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What happens when the joyful arrival of a baby triggers postpartum bipolar disorder with psychosis? When Susan returned home with her newborn, she was in a manic state on the edge of psychosis. Fueled by little sleep with an infant to care for, her behavior became erratic--rushing around the house, even handling her baby carelessly. Her husband, David, told Susan that it felt like he was suddenly living with two strangers--a wife he didn't recognize and a child he didn't yet know.

It would take their doula's observation and advice that Susan was not just a fatigued new mother, but that she needed immediate psychiatric help.

However, without effective treatment for postpartum bipolar disorder and psychosis, Susan went back to work while experiencing bipolar mania. She would then alternate between a depressive fog and a manic state, ultimately landing her at McLean psychiatric hospital for a harrowing three week stay. Rebuilding her life would include Electroconvulsant Shock Therapy (ECT), years on disability, and finally getting care from expert providers.

Susan's mothering instinct now shines through in her most current work as a career navigator for neurodivergent clients with mental health disorders to help them meet their full potential, through increasing productivity, and designing a new life that reflects their Best Productive Self (BPS). More on Susan Munter's TruNeuro Here.

Susan's also a dedicated volunteer and facilitator with Bipolar Social Club, an online support group with weekly meetings, special programming and an online discussion board. As a member, I am grateful for the support BSC offers!

Perhaps most movingly, Susan developed a profound bond with her child, now eighteen years old despite such rough early years.

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Bipolar She is dedicated to real conversations for women living with mental illness. Hosted by Janine Noel, the majority of episodes give voice to a woman who has lived-life experience with mental illness--or who has experienced the illness of someone close to them. Along the way, I interview experts in the field that address additional mental health concerns.

Frankly, coping with a mental health condition can be exhausting. Here's a place where you can land and find an episode that resonates with you. Some topics we've covered: being a bipolar mom or having a bipolar mom. Anxiety, agoraphobia, chronic depression, ECT, borderline personality disorder, ADHD, a psychiatrist that breaks your trust. A therapist who goes above and beyond to help you. The impact of trauma on your brain.

Bipolar She couldn't have thrived without guitarist, JD Cullum's original music.

Editor Brandon Moran makes everyone's voice sound both crisper and smarter.

Sponsored by Amy Vincze's Emotional Freedom Technique App: Soar With Tapping.