Do you think you might have a bipolar disorder? Eric Tivers and Malaika Tolford, the host of ADHD reWired, discuss Malaika’s diagnosis of bipolar disorder. They also discuss how common it can be to have both ADHD and bipolar I.
Malaika is a ceramic artist, owner of Place Value Pottery, and teaches at a non-profit craft organization. They diagnosed Malaika with bipolar two disorder in 2013 and added an ADHD diagnosis in January 2020, which provided some pieces of her mental health puzzle. She is a mother to two boys and is trying to navigate COVID, while working remotely and staying out of her husband’s way at zoom meetings.
Malaika talks about why she contacted Eric and the differences between bipolar I/II. She also discusses what made her decide to seek treatment and diagnosis for bipolar disorder. Malaika was suicidal and sought treatment for bipolar depression. The first thing she tried actually worked.
Malaika talks about what led her to believe she may have ADHD. She also discusses her struggle to discover who she was. Eric believes medication is the best treatment for ADHD if you are able to tolerate it.
Malaika talks about her pottery business and how it has evolved to online sales following the pandemic. She also discusses how pottery can be relatable to her diagnosis. Malaika describes her pottery and explains that she uses maps to identify her pieces. If you like geography, please visit Place Value Pottery.
What you’ll find out: [03:28] Malaika, welcome to the show! [04:22] Malaika explains why she contacted Eric. [07:19] Malaika shares her understanding of bipolar disorder and the differences between 1 and 2. [09:44] Why did you seek treatment and diagnosis for bipolar disorder? [11:16] Malaika talks about her decision to seek treatment for her disorder. [13:02] Eric believes that suicidal thoughts are a sign of a disease. [16:05] Malaika discusses the possible causes of depression and ADHD. [22:36] They discuss the medication Malaika received for her bipolar disorder. [25:08] Malaika explains what led to her ADHD diagnosis. [28:28] ADHD Alien was what led to her ADHD diagnosis. [31:15] Malaika talks about her struggle to find herself. [33:51] They discuss the pandemic, and what they did when they were shut down. [37:43] Malaika explains the ADHD medication she has been given. [39:57] ADHD does not indicate a lack of skills. [40:54] Medication is an effective treatment for ADHD if you are able to tolerate it. [47:07] Malaika talks about her pottery business and its relationship to her ADHD diagnosis. [50:54] The majority of Malaika’s work is based on geography. [52:37] What was the most difficult thing about pivoting when you have ADHD, bipolar disorder, and COVID. [54:50] Malaika speaks about moving during all of this craziness. [57:00] Malaika shares the interesting things that have come out of her diagnosis. [1:01:19] Eric talks about how great the Bose noise-canceling headphones are. [1:02:09] Is talking to people with masks on hard for you? [1:03:16] Malaika shares some final thoughts for people who might think they have bipolar disorder along with their ADHD. [1:08:37] Thank you so much for being on the show! [1:09:50] If you are a regular listener, consider becoming a patron click on our Patreon tap at www.ADHDreWired.com Links and Resources Find Malaika:
Place Value Pottery Instagram Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles: d
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