An Interview With Stephanie Greer
Self-care and Wellness: Prioritize self-care and overall wellness. This can include maintaining a balanced routine, getting sufficient sleep, engaging in regular exercise, practicing stress management techniques, and adopting healthy coping strategies. Taking care of physical and emotional well-being is essential for managing bipolar disorder.
Living with bipolar disorder presents a unique set of challenges. This condition can profoundly impact an individual’s personal, social, and professional life. But it’s crucial to note that countless individuals with bipolar disorder lead productive and successful lives, transforming their experiences into powerful narratives of strength and resilience. In a world where conversations about mental health are becoming more urgent yet still face stigma and misunderstanding, the timeliness of this series cannot be overstated. We aim to shed light on the realities, strategies, and triumphs of navigating life with this disorder. In this series, we are talking to individuals who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, who share their personal journeys, strategies, coping mechanisms, and expert advice to help others in similar situations. As a part of this interview series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Raven Gibbs, MS, LCMHCA, NCC.
Raven Gibbs, MS, LCMHCA, NCC, is an author and licensed psychotherapist serving the beautiful state of North Carolina. Over the years, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that the young women she encountered were supported, loved and encouraged. Raven had a vision and executed a plan to address mental health challenges via dance to young ladies that were not open to traditional therapeutic techniques and interventions. Her work is much needed in communities that are plagued by stigma and limited healthcare resources.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! We really appreciate the courage it takes to publicly share your story. Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your background and your childhood backstory?
Thank you so much for having me! I am excited to share my journey and hope that my experiences will be encouraging to those that may be hesitant towards taking the first steps towards mental health and wellness.
A little bit about me — I am a proud military brat. I, often, mention that first because it has shaped so much of who I am. Being the daughter of individuals in the military has not only exposed me to different ideas, cultures, and people, it has also taught me discipline, flexibility, and determination. This lifestyle quite literally taught me how to embrace the journey and adjust based on what feels right. Growing up, my family moved quite a bit, so I was afforded the opportunity to “find myself” in many different spaces. I grew up heavily involved in various activities including cheer, choir, piano, baton, pageantry, and dance.
On this journey of discovery, I learned that dance was more than an extracurricular activity. Dance was a home for me. It was a space that I could be free and embrace my most authentic self. Dance became my voice. As I began to dance, I discovered parts of myself that I didn’t know existed or had masked for so long that they became unfamiliar. Since discovering these parts of myself, I have used my experiences as a catalyst for the work that I do as a psychotherapist and mental health champion.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Take joy in the journey”. The phrase “take joy in the journey” means finding happiness and fulfillment in the process or experience of life, rather than solely focusing on the end result or destination. It emphasizes the importance of appreciating and finding joy in the moments and experiences along the way, rather than solely waiting for a specific outcome or achievement to bring happiness. Embrace the present moment. Enjoy the process of personal growth. Find gratitude in the small victories and experiences that occur along the path towards their goals. True happiness lies in the journey itself. Taking joy in the journey encourages individuals to savor the experiences, lessons, and connections they make as they navigate through life.
Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion. Can you share what your journey with bipolar disorder has been like?
It has truly been a journey. The journey has not always been the easiest, but it is one that I now approach with grace and compassion. I have learned about both the highs and the lows of manic and depressive episodes. I have learned to take advantage of and embrace the moments of increased productivity, energy, and creativity. I also learned how to be gentle with myself in the moments of difficulty when getting out of bed is the most difficult task imaginable. I now allow myself to welcome a sense of pride in my different experiences instead of shaming myself for those experiences. I am in a constant state of learning myself while also unlearning unhealthy patterns of functioning that create increased difficulties on this journey. I am falling in love with the person that I am becoming despite any challenges.
Was there a turning point for you when things started to change for the better? Can you please share a story?
My biggest turning point came after losing my hair due to an adverse reaction to medication. I had just been prescribed a new medication following a depressive episode. Within two weeks of taking my first pill, my hair began to fall out by the handful. I went into a crisis. That moment was so significant because it was here that I had to make a choice; give up on my treatment plan because of an adverse effect or get curious and find out what works best for me. I opted for the latter and I am so glad that I did.
In so many ways, mental illness can make an individual feel as though they lack control over their mind and their body. I, however, decided that I wanted to take my power back. I became more consistent with my therapy visits and connected with others that were experiencing similar issues. I began to learn more about my diagnosis through books and podcasts, and challenged myself to be a better advocate for myself by being vulnerable and transparent about my experiences. Talking to my friends and family about my experiences helped to eliminate the loneliness and isolation that depression often likes to welcome into the mind. I learned about holistic methods like yoga, meditation, reiki, journaling, and breathwork to help me to better regulate my emotions and self-soothe.
