Bipolar Recovery Journey: From Suicide Attempt to Ten Years of Progress

How do we measure progress when living with a lifelong mental health condition? For Rebecca Lombardo, turning 50 offered the perspective to look back and recognize just how far she’s come.

Ten years ago, she was in the hospital after a suicide attempt. Today, she’s celebrating a decade without self-harm, publishing books, connecting with community, and sharing her story to fight stigma.

In this candid conversation, Rebecca reflects on the realities of living with bipolar disorder—the hard days, the coping tools, and the support from her husband Joe that helped her move forward. She also talks about why positive self-talk, patience, and self-care are crucial parts of recovery, alongside therapy and medication.

This episode is a powerful reminder that progress is possible, even when depression tells us otherwise.

Link to the free Kindle version of Rebecca's book: https://bit.ly/47A7FvO

Rebecca's website: www.rebeccaalombardo.com

Primary Topics Covered:

• Rebecca’s milestone of 10 years without self-harm or hospitalization
• Why progress can be hard to recognize day to day
• The lies of depression: feeling like a burden and unworthy of life
• The importance of positive self-talk and communication with loved ones
• How her suicide attempt changed her perspective on survival and love
• The role of therapy, medication, and ongoing self-work in bipolar recovery
• Using workbooks, education, and peer connection as coping tools
• Why self-care and patience are critical for long-term stability
• How sharing her story helps fight stigma and support others

Timestamps:

00:11 Introduction to the episode and Rebecca’s return
 02:03 Rebecca on turning 50 and reflecting on a decade of progress
 02:57 Realizing it had been 10 years since hospitalization and self-harm
 03:57 Finding the right doctor after 25 years of searching
 05:05 Why it’s hard to see progress when depression dominates thoughts
 06:44 The lies of depression: believing others have better, more attainable lives
 07:28 Celebrating milestones like publishing her book and helping others
 07:39 Misunderstandings of her younger self: feeling like a burden
 08:38 Positive self-talk and communication as recovery tools
 09:56 Remembering her suicide attempt and its impact on her husband Joe
 11:26 Choosing life for herself and future possibilities
 12:08 Learning that medication is only part of recovery—self-work is essential
 13:27 Online learning, peer groups, and writing as healing practices
 14:44 Milestones from age 40 to 50: progress, growth, and hope
 16:33 Advice to listeners: patience, self-awareness, and self-care
 18:23 Rebecca’s blog reminder: don’t settle for the wrong doctor, keep searching
 19:00 Why workbooks and therapy together can be powerful tools
 20:41 The value of guidance, accountability, and professional support
 22:19 Closing reflections and transition to Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

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