According to the World Health Organization, bipolar disorder is one of the top three causes of hospitalization in people aged 15 to 44. It’s estimated that 5% of the world’s population is on the bipolar spectrum and of that 5%, only 1 to 2% are diagnosed. And while those percentages may seem small, with over 8 billion people currently in the world, we are talking about over 400 million people with bipolar brains. It’s far more common than you think. In the US alone, around 4.4% of adults deal with or develop bipolar disorder, and the numbers show it impacts more females than males. I sat down with author and filmmaker Sara Schley to talk about her experience with bipolar disorder and how she has turned what she calls her broken into a blessing as she serves the world by spreading knowledge and resources for those who believe there’s little hope out there. In fact, that’s the furthest from the truth. So, whether you have a diagnosis, know someone who does, or has it genetically within your family, this moving, impactful conversation is filled with understanding, truths, science, and community. Let’s dive in… Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction   03:10 Understanding Sara’s why and the bipolar spectrum   08:11 Bipolar 1, 2, and why most doctors get it wrong   16:13 The stigma and research showing the positive of bipolar 22:07 The stamp of “I am broken…” 29:24 The 4 EMTs – Emergency Mental Health Toolkit 37:29 There are simple diagnostics available & the BrainStorm the Memoir      43:07 The practices that help calm the brain 47:29 Activating events that trigger bipolar and the research 48:22 Bipolar Pride! and how Sara got there 51:55 BrainStorm the Film   54:43 Sara’s three gratitudes  I sit in awe of Sara and her journey. She is truly the definition of what it means to take circumstance and turn it into power. If you would like to connect with Sara or purchase her book, her website is Saraschley.com. You can also purchase her book at all major retailers or click: BrainStorm the Memoir . You can also find the film at brainstormthefilm.com or on Ig @brainstormthefilm. Join the 18.7 K members on Instagram, Facebook, and Tik Tok who are engaging in their own life revolution daily! Love this show? Please leave us a review here – even one sentence helps! Become a Get Your Life Together, Girl Insider! Sign up here! Free downloads are available right now! I also invite you to check out the new 15-day Affirmation Course, where I take you on a journey through how to your brain chemistry and your greatest desires to your benefits. It’s available to start right now! Looking for more? Visit: www.getyourlifetogethergirl.com, I also invite you to join the new Get Your Life Together, Girl Women’s Circle. This monthly membership gives you access to exclusive exercises, practices, tools, monthly live conversations where you can ask questions, 100s of techniques, and a community to support you. It’s just $9.00 a month. Connection can be complicated. Therapy isn’t cheap. The Women’s Circle bridges the gap. Visit the website to learn more and sign up.