Since accepting the reality of my experiences, I have done the work to become a registered yoga instructor, a reiki master, and mindfulness instructor. The most rewarding outcome of my experiences is now my work as a licensed psychotherapist. My past experiences have shaped so much of the work that I do and I couldn’t be more proud of the ups and downs of my journey.
Who are some of the important people in your life who have been on this journey with you? How have they either helped you or made things harder?
I say this all the time, but my support system is unmatched. I have felt heard and seen throughout, even when we didn’t fully understand my symptoms or my experiences navigating them. I will never be able to thank them enough for the love and support they’ve shown me.
How has your experience been getting treatment? What do you wish mental health professionals understood better about navigating bipolar disorder?
Getting treatment has not been easy at all. I will forever have a specific memory etched into my brain when asked about my experience with getting treatment. I was deep in crisis and instead of being approached with empathy, I was told over and over again that I was a “danger” to myself by a healthcare professional. I had never felt so afraid of myself and my diagnosis. The approach and the verbiage made me feel like I was incapable of pulling myself out of the dark space that I was in and more than anything, it made me feel hopeless. My thoughts of suicide grew. If it had not been for my big brother recognizing the signs, I would not be able to tell this story today.
With that said, mental health professionals should have a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of bipolar disorder. This includes recognizing the spectrum of symptoms, the different types of bipolar disorder, and the possible comorbidities. Understanding the nuances of the condition can assist in accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and appropriate support.
Speaking of personalized treatment plans and appropriate support, mental health professions should seek to help through use of individualized treatment approaches. Mental health professionals should recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for bipolar disorder or any disorder. Each individual requires a unique treatment plan that combines medication, therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and social support that best suits their individual needs. In my own approach as a clinician, I’ve taken a collaborative approach that involves the individual’s preferences and goals to enhance treatment effectiveness.
I really appreciate you sharing your journey, I believe over time stories like these will make a dramatic impact on the stigma of mental health conditions. Unfortunately, in today’s world, there is still a lot of stigma to navigate. How does stigma show up in your family or culture and how has it affected you?
I have had family say “so what? We’re all depressed. I’ve been dealing with it all my life. There’s no need to go and tell someone all of your business or take medication. You’re trippin’! You’ve gotta tighten up and deal with it.”. There are many reasons why individuals may opt out of seeking help. Lack of support, limited access to care, fear, systemic blocks, etc. I’ve even heard witchcraft and wrath from God as sources of mental illness. But one of the biggest reasons is because of the stigma associated with mental illness.
In the Black community, mental illness is like a curse word. We don’t always necessarily talk about our issues, we just deal with them. The strong, Black woman narrative is one that attempts to normalize being overworked, underrecognized, and numb to pain. And Black men aren’t exempt. Our men don’t show emotion because they’ll be deemed as soft and then emasculated by their own community. The strongest people I know, however, show emotions. Because they are better able to recognize their emotions, they can better control them. Because they can control them, they create their own narrative and can better display their true strengths. Mental illness does not detract from your power and trauma doesn’t taint your inner strengths. With that, mental health professionals should be sensitive to the stigma and misconceptions surrounding bipolar disorder. Promoting an environment free from judgment and stigma can encourage individuals to seek help and openly discuss their experiences.
What are a few of the biggest misconceptions and myths out there about bipolar disorder that you would like to dispel?
The most common misconception is that people with bipolar disorder are moody all the time. While mood swings are a hallmark of bipolar disorder, individuals with the condition often experience periods of stability between episodes. Bipolar disorder can manifest in different ways, including rapid cycling, hypomanic episodes, and mixed episodes. Again, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for bipolar disorder because bipolar disorder does not show up the same for every individual. If people better understood the disorder, the language surrounding it, especially when used as an adjective, would change.
Another misconception is that people with bipolar disorder are dangerous, scary, or crazy. Why is it that if you come down with an illness, say covid or the flu, individuals are encouraged to seek help. If you’re feeling sad, however, we are not encouraged in the same way to seek professional help. Instead, we suffer silently. We allow mental illness to interrupt our coping to the normal stressors of life which then disrupt our ability to work productively and fruitfully. We ignore our emotional, psychological, and social well-being for fear of being judged or stigmatized. Why is there a stigma associated with mental illness and there isn’t a stigma associated with an illness like cancer, for example. Those with cancer are brave, strong, resilient. Those with mental illness are stereotyped as lazy and lack motivation despite the courageous fight that they put forth on a daily basis. With more than 700,000 people dying by suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds, which is also more deaths by suicide than the highly publicized breast cancer, I’d say those that battle mental illness are quite courageous and brave as well, right?
What are 5 things you learned from your journey that you think other people navigating life with bipolar disorder or their family would benefit from knowing?
