In this deeply moving episode of Stories Between Sips, René sits down with Ilze Gopal — a wife, mother, poet, and lifelong friend — who shares her lived experience with bipolar disorder.

Ilze speaks candidly about her early diagnosis, the emotional highs and lows, her relationship with faith, family, and the role therapy and medication have played in her journey. This is a story of strength, survival, and ongoing healing — filled with insight and heart.

🎙️ Whether you’ve been diagnosed yourself or love someone who’s struggling, this episode is a must-listen.

We talk about:

* What bipolar disorder really feels like

* The challenges of diagnosis and daily management

* Being a Christian and living with mental illness

* Why community and connection matter

* Finding light in the middle of the dark

💛 You are not your diagnosis. You are not alone.

📞 Mental Health Support (South Africa):SADAG 24-Hour Helpline: 0800 456 789Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567WhatsApp Chat (8am–5pm): 076 882 2775Website: www.sadag.org

📬 Contact Stories Between Sips:Email: storiesbetweensips@gmail.comInstagram: @storiesbetweensipspodcastTikTok: @storiesbetweensipspod

🫶🏽 If this episode resonates with you, share it. Let’s keep normalising real, raw conversations around mental health.

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