CONVERSATIONS WITH - Maria Fernandez - part 1

Trigger Warning: This episode contains a suicide survivor story.   We are so excited to introduce the first interview in our  NEW series called 'Conversations With'. Mental Health Advocate Shaley Hoogendoorn talks to Maria Fernendez about her unique experience living with bipolar disorder. Maria shares with us what it was like to have mental illness from a very young age and how it affected every part of her life.  Maria's story is one of struggle and heartache but it is also a story of resilience and survival. Maria is real, honest and brave and we feel honoured that she trusted us to hold space for her story. Maria's story is not over yet.  This is bipolar...   If you enjoyed this episode or if this podcast means something to you would you consider pressing the follow or subscribe button. If you really loved it feel free to buy me a coffee. I am forever grateful that I get to do this work.   Meet Maria: Maria is a dreamer, the kind of woman who's imagination delights inmuseum tours, Broadway productions and salsa dance classes. She is alover of creativity in all its forms and she finds these pursuits tobe her greatest adventures, truest joys and most beloved passions. Inaddition to these, she is also an advocate for mental illness who hasspoken about the realities of her diagnoses at Wraparound Conventions,on the Catholic Radio Network station and at various youth groups. Sheis a certified Peer Mentor and has been one of the leaders in the DBTmentoring program at Compass Behavioral Health. Maria is passionateabout fighting stigma and creating a world of compassion,understanding and love. You can connect with her through email [email protected]   #thisisbipolar #thisisbipolarpodcast #bipolar Instagram: @this.is.bipolar