Sherpas | Climbing the Mountain of Bi-Polar | Debbie Foster | TEDxCrestmoorParkWomen
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- Опубликовано: 13 июн 2024
- In this powerful and moving personal story of depression and mania, Debbie Foster shows us what it's like living with bi-polar.
Navigating depression, unable to access her creative mind leaves her feeling helpless as she travels through periods of devestating lifelessness and extreme euphoria.
Through her own life experience, she has discovered the power of what she calls "Sherpas" and in this talk she introduces us all to the amazing roles Sherpas can play for someone with a bi-polar diagnosis. Debbie Foster is charismatic, compassionate and creative and feels most alive surrounded by children.
Of all her jobs (and there have been many!) teaching preschool will always be her favorite because little people are authentic, hysterical and always in-the-moment.
Being diagnosed with bi-polar and adhd at age 29 changed the trajectory of Debbie’s life. Backwards she went…from a social butterfly to a caterpillar holed up in a cocoon.
14 years, 13 prescriptions, 5 shrinks, one divorce, thousands of hours on Netflix and 8 jobs later, Debbie has become an expert in “being bi-polar” and after successfully being off all medications for 5 months, she is reemerging from her cocoon.
An intuitive friend once told her that she wasn’t going through this for nothing.
Debbie wants to help others understand the beauty of a bi-polar brain, show others with brains like hers how they can support their own families and friends (its hardest on them!) and inspire others to come out of the closet. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
I'm also a bipolar teacher. I share my illness with everyone. I teach anatomy, and I'm upfront with my high schoolers. I tell them what it's like, and I think they've learned that mental illness isn't a character flaw. Sharing is difficult at first, but it's so liberating after you get used to it.
I agree being vulnerable and honest is the best for me. I was diagnosed last June
This WOMAN HAS SO MUCH SUPPORT !!! THIS IS NOT how most people experience mental health.
If we all had this kind of support mental health wouldn't be as devastating.
NOT sure how she acquired all of these 'Sherpas', most people run the other way of needy people. I ask for help but most people I know are ' fed up' with me.
AS a TED TALK this is showing HER experience, yet it is FAR from achievable by most people with Bipolar.
Nicco Tancredi We share the same experiences! 😕💖🌸
It's true she has a lot of support, but the talk was still amazing. My problems with finding support have been finding someone who "gets" it; for that I have support groups (mainly on-line). Some folks have trouble finding support because of their behaviour toward others when they're having an episode. I'm really lucky - for some reason people forgive me. Some people aren't so fortunate.
Yeah, her network and their strange way of being available and willing is not at all the way most ppl with BP live.
This is the most profound video on bipolar I have seen, and has come into my life at just the right time. I have been tasked in life with being the Sherpa to a loved one who has bipolar. If "I" is replaced by "we", even illness becomes wellness.
I am a retired elementary teacher with bipolar 1 disorder. I enjoyed your talk. Well done. I also have sherpas. Never called them that before but they are angels on earth. Teaching with bipolar is a challenge but none of us needs to be humiliated because of this issue. Remember your moods and behaviour are the symptoms of your illness in the same way that throwing up is a symptom of flu. If employers have an issue with it get a new job because their prejudice is their problem. Do let them make it yours. I have been saying for years it is time for mental illness to come out of the attic. Forty percent of people will experience some form of mental illness in their lives. That means that EVERYONE either has a mental illness or they know someone who has. When a problem is this pervasive it is everyone’s problem.
Great talk for me to hear. I am a sherpa for a loved one and your talk helps me continue climbing the mountain of bipolar. Loved you saying "When we replace I with we illness becomes wellness." Wish everyone had a sherpa.
This was an excellent presentation. I watch videos on mental health bc I am looking for handholds as I climb this vertical wall. I always feel some sadness when I find a gem like this one bc I keep thinking of those who don’t struggle with mental issues who may not watch it. And yet that is precisely who needs to know about it. Mental illness is so isolating and we are labeled and blamed for our illness. I’ve had friends spit the label out the side of their mouth when they tell me about someone they know who’s been diagnosed as Bipolar. They say this to me. I’m bipolar! It shows how disdainful people feel about it. Even alcoholics get more compassion most times yet it is just as genetic. If you also come from a dysfunctional family then you’re really on your own. But thank you again for describing BP with such accuracy and insight.
