Bipolar and Depression Coping Strategies: Ben’s Honest Mental Health Journey

Depression is full of contradictions: loneliness mixed with withdrawal, hunger without appetite, the need for support alongside the fear of asking for it.

In this episode, Ben, a 28-year-old Brooklyn artist living with both bipolar disorder and depression, shares his story of navigating those contradictions while learning how to give and receive help.

He describes how changes in medication once triggered a major depressive episode, how he built a toolbox of coping strategies (including therapy, biking, and mindfulness), and why it’s so important to create a support game plan when you’re well—so friends and family know how to help when things get hard.

Ben also speaks about the risks of suppressing emotions, past trauma, and the courage it takes to be open about needs before reaching a crisis. His story offers practical tools and honest insights for anyone living with depression—or supporting someone who is.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Ben’s lived experience with bipolar disorder and depression
• Why medication changes can trigger major depressive episodes
• Building a personalized coping “toolbox” (CBT, biking, yoga, mindfulness)
• The contradictions of depression (wanting connection but avoiding people, hungry but not eating)
• The difficulty and importance of asking for help
• Creating a support game plan before a depressive episode hits
• The “inner tube” metaphor for suppressed emotions and why release matters
• How past trauma shapes current mental health challenges
• Why timing and compassion are key in supporting someone with depression

Timestamps

00:10 Introduction to Ben’s story
 01:02 Why Ben rescheduled due to depression
 01:24 The impact of medication changes on mood stability
 02:08 Managing depression like “untangling Christmas lights”
 02:19 Ben’s coping toolbox: CBT, biking, yoga, daily practices
 03:20 Contradictions of depression: loneliness, hunger, withdrawal
 03:49 The challenge of asking for help when you need it most
 04:17 Learning that despair is temporary
 05:18 Why timing matters when offering support
 05:29 Creating a support game plan during stable times
06:46 Why talking about depression while well is most effective
07:55 The relief of check-ins without pressure
08:22 The “inner tube” metaphor for suppressed emotions
09:04 Past trauma and its lasting effects on mental health
10:00 Reflections on healing, coping, and self-care
10:43 Closing thanks and lessons from Ben’s story
11:14 Final reminder: speak up if you’re hurting, listen up if someone else is

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