S5. Episode 2: What I Learned About My Bipolar Disorder While Traveling Abroad – Show Notes

7. Understanding and Overcoming Shame: Insights, Strategies, and Personal Stories – Distressed to Joyful; Bailey's Way

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Tune in as I reveal what I learned about my bipolar disorder while traveling abroad and spending 6 consecutive weeks living in India. I get vulnerable and tell you the mistakes I made, while also discussing the solutions that I’ve come up with in order to help myself be more prepared to better manage my bipolar disorder on my next travel adventure. You’ll leave this episode both feeling inspired and equipped to get out there and explore this big, beautiful world we live in!

How to Manage Bipolar Disorder While Traveling

• Know your limits. On my most recent trip abroad, I learned that I can only be away from home for a maximum of 3 weeks. You might have to do some trial trips to learn what your maximum is, but once you figure it out, keep it in mind for future travel adventures. 
• Ensure that you have plenty of activities scheduled. “An idle mind is the devil’s playground“, meaning the less you have planned to do, the more time you have available for depression to sneak its way in. Therefore, if you, like me, struggle with the depression side of bipolar disorder, I highly recommend that you schedule a couple activities per day in order to keep yourself entertained. 
• Establish a plan to make certain that you’ll take your daily meds as required. Set a daily alarm, place your meds somewhere to help remind you to take them (such as next to your toothbrush or near wherever you keep your hotel/lodging keys). Just a friendly reminder that skipping medication doses can throw you off balance, and the last place you want to experience this is while you’re traveling. 
• Do your research and plan a few healthy meals throughout the trip. While it may seem enticing to eat all the local sweets and fried foods that you might come across, your body will thank you for choosing to eat at least a few healthy, veggie-filled meals throughout your time traveling. 
• Try to get some sort of exercise in each day. Walking is exercise! I repeat, WALKING IS EXERCISE! Therefore, if you plan to spend an afternoon or an entire day sightseeing on foot, you’ve already got your exercise covered! Check out this article on the National Library of Medicine to learn more about how exercise can help improve mental health. 

Celebrities with Bipolar Disorder

As promised, I have compiled a list of famous people who have openly disclosed that they have a bipolar disorder diagnosis. And I was right – both Demi Lovato AND Selena Gomez are famous people who have bipolar disorder! Whew! I found all of those listed below via two articles – one article was found on WebMD titled Celebrities with Bipolar Disorder and the other titled, Celebrities who have spoken out about living with bipolar disorder, was found on Page Six. I hope this helps you feel less alone!

• Mariah Carey
• Carrie Fisher
• Kanye West
• Bebe Rexha
• Mel Gibson
• Demi Lovato
• Russell Brand
• Selena Gomez

Resources

• If you’re struggling to understand what depression feels like, tune into Season 3. Episode 11: This is What Depression Feels Like to hear me get super vulnerable about how depression affects me personally 
• Also, tune into Season 4, Episode 2: Bipolar Disorder & Sensory Overload to learn more about this side of bipolar disorder that is often overlooked
• I talked about India a LOT during this episode. If you’re curious about Indian culture or are thinking about planning a future trip to this incredible country, check out What to Expect on Your First Trip to India
• Here’s an article that backs up my statement about India becoming the country with the largest population in the world as of 2022
• If you’d like to take a look at the Valentine’s Day themed romper I was wearing while I recorded this episode, you’ll find it along with additional holiday-themed rompers in my article, Sewing Challenge Recap: The Year of the Romper
• Check out this adorable Red Heart Valentine’s Day Dog Necktie or the Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Dog Collar Necktie that I handmade! They’re available for purchase on my Etsy Shop – I appreciate your support!
• This is your reminder to watch TED LASSO, if you have access to Apple TV and have not watched it already, that is!
• Have a recent win you want me to celebrate with you? Head on over to the Win of the Week webpage and submit your win for me to shoutout on an upcoming episode of the show!
• Here’s the link to get 15% off your first purchase from my Etsy Shop, Bailey’s Way Designs: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BaileysWayDesigns?coupon=NEWCUSTOMER15
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Until next time friends… Take it easy, stay grateful and be joyful!

Check out the show notes from the latest episodes below!