30:58) What Psychiatrists Fail to Understand (37:57) "I Promise You, Things Will Get Better" (40:17) Thank Yous & Unconditional Acceptance

Dr. Joanna Jarecki is a Psychiatrist with interests in Mood Disorders, ADHD, Maternal/Peri-natal mental health, and physician health, and an Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. Her clinical approach has been influenced by her own lived experience with Bipolar Disorder, Type I, and her journey of recovery. Through this journey, and witnessing the recoveries of many patients, she has learned that people with bipolar disorder can flourish and live a full and meaningful life. She is passionate about sharing her story with the intention that it gives hope to others living with BD.

More on this episode: https://talkBD.live/bipolar-psychiatrist

#talkBD Bipolar Disorder Podcast talkBD gathers researchers, people with lived experience, healthcare providers, and top bipolar disorder experts from around the world to discuss and answer the most important questions about living with bipolar disorder.

Learn more about talkBD: ⁠⁠⁠https://talkBD.live