1 . Education and Understanding: Learning about bipolar disorder, its symptoms, triggers, and treatment options can empower individuals and their families to better understand and manage the condition. Educate yourself about bipolar disorder through reputable sources, support groups, or by consulting with mental health professionals.
2 . Treatment Plan: Developing and following a comprehensive treatment plan is crucial. This plan may include a combination of medication, therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), lifestyle adjustments, and support from mental health professionals. Collaborate with healthcare providers to find an individualized treatment approach that suits your needs.
3 . Self-care and Wellness: Prioritize self-care and overall wellness. This can include maintaining a balanced routine, getting sufficient sleep, engaging in regular exercise, practicing stress management techniques, and adopting healthy coping strategies. Taking care of physical and emotional well-being is essential for managing bipolar disorder.
4 . Support System: Building a strong support network is vital for individuals and their families. Seek out support groups, online communities, or local organizations that specialize in bipolar disorder. Connecting with individuals who have similar experiences can provide understanding, empathy, and coping strategies. Additionally, involving family members and close friends in the support system can foster a sense of understanding and shared responsibility.
5 . Open Communication and Planning: Effective communication and planning are key in managing bipolar disorder. Create a plan with your healthcare providers and loved ones to identify warning signs, establish crisis management strategies, and develop strategies for ongoing support. Openly communicate your needs, concerns, and successes with your support system, as it can greatly contribute to a more inclusive and understanding environment.
It’s important to remember that the journey with bipolar disorder can be unique for each individual, and what works for one person may not work for another. Consulting with mental health professionals is crucial in tailoring strategies and finding the most suitable approach for your specific needs.
How has living with bipolar disorder affected your relationships, both romantic and platonic? Any advice for others who are navigating relationships while managing the condition?
Living with bipolar disorder can have a significant impact on relationships, both romantic and platonic. Symptoms such as mood swings, impulsivity, and irritability can impact communications and sometimes lead to conflicts. To best navigate relationships while managing bipolar disorder it is important to first educate yourself and your loved ones about bipolar disorder. Understanding the symptoms and treatment of the condition can help reduce stigma, open lines of communication, and provide context for behavior. Family and friends who are better informed about bipolar disorder may be more understanding and supportive in their relationships with individuals with the condition. This education can increase comfort in communication between individuals.
Communication is essential in any relationship, but it is especially important when living with bipolar disorder. Openly and honestly communicating with loved ones about thoughts, feelings, and experiences can help reduce misunderstandings and clarify expectations. Honesty about mood changes can help partners prepare for the fluctuations in mood that may occur and avoid taking symptoms personally, reducing tension and stress in the relationship.
Lastly, maintaining a consistent treatment plan is also crucial in managing bipolar disorder in relationships. Healthcare providers and individuals living with bipolar disorder should form an alliance to find an individualized treatment approach that suits their needs. This may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Regular check-ins with healthcare providers can help monitor progress or adjust treatment if necessary, reducing the risk of symptoms affecting relationships. Relationships, in general, can be complex. Challenges may arise even when individuals with bipolar disorder are managing their condition effectively. Education, open communication, empathy, and patience can help build stronger and healthier relationships.
Are there any books, podcasts, or other resources that have helped you understand or manage your condition better?
The Garden Within: Where the War with Your Emotions Ends and Your Most Powerful Life Begins by Dr. Anita Phillips and How We Heal : Uncover Your Power and Set Yourself Free by Alexandra Elle have done so much for my healing.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them. 🙂
Honestly, I would love to connect with Megan Thee Stallion. Aside from being a fan of her music, I love that she is using her voice to reach a demographic that is often pushed out of the mental health conversation; Black women. She has been vocal about her own experiences with mental health and the challenges she has faced. This transparency invites many women of color to speak up about their experiences, seek help from professionals, and allow healing in their lives.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Readers can reach me directly at www.ravennicole.com or follow my work on Instagram/Twitter using the handle @raven_nicole_ and on Facebook at Raven Gibbs. I think I have a thing for underscores, but you can also find me on TikTok at @_raven_nicole_ .
Thank you for your time and thoughtful answers. I know many people will gain so much from hearing this.
About The Interviewer: Stephanie Greer, PhD is the Co-founder and CEO of Akin Mental Health — a company dedicated to guiding families on their journey supporting a loved one with mental health challenges like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and severe depression. Stephanie is passionate about this topic from her own personal experience growing up with a mother who struggled with bipolar 1 disorder and found a path forward to overcome the obstacles and live well. Stephanie’s professional experience includes a doctorate in neuroscience as well as design research roles at Hopelab and Apple. Stephanie brings this personal passion together with her world-class science and technology background to support families across the US in their personal journeys supporting loved ones with mental illness. To learn more about Akin Mental Health and join our community, visit us at akinmh.com.
Raven Gibbs: How I Navigate Life With Bipolar Disorder, And How You Can Too was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.