Your Host Gets 'Messy' About Journalism and Bipolar Disorder with The Messy Parts Podcast
Twenty years ago, bipolar disorder almost took me out of the game. Fast forward to last month, I sat down with Maryam Banikarim and her Messy Parts podcast to discuss my journey in journalism as someone who lives every day with this illness.
If you ever wanted a preview of what my memoir will be like, you have to check out my appearance on Maryam Banikarim's podcast, "The Messy Parts!"
In the interview, I break down how I went from my turbulent 20s and early 30s, where I was hospitalized four times due to my struggles with bipolar disorder, to my fabulous late-30s and 40s, where I became editor-in-chief of The Root at 37, and editor-in-chief of HuffPost at 43.
See in this clip here where I talk about why I chose to live with my illness openly after a doctor suggested I write about my struggles during a hospitalization in December 2005:
This year is the 20th anniversary of my diagnosis of type II bipolar disorder. Twenty years ago this month, I was battling suicidal ideation and almost overdosed on alcohol and pills while living in Bakersfield, Calif., as a newspaper reporter. My life was saved by my friend Christina Vance, then a fellow staff writer at The Californian, who drove me to the emergency room and watched over me during one of the darkest moments in my life. Without her, my friends and bosses at The Californian, and the love of my family, I would not be here writing this right now.
Last week I celebrated my 48th birthday, surrounded by some of my closest friends and boyfriend, Joe Gray. During the festivities, I thanked everyone for being a part of my support system and how if I could have a conversation with my younger self, I would take it a step beyond my answer to Maryam about how my younger self just needed a hug — I would show her a picture of all the people in that room, letting her know what was waiting for her on the otherside of mental illness — great friends, a loving partner, and a wonderful life. Then my friend, philanthropist Caroyln "Cookie" Minick-Mason, pointed out that there was one other thing also waiting for me on the other side — me. This happier, healthier version of me was waiting on the other side.
And Cookie is right. I'm so glad I stuck around to get to be her.
The journey was beyond messy, but it was also fun, funny, instructive, and inspiring, as I applied the lessons from my failures to my future success.
Check out the full interview here:
