Too often, stigma and misunderstanding keep people living with bipolar disorder in silence and shame. In this episode, mental health advocate Michelle Yang shares her powerful journey from misdiagnosis and crisis to stability, advocacy, and thriving with bipolar disorder.
Michelle’s story highlights how stigma—at school, at home, and in the workplace—nearly derailed her life, but also how she found strength through treatment, resilience, and community. Today, she’s breaking the cycle by speaking out, proving that people with bipolar disorder can and do live full, successful, and joyful lives.
If you or someone you love lives with bipolar disorder, this episode will bring insight, encouragement, and a reminder that recovery is possible—and stigma does not define us.
Link to Michelle's article: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/asian-american-mental-illness_n_5cacad09e4b02e7a705dae97
Link to Michelle's Blog: http://www.livingwellhappily.com/
Primary Topics Covered:
Timestamps:
00:01 – Why real stories of recovery matter when you feel alone
00:29 – Michelle Yang’s early experiences with stigma and dismissal
02:28 – A high school moment overlooked as a cry for help
04:05 – “Good grades don’t equal good mental health”
05:07 – Depression spiraling into mania while abroad in college
07:09 – Family response and hospitalization after a psychotic episode
08:48 – Taking a leave of absence and returning stronger
09:21 – Building a career, family, and community while living with bipolar disorder
10:36 – Choosing advocacy over silence: ending the shame cycle
11:56 – “It doesn’t define me”: Michelle’s message of hope
13:07 – Common misconceptions about bipolar disorder
Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
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Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/