Thank you, we are close to an actual diagnosis for my 17-year-old daughter and as soon as possible, I am sharing this with her. This will be one of her first Sherpas. ❤️.
I have bipolar and this was the most relatable video I’ve ever seen!!!
Agreed!
Thank God for someone who understands.
Every description is like her reading my life, Recently Diagnosed with Bipolar 1 and it's so hard and confusing, crazy as most people will describe it. Thank you so much. It gives me hope that i can go through this.
I'm so grateful for you, my first Sherpa, thank you so much. You've just made my life more bearable
You're not alone. I was self medicating myself with opiates for years without knowing bipolar was my root issue. It's an exhilarating freedom to be aware of it and how to treat it so I can fulfill my true purpose in life and stop letting down myself and those who love me the most.
Debbie, you have put a powerful,bright, sensitive face on an often misunderstood, dark diagnosis. YOU and your "sherpas" deserve a standing ovation and a long round of atta girls !!!
Thank you, Lin!!
Well done Debbie, you are so brave. I have bipolar 2. I really struggle to “come out” and tell people about my illness. Especially at work, as in the past i had very negative experience and my manager used my illness against me, bullied me and also used bipolar as the reason i won’t be able to progress in the company into senior or managment (her excuse was i wouldn’t be able to handle the stress). After staying in hospial and doing all sorts of therapies i gathered my strength with the amazing help of a career coach sherpa and found a new job in management.
I love to be stable with a bit of a high, as it gets my creative juices going:-) i love to paint, draw, do craft, write and just imagine different stories for books. I can not get to high into mani, as it always ends up in severe depression. I have had mixed episodes on and off in the past 4 years, some manic episodes but thank god no real full on depression. My biggest and most supportive sherpas are my husband, my children and my family overseas. I am blessed to have some amazing friend sherpas and the most amazing psychiatrist anyone could hope for. I’ve been seeing her for over 15 years and she has been my rock in all those years. Now i moved to australia from Europe about 20 years ago, when i was diagnosed with depression only. Bipolar has a lot of stigma, much more then depression or anxiety. Maybe because far less people have it, are properly diagnosed - if at all or maybe because of the picture some media, movies and so on paint of us. I truly wish you the strength of all the mountains on Earth and may you find an amazing psychiatrist that will guide you as a kind and understanding shepard. Stay strong and know you’re not alone, all over the world are your polar friends and shepards, Anna (not stephen, he’s my special shepard xo)
Hi
Do u mind to give me the address of ur psychiatrist in Australia please?🙏🙏
I was recently diagnosed with BP II. These videos, along with medication from a new psychiatrist, are really helping me understand myself more and keep pushing.
You could tell it was hard for her to share. I have bipolar 1. You are so brave . We are all brave and just trying to manage .
I have a Bi-polar wife God it's hard for me, but I understand it's even harder for her
Thanks for understanding.
@@laurenmooney1520 no problem at all
I've lost 4 wives. I got so obsessed with something in each case. I didn't give them the attention they needed. They found someone that could.
I stood back and examined the relationships. It was my fault. I'm ok with that. I'm sorry I hurt them. I wish them well.
I took a vow of celibacy about 8 years ago. It isn't fair for me to hurt another wife. I'm fine with this. I enjoy being alone. I sleep a lot, and eat a lot. I seldom set foot outside. I've become morbidly obese. I can't take 5 steps without it hurting so bad that I sit or kneel down before continuing to the next break.
I know that I don't have much longer.
I can't wait to go home. This body is so hard to cary around.
I'm tired of being tired.
❤️❤️
You deserve peace my friend
This woman is so valiant to tell us how it is!!
I've got my own sherpas and thank God for them, Its extremely helpful to feel loved when one cant love oneself.
Thank you Debbie Foster, I also live with Bipolar and this was emotional and empowering for me to watch. I applaud your bravery and your strength, I do not have my own sherpas, but I do have some good friends. I would love to be able to hear you speak again someday, thank you so much for your inspiring speech.
