109: Bipolar Disorder (Kitt O’Malley)

"I thought that my son would be unsafe in my care now that my diagnosis changed from depression to bipolar." This week we're straight talking Bipolar Disorder with author Kitt O'Malley. Kitt, a former psychotherapist, tells us about growing up in an alcoholic home, high parental expectations she experienced, how her first manic episode started as a result of medication she was prescribed and how she had to move back in with her parents as a result. We describe the different kinds of bipolar disorder, the stress of parenting not just because of her diagnosis but her son's high needs due to ADHD and Kitt tells us how she found acceptance of her diagnosis. It's Aisling's birthday! We are recording from Ross Harbour Lakeside Lodges and she is smiling because of her birthday celebrations with Allan and the kids but her daughter Delilah being sick has her riled. Allan's smiling after a family day out to Powerscourt Waterfall but is riled due to the recent vandalism of Van Gogh's painting. Follow Straight Talking Mental Health on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. You can also now check out our episodes as videos on YouTube. Feel free to email us hello@stmhpodcast with any of your feedback on the show or if you would like to come on and tell your story as a guest. Check us out on www.stmhpodcast.com