Ep. 522: 5 Myths of Bipolar Disorder and Healing
Tue Feb 03 2026
JJ welcomes back Michelle Reittinger, author and host of The Upside of Bipolar, for a bold, hope-filled conversation that challenges common cultural narratives around bipolar disorder. Together, they unpack "myths" that can keep people stuck in fear and identity-based labels—and invite listeners into curiosity, root-cause investigation, and a more empowering view of symptoms, healing, and personal responsibility.
In This Episode, We Cover
· Michelle's story: diagnosed in 1998, years of intensive psychiatric treatment, polypharmacy, and a breaking point that became a turning point
· Why a diagnosis can feel like an "answer," but often doesn't explain why symptoms started
· The difference between a "cluster of symptoms" and an identified disease mechanism
· Why curiosity (vs. shame) changes everything—especially with intense symptoms like rage, anxiety, and dissociation
· The "detective" approach: identifying triggers, patterns, and underlying contributors
· The role of foundational health (nutrients, sleep, nervous system regulation) in emotional resilience and symptom reduction
· Why suppressed emotions can show up as anxiety, depression, physical pain, or crisis states
· How identity, victimhood, and relationship dynamics can unconsciously reinforce staying stuck
· A grounded reminder: do not abruptly stop medications—tapering/changes should be done slowly and safely with qualified support
Notable Takeaways
· Labels can reduce curiosity—and curiosity is often the doorway to change.
· "Symptoms" are information; the goal is to explore what they're pointing to.
· The most empowering question isn't "What's wrong with me?" but "What happened—and what is my system asking for now?"
· Healing can have a social cost: if your "sick role" has been rewarded with attention, protection, or lowered expectations, getting better can feel threatening (even subconsciously).
Resources Mentioned
· Anatomy of an Epidemic by Robert Whitaker
· The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
· Healing Back Pain by Dr. John Sarno
Connect with Michelle
· Website: theupsideofbipolar.com
· Free resource: Mood Cycle Survival Guide (available on her site)
· Podcast + book links are also on her website.
More
JJ welcomes back Michelle Reittinger, author and host of The Upside of Bipolar, for a bold, hope-filled conversation that challenges common cultural narratives around bipolar disorder. Together, they unpack "myths" that can keep people stuck in fear and identity-based labels—and invite listeners into curiosity, root-cause investigation, and a more empowering view of symptoms, healing, and personal responsibility. In This Episode, We Cover · Michelle's story: diagnosed in 1998, years of intensive psychiatric treatment, polypharmacy, and a breaking point that became a turning point · Why a diagnosis can feel like an "answer," but often doesn't explain why symptoms started · The difference between a "cluster of symptoms" and an identified disease mechanism · Why curiosity (vs. shame) changes everything—especially with intense symptoms like rage, anxiety, and dissociation · The "detective" approach: identifying triggers, patterns, and underlying contributors · The role of foundational health (nutrients, sleep, nervous system regulation) in emotional resilience and symptom reduction · Why suppressed emotions can show up as anxiety, depression, physical pain, or crisis states · How identity, victimhood, and relationship dynamics can unconsciously reinforce staying stuck · A grounded reminder: do not abruptly stop medications—tapering/changes should be done slowly and safely with qualified support Notable Takeaways · Labels can reduce curiosity—and curiosity is often the doorway to change. · "Symptoms" are information; the goal is to explore what they're pointing to. · The most empowering question isn't "What's wrong with me?" but "What happened—and what is my system asking for now?" · Healing can have a social cost: if your "sick role" has been rewarded with attention, protection, or lowered expectations, getting better can feel threatening (even subconsciously). Resources Mentioned · Anatomy of an Epidemic by Robert Whitaker · The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk · Healing Back Pain by Dr. John Sarno Connect with Michelle · Website: theupsideofbipolar.com · Free resource: Mood Cycle Survival Guide (available on her site) · Podcast + book links are also on her website.