Youre so so fortunate to have sherpas. I feel so alone most of the time.
@Ember2460 Harrington, you are not alone... I am in the same boat with you. May you be blessed with healing from your sorrows.
I feel and I am alone all the time. I Also have bipolar type 1.
@@katrienaprinsloo5379 and
Me too. From a young age I had to rely on no one but myself, but it's no longer a good coping skill...
I am positive there are people that care and you arent alone, just make sure to let them in when you are feeling down. It can get better so keep fighting for yourself ❤️
Debbie, Your TEDx talk will inspire so many more to move out of the dark shadows and into the light! Thank you for breaking silence and helping to de-stigmatize mental health and specifically an often misunderstood diagnosis. You are a brave human being, with a beautiful soul and important purpose!
Great speech well done keep going doing amazing things I have bipolar manic depression I also have hypoxia brain injury I died 26minutes spent weeks months in coma rehab hospital learning talk walk again been a recovery massive discovery never ever give up on yourself many will never yourselves keep going doing amazing things sending luck hugs prayers most of all love from headway Nottingham UK you got this speak out nothing to be ashamed off its mental health you got this thanks for sharing well done x
Thank you so much for being open and transparent with your struggle. I have a family member recently diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and I greatly appreciate this video to help me better understand.
I can't believe you were able to give this talk in the middle of a depressive episode. I was diagnosed just a few months ago, so this is all very new to me. I understand the "in the closet" aspect of what you are saying, because I still want to appear as though I have it all together. I just got a job as a preschool aide and wasn't upfront about this at the interview. I am hoping it will be okay, though, since it is just two mornings a week. I am going slow and learning my limits, but it's a tough process to navigate. I really appreciate you sharing your story, because it gives me just a little more courage to maybe start sharing mine.
I agree. No way could I stand in front of a crowd and speak when I'm in a depressive phase. Bloody well done! You have a lot of power.
Such a honest breathtaking account of this illness we have . Thankyou for sharing. You totally described my whole life .
This is so extremely spot on..
Beautiful, heartwarming and ever so relatable speech.
Beautiful and powerful - thank you for your message!!!
I really relate to having a great idea and initiating something and then having to do it when my world has caved in. So much power to you for doing this and for standing on stage in your vulnerability. You could have ducked out but you didn't. And it was v powerful for it. And gosh I just love that end quote. I need to find some more sherpas.
Thank you immensely!!! You’ve shared your truth with such honesty. By giving your story you give others hope🥰
this is so wonderful to tell your story, glad you allow your sherpas in. Someone i care about alot is bipolar and he shuts down and literally dissapeara for months even though i am the best sherpa you could ask for . Thanks for this video
When I is replaced with WE, even illness becomes wellness 🙏🏽. I am 49 and after nearly 30 years of denial/neglect/abuse I finally had to come to terms with the fact that I am Bipolar. Sadly mine would be an almost solo climb as my condition led to separation. My heartfelt best wishes and prayers to all those who have to go through this on their own - love yourself ❤️
You have such strength and a gracefullness that is beautiful. Thank you for getting up on a world stage, in a depressive episode and sharing your story, insights and feelings. Although I only have BP Type 2 and do not have the extremes of depression and mania that you have, I can identify in many ways. I too believe in being transparent about my condition, sharing in the hope that my experiences with BP may help those I meet. Thank you.
Great job, Debbie Foster! Thank you very much for sharing your experience.. I have been diagnosed with bipolar I one year ago and I struggle a lot with the depressive stages of it, but I have my friends and family who support me. So the people around are very important. Keep on going 🙏🏼
Beautiful talk Debbie, I was sharing those tears with you as you described my life as well :')
YhWh prosper you angel. Your testimony is a gem!
Even illness become wellness. Well done 👍
Girl! You made me cry! I can relate.
Thank you Debbie.
I am a Sherpa, and I am a Psychology Student. Wish you good luck
I appreciate your description of this. I’ve been looking for an explanation of someone I love with bipolar and haven’t been able to really understand.
Very brave of you to share your story - thank you!
Debbie, I am so proud of you. You are truly a remarkable person. I miss you but I am always here if you ever need me. You are such a caring and loving person, The preschool is so lucky to have you . Your talents, creativity and love are invaluable to them.
