Living with Bipolar Disorder: Jennifer Marshall on Stigma, Recovery, and Finding Hope

When Jennifer Marshall first experienced mania, she didn’t know what was happening. Hospitalized on Christmas Day, she began a long journey through bipolar disorder, depression, and the stigma that often comes with a mental health diagnosis.

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Jennifer shares how she went from feeling isolated and involuntarily hospitalized to co-founding This Is My Brave, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing stigma by showcasing personal stories of mental illness through performance art.

Jennifer’s story is raw, real, and hopeful—showing that with the right treatment, self-care, and courage to speak out, it is possible not only to recover but also to use your story to inspire others.

Link to This Is My Brave website: https://thisismybrave.org

Primary Topics Covered:

• Jennifer Marshall’s first manic episode and bipolar disorder diagnosis
• The role of sleep, treatment, and medication in managing symptoms
• Stigma, hospitalization, and the emotional toll of mental illness
• Why she decided to stop hiding and share her story publicly
• The creation of This Is My Brave and its impact on reducing stigma
• How storytelling helps others find hope and light in the darkness
• The courage it takes to move from silence to advocacy

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction from Bridget and Terry
 01:05 – Meet Jennifer Marshall
 01:24 – Jennifer’s first manic episode and hospitalization
 02:09 – Hospitalized on Christmas Day: realizing it was an illness
 02:43 – Diagnosis of bipolar disorder and importance of sleep
 03:28 – Fears about treatment and recovery
 03:55 – Finding the right medication and feeling relief
 04:33 – Struggles with stigma and involuntary hospitalizations
 05:14 – Her father’s tough reminder to stay on medication
 05:25 – Blogging as “The Bipolar Mom” and decision to go public
 05:40 – From anonymous blogger to national advocate
 06:05 – Founding This Is My Brave and using stories to fight stigma
07:05 – The power of hearing and telling stories in recovery
07:22 – Recognizing that bravery comes in many stages
08:52 – The vision: a world where sharing mental health stories is normal
09:13 – Closing reflections and gratitude

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