In this episode of 'conversations with' mental illness activist, Shaley Hoogendoorn sits down with fellow advocate & Director of Education for NAMI (SE Minnesota), Lee Formella.

This conversation not only digs deep into the before and after his diagnosis and shares it all with us. Lee is open about addiction and how it affected his jobs as well as how and why he became online advocate. 

Shaley and Lee also talk about how much his life has changed since he committed to a managing his bipolar disorder. It is so helpful to hear the practices that help him live well with his bipolar symptoms.  

This conversation is a raw and real glimpse into what it looks and feels like to live with bipolar. It is our hope that this episode will educate, comfort and inspire you all. You can read even more about Lee in his bio.

This is bipolar…

My dear listeners,

As always, we talk about hard and messy mental illness topics. This episode could be activating so please take care of yourself. The episode is always here if you need to have breaks to take care of yourself.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here. If this episode or podcast means something to you, I would be forever grateful if you would follow/subscribe the ‘this is bipolar’ podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts so you stay up to date. It would also mean the world to me if you gave a 5 ⭐️ review- this helps the podcast reach those who need to hear it most.

About Lee:

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, cptsd, and generalized anxiety disorder in September of 2019 after surviving 15 years of suicidal thoughts and absolute chaos. Though a lot of hard work, self-awareness, and surrounding myself with a phenomenal support network, I have found some stability, contentment and success while living with bipolar disorder. 

A little over a year ago, I decided to share my story after not finding many relatable folks initially who were living comfortably with bipolar disorder, but especially men. While I have since found so many incredible creators, writers and friends living with bipolar disorder, I am so happy to have started an account sharing my own story. It has led to lasting and meaningful relationships with people all around the world. 

Over the last year, I have been lucky enough to share my story for law enforcement, at universities and for local support groups and mental health education programs. It has provided me with direction and a path that combined a passion with a path forward. Recently, I began a job (my first not in sales or restaurants!) as the Director of Education for NAMI Southeast Minnesota, which will allow me to continue this amazing journey of spreading knowledge to eliminate the stigma that follows a mental illness diagnosis. 

You can find more of my story at benefitsofbipolar.com, on Instagram @benefits_of_bipolar, on YouTube @benefitsofbipolar and articles for the International Bipolar Foundation at ibpf.org! I truly love nothing more than meeting people who are passionate about mental illness and those who live with bipolar; please reach out!