Kimi Culp on Embracing Bipolar Disorder and Finding Joy
One of the things that really fucking blows about untreated mental illness is the blame and the shame, and how we just assume it's some character flaw and us not understanding that it's something bigger than ourselves and that we can't fight or think our way out of it.
What happens when you openly embrace your mental health struggles? In this episode of 'Mental Illness Happy Hour', TV and film producer Kimi Culp sits down with host Paul Gilmartin to share her personal journey with bipolar disorder. Kimi doesn’t just talk about her diagnosis; she also dives into her father's experience with the same condition, offering a multi-generational perspective on living with bipolar disorder.
She opens up about the initial feelings of shame and blame that often accompany untreated mental illness, and how honesty and openness transformed her life for the better. Kimi’s story is not just about struggle; it’s also about the unique creativity that can emerge from mental health challenges. She discusses the hurdles of parenting while managing her condition and reflects on how past traumas continue to impact her present life.
In a candid conversation, Kimi also touches on accepting her sexuality, the power of self-reflection, and owning up to past mistakes. Despite the complexities, she finds beauty in small moments of joy and talks about the fear of losing relationships due to her mental health. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of living authentically with bipolar disorder, filled with compassion and real-life insights. Tune in for a conversation that’s as enlightening as it is comforting.