Ep. 48- Beyond Mania: Learning to Live Again with Bipolar Disorder at 29 with Beka Joy Hull

More Than Your Age

I really am humbled each opportunity I get to sit down with each woman I’ve had the chance to speak with and share a part of their story on this podcast. Sometimes, there’s a lot of heartache that has turned around for the better. This week’s episode is no different. To be honest, I had a completely different vision of what my interview would be like with my guest based on what I “knew” about her and her journey. But when we communicated beforehand and during the interview, there was a completely different outcome than what I had imagined our conversation to be. Beka Joy Hull shared some deeply vulnerable moments in her life that oftentimes gets overlooked or can have a negative stigma related to it. Her experience and outlook from this moment is one to help others and offer hope for those in the midst as well.

In our conversation, Beka shares her journey from embarking on the World Race to losing almost everything and starting over after a traumatic experience. She discusses her diagnosis of bipolar disorder and the challenges she faced in rebuilding her life. Beka also talks about the importance of overcoming stigma and openly sharing her story. She also shares her decision to pursue writing and speaking, and her passion for encouraging others through her words. Beka shares her journey of following God's call, overcoming challenges, and starting her own business. She emphasizes the importance of trusting God and stepping out in faith, even when faced with uncertainty.

I know you’ll appreciate the vulnerability and honesty from Beka Joy Hull. Enjoy the show.

*Beka’s age at the onset of the Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis was referenced at the age of 28 in the interview, but her actual age was 29.

Takeaways

-The World Race is a Christian mission trip that involves traveling to 11 countries in 11 months to serve and volunteer.

-Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that can affect daily functioning.

-Overcoming stigma and openly sharing personal experiences can help break down barriers and provide support for others facing similar challenges.

-Pursuing one's passions, such as writing and speaking, can bring fulfillment and purpose in life. Trust God and step out in faith, even when faced with uncertainty.

-Surround yourself with a strong support system and community.

-Choose to fight for your dreams and overcome challenges.

-Say yes to God's prompts and opportunities, even if it feels scary.

-Expect both failures and successes in your journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:00 Embarking on the World Race

06:48 Reevaluating Career Path

10:11 Losing Everything and Starting Over

18:24 Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis

28:53 Rebuilding and Finding Stability

41:06 Overcoming Stigma and Sharing the Journey

46:58 Transitioning to Writing and Speaking

48:39 Following God's Call and Overcoming Challenges

50:22 Stepping Out in Faith and Starting a Business

52:07 Trusting God to Provide

55:31 Saying Yes to God's Prompts

56:28 Experiencing Growth and Healing

56:55 Finding Love and Continuing the Business

59:25 Encouragement for Pursuing Dreams

Connect with Beka

Instagram: @bekajoy

Connect with Erica

Email // Facebook // Instagram // Linkedin

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