Living with Bipolar Disorder with Kimberly Powers

The BraveHearted Woman

“Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that is typically misunderstood. It's not without question because unless you've experienced it or worked with a professional, you don't quite understand the dynamics.”

In this week's episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, Dawn Damon talks with Kimberly Powers, a licensed professional counselor and author, who shares her journey with bipolar disorder type 1.

Kim is passionate about breaking the stigma around mental illness and empowering others to embrace their mental health journey. Kim discusses her experiences, from being diagnosed at 16 to finally sharing her story after years of silence. She highlights the importance of therapy, particularly EMDR, and the support of loved ones in managing bipolar disorder.

Dawn and Kim also explore the challenges of medication adherence during manic episodes and how faith can be a powerful tool in mental wellness. Tune in to hear Kim’s inspiring story and gain practical advice for those facing similar struggles.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Guest Intro

1:30 - The Braveheart Story of Kimberly Powers in battling mental illness

6:10 - How to live a life with bipolar disorder?

10:12 - How to break the stigma about mental health?

14:29 - The importance of intervention, therapy, and counseling

19:52 - How to treat bipolar disorder?

23:40 - The power of faith and prayers

26:24 - How did Kim turn her journey with mental illness to writing her own self-help book?

29:56 - Tips for supporting your loved ones with mental illness

33:03 - Kim’s #1 tip for midlife women

Quotations:

"It took me over two decades to have the courage to talk about my illness. It wasn't until the last couple of years that God really moved my heart and gave me the supernatural peace that passes all understanding." - Kimberly Powers

"It's so important that you have a person in your life that you trust, who can speak into your life, especially when you might not be willing to listen to anyone else." - Dawn Damon

"We each have our own struggle. You don't have to be in your worst spot to receive help. An intervention is helpful at any stage." - Kimberly Powers

"When your mental space is better, it affects all areas—financial, physical, and even spiritual. We are in balance and regulated, seeing what is really there." - Dawn Damon

"Sometimes prayer supernaturally is a way to intervene when technically everything else is outside of your control." - Kimberly Powers

"Learning to regulate your emotions is a healthy coping skill that all of us need to learn, especially when dealing with a mood disorder." - Kimberly Powers

Resources:

🌐Connect with Kim at https://kimberlymukapowers.com/

📚 Get a copy of Kim’s best-selling book: A Mind Restored: Finding Freedom from the Shame and Stigma of Mental Illness:

https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Restored-Finding-Freedom-Illness/dp/B0CMK1SL8P

🔎 Find a nearby therapist here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl

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📚 Get a copy of Dawn’s NEW book - The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife: https://amzn.to/491OnAt

📞 Book a FREE 15-minute strategy call with Dawn: https://www.braveheartedwoman.com/book-a-call

Connect with your BraveHeart Mentor, Dawn Damon:

💞 Email me at: [e-mail]

💞 Website: https://braveheartedwoman.com/

💞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bravehearted_woman

💞 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braveheartedwoman

💞 Podcast: https://the-bravehearted-woman.captivate.fm/listen

Download the full transcript here.