Psychiatrist Dr. Joanna Jarecki shares a powerful story of living with bipolar disorder – from spiralling into depression to being taken to hospital in handcuffs during mania. Dr. Jarecki reveals how her experience with bipolar I disorder turned her to psychiatry to help others in their recovery journey, and delivers a heartfelt message of hope that living well with bipolar disorder is possible.
Hosted by Dr. Erin Michalak.
Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:52 Growing Up & Early Signs
03:01 First Depressive Episode: “My World Was Ending”
08:14 Mania: Grandiosity & Delusions
10:52 Handcuffs & Hospitalization: “Fighting for My Life”
15:02 The Aftermath: Shame, Treatment & Rebuilding
21:49 Bipolar Disorder Made Me a Better Psychiatrist
26:43 Why Recovery Is Possible
30:58 What Psychiatrists Fail to Understand
37:57 “I Promise You, Things Will Get Better”
40:17 Thank Yous & Unconditional Acceptance
Dr. Joanna Jarecki, is a Psychiatrist with interests in Mood Disorders, ADHD, Maternal/Peri-natal mental health, and physician health. She uses a Strengths Based approach in her work, empowering individuals to become active participants in their care to optimize their health and wellbeing. Dr. Jarecki emphasizes the importance of integrating lifestyle interventions including sleep, nutrition and movement. She includes meditation, mindfulness based interventions and psychotherapy as part of a holistic approach to care. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada.
Dr. Jarecki’s clinical approach has been influenced by her own lived experience with Bipolar Disorder, Type I, and her journey of recovery. Through this journey, and witnessing the recoveries of many patients, she has learned that people with bipolar disorder CAN flourish and live a full and meaningful life. She is passionate about sharing her story with the intention that it gives hope to others living with BD. She also hopes to expand the general perception of what is possible when living with this condition.
When she’s not working, she loves spending time with her 2 year old daughter, 8 year old son and her husband. She loves to be out in nature, hiking, playing tennis and yoga. She lives near Toronto with her husband and children.
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