Living with Depression and Bipolar II: Kristin’s Story of Survival and Healing Through Art

What does it really mean to be living with depression and bipolar II?

In this intimate rebroadcast, Kristin, a published poet and artist, shares her journey through recurring deep depressions, hospitalizations, and the daily fight against suicidal thoughts. She describes how writing, poetry, and art helped her give voice to depression — and how community, medication, and self-expression provided a path forward.

Kristin calls her illness a “terrible gift.” Through her words, she reminds us that while depression is isolating and cruel, there are ways to find value, healing, and even beauty in survival.

If you’ve ever searched for what depression feels like or wondered how to cope with bipolar disorder, Kristin’s story is a reminder that you are not alone — and that healing can come through connection, creativity, and courage.

Link to Kristin poetry: KristinRoedell.wikidot.com

Primary Topics Covered:

• Kristin’s experience living with depression and bipolar II
• How writing and poetry became a lifeline through dark times
• Hospitalizations, suicidal thoughts, and finding support
• Coping with panic attacks and the need for self-compassion
• Why she calls her depression a “terrible gift”
• The role of medication and therapy in bipolar disorder recovery
• How stigma isolates people — and why sharing your voice matters
• Finding beauty, community, and meaning even in suffering

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro: holiday rebroadcast and season update
 02:07 Introducing Kristin: poet, artist, and survivor
 03:12 Depression, worth, and inherent value beyond productivity
 04:30 Living through recurring depressions and survival mindset
 05:14 Coping with panic attacks and social withdrawal
 06:08 Giving voice to depression through poetry and writing
 07:30 The lies depression tells vs. the truth of connection
 08:23 Living with bipolar II: cycles, hypomania, and deep depression
 09:38 Hospitalizations, suicidal thoughts, and finding community
 11:33 Jung’s “shadow” and turning pain into creativity
 12:36 Why she calls depression a “terrible gift”
 13:46 Daily coping: medication, therapy, journaling, and affirmations
 15:32 Kristin shares her poem “I Swallowed Hope That Winter”
 16:58 Reflections on resilience, wisdom, and community
 18:10 Closing thoughts: “Carry on. You are worthy.”

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