What’s So Inspirational About a Bipolar and a Schizophrenic?

Explicit content warning

05/20/19 • 26 min

Throughout our lives, we are inspired by many people, from our parents to our teachers to celebrities to great thinkers of the past and present. And sometimes, we find ourselves being an inspiration for others. Also, sometimes, this fact surprises us. In this episode, Gabe and Michelle talk about both being inspired by others and how it feels to be an inspiration to others.

Highlights from ‘Inspiration’ Episode

[00:30] Is Michelle amazing?

[3:30] Is Gabe an inspiration?

[7:00] Gabe is more organized than Michelle.

[9:00] But, what is success?

[12:00] Nobody wants to hear about hockey.

[14:00] Awesome social media swag.

[18:00] Gabe’s hero wasn’t really that great.

[19:00] Recovery doesn’t mean 100% symptom free.

[22:00] Don’t compare yourself to others.

Highlights from ‘Inspiration’ Episode

[00:30] Is Michelle amazing?

[3:30] Is Gabe an inspiration?

[7:00] Gabe is more organized than Michelle.

[9:00] But, what is success?

[12:00] Nobody wants to hear about hockey.

[14:00] Awesome social media swag.

[18:00] Gabe’s hero wasn’t really that great.

[19:00] Recovery doesn’t mean 100% symptom free.

[22:00] Don’t compare yourself to others.

Previous Episode

Social Anxiety, Delusions, Rejection, and Mental Illness!

Most people suffer from certain social anxieties. Just the idea of speaking in front of a crowd can make otherwise confident people break into a nervous sweat. Fear of rejection is also very common in society... just ask any teenager who’s too afraid to ask out their crush. In this episode, Gabe and Michelle talk about these common feelings from the perspective of having additional mental illness thrown in, creating a blend that is no one’s favorite.

Highlights from ‘Social Anxiety’ Episode

[2:00] Where are you from?

[4:30] Social anxiety and the big city.

[8:00] Talking to important people is scary.

[10:30] Overthinking your whole day when you go to sleep at night.

[12:30] Delusions about the past.

[16:00] How can you be content with the past?

[18:00] Putting rejection in your own control.

[23:30] Google says people of our ages shouldn’t have social anxiety, anymore.

[24:00] How we get rid of anxiety and public speak!

Next Episode

Becoming a Parent with Mental Illness

Having children is a deeply personal choice and one that should not be taken lightly. Ensuring that you are financially able, emotionally stable, and mature enough to withstand the rigors of parenting is something that every person must do. All that said, how does one factor their own mental illness concerns into the decision?

Should people like Gabe and Michelle – one who lives with bipolar and the other, schizophrenia – have children? Is the risk of passing on the burdens of mental illness too great of a risk? Does having mental illness mean you can’t be a good parent? Where is the line?

Our hosts discuss all this and more in this episode of A Bipolar, a Schizophrenic, and Podcast.

Highlights from ‘Kids’ Episode

[00:30] Gabe and Michelle discuss having children.

[3:00] What did Gabe decide about bringing children into the world?

[7:00] Does Michelle think she can take care of a kid?

[9:00] Gabe is a loop-hole grandpa.

[12:30] Gabe was told he couldn’t babysit his friends’ kids because he is bipolar.

[18:20] Gabe teaches his 4-year-old niece about mental illness.

[21:00] What did Michelle decide about bringing children into the world?