Thank you, Sandy!! We miss you a lot!!!!
thank you so much...
I'm a teacher with bipolar 1. It's really difficult. I'm not allowed to let my students see how I am on the inside.
❤🤗
I'm in the same boat as you. I struggle a lot, but the students keep me going. That's the reason we became teachers in the first place. Our huge love for helping people :)
Thats me too
Thank you so much! I can relate a lot. I appreciate you, and your video!
I’m literally in tears. This is amazing and I feel less alone. Thank you Por Siri
For sharing lol*
I’m literally crying through this talk. I feel seen
Debbie, what a wonderful talk and explanation of what the manic-depressive state is and the problems associated with it are. You are brave and remarkable to reveal all of this.
Thank you, Gary!!
Debbie, you are a beautiful and strong person.
What an amazing phrase to close.
Thank you!
Amazing thank you ❤️
I suffer from Bipolar-I. I've at times tried to explain what a clinical depression is like, but the truth is that unless one has not had one it is very difficult to describe this so that others can understand.
Thank you so much
Felicidades te explicaste muy bien, I understand everything, my daughter is bipolar and this help me so much to understand how she feels
You are so beautiful and your true strength shows through. You are very brave to enhance the Sherpas or network around you. Bravery courage do not even come close to describing you I take so much from you. Never give up
Well done. That was brilliant :-)
This was great
Thank You SO much
Powerful
excellent
Wonderful and very helpful presentation. P.S. You are beautiful inside and out with stunning hair.
This is he'll I understand very personally myself my single mom grandma and sister , they have all passed away. I've been fighting with all CAN. ALL that I am to raise children. Keep rouf over food on table. To not fai,l constantly year after year to not let life far apart, lose my children. Alone and AFAIK to ask for help
You're never alone sweetie.
Great Video
I have bipolar and I feel exhausted all the time - weary, tired, spend a lot of time in bed. It's a hellish way to feel.
Sherpas or a support group among the people who love us, Is all I hear about to truly thrive with BD, and that is why I'm getting more and more scared because I don't have any sherpas. No family in this country, no friends, no money to pay for helpers (can't even pay the rent anymore), still looking for a therapist who uses DBT or IPT, etc, since talk therapy alone does not help me. I am completely alone/isolated despite trying to connect with others + I HAVE A DAUGHTER = I'm screwed.
:( I hope you find some. At least one to begin with. I can understand how scary that would be.
Same here. Cant afford the therapist. So i have a book on DBT. I recommend u to have one, it really helps, start taking the steps to help urself since there is no garunty we get help or not. God bless.
I bought the DBT guide book :)
I need sherpas.
This reminds me of when I was in AA.Step one: My name is none of your business and I am powerless over my bipolar disorder and my life has become unmanageable! My higher power is the drug companies and my
psychiatrist is my sponsor! No disrespect intended! I have had a few psychiatric labels in my time and was a member of the forensic group for over ten years! The DSM 5 is the equivalent of AA's Big Book!
My cheer -pal is my husband,thank God!!..at least I've one....the poor guy.
Being wealthy buys sherpas
I have only one Sherpaish
a hyphen is a wonderful tool///////Bravo my dear
👀
I'm sorry, I'm too eaten up with envy to praise this talk or its presenter. I have both Bipolar 1 Disorder AND Borderline Personality Disorder, so any would-be volunteer Sherpas ran for the hills long ago and I'm too dysfunctional to pay any. I usually feel better after a TED talk. Not this time.
I'm so sorry that you don't have any sherpas. There is always the possibility that one will emerge. I hope so." Don't give up on the possibility of triumph over seemingly impossible odds." -Robert Downey Jr. Life stories goalcast
Completely agree. I felt worse after this TED talk. All her sherpas! One for her hair, one for private yoga session, 2 or 3 to sort out her house, etc etc. Amazing that must be!
Mania allowed my brother-in-law to commit suicide
I thought this was about climbing Everest lmaoooooo. I’m bipolar and it’s definitely not half as hard to deal with as climbing the tallest mountain in the world....... hahaha