Living With Bipolar for 40+ Years — What Recovery Really Looks Like

What if mental health struggles were treated with the same seriousness and compassion as any other illness? 👇

Who’s Even Listening ? — Season 2, Episode 37 (Episode 62 overall)

In this episode, we sit down with Deb Francis for a real conversation about bipolar disorder, recovery, mental health stigma, and why getting help matters.

Deb is an author, a NAMI supporter, and someone who speaks openly from lived experience. We talk about the hardest parts of writing her book, misconceptions people still have about bipolar disorder, what recovery means to her, warning signs she’s learned to recognize, and the tools she uses to stay steady. We also get into anxiety, public speaking, how mental health affects family and friends, and why we need to keep breaking the stigma around asking for help.

This one is honest, important, and full of perspective. More than anything, it’s a reminder that mental health is real, support matters, and no one should feel ashamed for needing help.

In this episode:
* Deb’s story and lived experience
* Misconceptions about bipolar disorder
* What recovery really means
* Warning signs and self-awareness
* Tools that help her stay grounded
* Anxiety, speaking publicly, and finding stability
* Why mental health support needs to be taken seriously
* How bipolar can affect family and relationships

Deb’s links:
* www.discomfortinthemanicmind.com 
* https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gvuj2ag7u/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

NAMI:
* https://www.nami.org

START HERE — Best Episodes for New Viewers:  https://youtu.be/Tvs5nHCopzc?si=5P7uFQtAqYQZ5PLE  

ELE — Everybody Love Everybody 💚