I feel seen, which is altogether lovely and terrifying all in one. I have never in my life related to something so deeply. Thank you. All I can say is thank you.
I have never seen this show and I’m definitely going to watch this episode. I appreciate your post so much and feel like I can watch with an entirely different appreciation for the show. I’m also glad that it appears this show took the time to give a mostly accurate depiction of BPD so people can both seen and understood.
I never saw it before this episode either and haven’t watched since. It’s one of those shows that has different stories and characters in each episode (I think). I love that not only do folk like me get to feel seen, folk who don’t have bipolar disorder get to learn another way the illness can show up in the world! Let me know what you think if you watch.
"Before becoming vocal about my mental health struggles publicly, and letting more people into my daily experiences, I always felt like I was masquerading as a “normal” person. To the outside world, I was fine, and only I knew I was dying inside."...Ashleigh, your words are painfully beautiful. I don't know this show, but I felt like I didn't need to, to understand your perspective. It's refreshing when something we struggle with is actually portrayed with accuracy in the media. Even more refreshing is your courage to share. Thank you so much.
Thank you for sharing this, Ashleigh! I hadn't heard of this show, but after reading this, you can best believe I'm about to text my mama for her amazon password.
As someone who struggles with mental illness, it's nice to see mainstream media showing it in a more compassionate way and painting a picture that allowd you to see how varied it is. When I think about how I've both been an advocate for mental health, but also denied my own feelings, I consider how media has played a part in my internalized ableism.
Sending you lots of love and I'm going to check out that podcast!
Oh Kamil, thank you so much. I hope you enjoy the episode, it was so beautifully done!
Thank you for being an advocate, especially while having your own experiences as well. And you spoke on something so real, internalized ableism. Whew. Being declared a “more mild form of Bipolar Disorder” sometimes I can bully myself into thinking I’m really because I don’t have the extreme cases usually portrayed.
You're so welcome and again, thank you! IDK if you've ever read "The Body is Not an Apology", but I revisit that book often, especially when I find myself struggling to take me as I am.
I watched "Modern Love" and found it to be such an eye-opener, it was my first time witnessing a comprehensive and detailed media depiction of bipolar. So grateful to see that you were able to be moved and affirmed by it. This piece was beautifully written and I'm so thankful that you've shared how it spoke to you <3
Thank you so much Amara! And that’s what I loved about it, the accuracy in the details. Were rarely shown this side in media and I’m so glad they did. Hopefully one day Hollywood tries hard to incorporate neurodivergence and mental illness without showcasing only the most extreme cases.
Thank you for sharing this, Ashleigh. I saw that clip of the show with her talking to her coworker and, while I couldn't directly relate with the experience of bipolar, I noticed that it seemed like it was a more accurate depiction than any I'd seen before, and worth watching. I appreciate your vulnerability and honesty about your experience so I can understand it (and you) better.
I feel seen, which is altogether lovely and terrifying all in one. I have never in my life related to something so deeply. Thank you. All I can say is thank you.
🥹 No, thank YOU, Leigh! I know the relief and freedom felt when folks just.. get me.. so I’m glad I could pass that feeling along. 🫂
I have never seen this show and I’m definitely going to watch this episode. I appreciate your post so much and feel like I can watch with an entirely different appreciation for the show. I’m also glad that it appears this show took the time to give a mostly accurate depiction of BPD so people can both seen and understood.
I never saw it before this episode either and haven’t watched since. It’s one of those shows that has different stories and characters in each episode (I think). I love that not only do folk like me get to feel seen, folk who don’t have bipolar disorder get to learn another way the illness can show up in the world! Let me know what you think if you watch.
"Before becoming vocal about my mental health struggles publicly, and letting more people into my daily experiences, I always felt like I was masquerading as a “normal” person. To the outside world, I was fine, and only I knew I was dying inside."...Ashleigh, your words are painfully beautiful. I don't know this show, but I felt like I didn't need to, to understand your perspective. It's refreshing when something we struggle with is actually portrayed with accuracy in the media. Even more refreshing is your courage to share. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much, Beth Ann! I appreciate your words 🤗
Thank you for sharing this, Ashleigh! I hadn't heard of this show, but after reading this, you can best believe I'm about to text my mama for her amazon password.
As someone who struggles with mental illness, it's nice to see mainstream media showing it in a more compassionate way and painting a picture that allowd you to see how varied it is. When I think about how I've both been an advocate for mental health, but also denied my own feelings, I consider how media has played a part in my internalized ableism.
Sending you lots of love and I'm going to check out that podcast!
Oh Kamil, thank you so much. I hope you enjoy the episode, it was so beautifully done!
Thank you for being an advocate, especially while having your own experiences as well. And you spoke on something so real, internalized ableism. Whew. Being declared a “more mild form of Bipolar Disorder” sometimes I can bully myself into thinking I’m really because I don’t have the extreme cases usually portrayed.
Sending you love right back! 🫶🏾
You're so welcome and again, thank you! IDK if you've ever read "The Body is Not an Apology", but I revisit that book often, especially when I find myself struggling to take me as I am.
Oooh adding it to my ever-growing “to read” list!
I watched "Modern Love" and found it to be such an eye-opener, it was my first time witnessing a comprehensive and detailed media depiction of bipolar. So grateful to see that you were able to be moved and affirmed by it. This piece was beautifully written and I'm so thankful that you've shared how it spoke to you <3
Thank you so much Amara! And that’s what I loved about it, the accuracy in the details. Were rarely shown this side in media and I’m so glad they did. Hopefully one day Hollywood tries hard to incorporate neurodivergence and mental illness without showcasing only the most extreme cases.
thank you for sharing how it resonated for you. i will definitely check it out and found your reflections helpful ✨
Thank you for sharing this, Ashleigh. I saw that clip of the show with her talking to her coworker and, while I couldn't directly relate with the experience of bipolar, I noticed that it seemed like it was a more accurate depiction than any I'd seen before, and worth watching. I appreciate your vulnerability and honesty about your experience so I can understand it (and you) better.