VIMHS
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Sharing a first hand account of a mental health related hospital stay
Sharing a first hand account of a mental health related hospital stay
Sharing a first hand account of a mental health related hospital stay
Sunday 8th June 2025
Luke Galati shares his experience in a psychiatric ward, exploring bipolar disorder and recovery through storytelling.
37 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Hopeful
Supportive
Engaging
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VIMHS
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Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
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Body & Mind
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Get the buttons here!Luke Galati's Journey Through Mental Health Recovery
Episode Overview
- Hospital stays for mental health are often misunderstood.
- Bipolar disorder is episodic, not a constant state.
- Community support plays a crucial role in recovery.
- Storytelling can be therapeutic and insightful.
- Misconceptions about psychiatric wards can lead to stigma.
"It's not that I didn't know that people with bipolar can be successful, but it just kind of affirmed to me that you got to take care of yourself."
Imagine spending three months in a psychiatric ward, navigating the ups and downs of mental health challenges. That's exactly what journalist and documentary maker Luke Galati experienced, and he's here to shed light on what it's really like. In this episode of People First Radio, Luke shares his journey with bipolar disorder, offering a glimpse into the realities of hospitalisation for mental health treatment.
With his background in storytelling, Luke uses his own experiences as a thread through this conversation, touching on both personal and professional insights. He recounts the misconceptions he had before his hospital stay, expecting chaos and violence but finding something quite different. Luke's documentary, 'Dreaming of Better', explores bipolar disorder from multiple perspectives, including those of professionals and individuals who have lived through similar experiences.
He emphasises the importance of understanding that mental health conditions are not permanent states but episodic, urging listeners to see beyond the stigma often associated with disorders like bipolar. Luke's interviews with various professionals provide a broader understanding of the challenges within the mental health system, such as the lack of social services and the impact of medication. Galati also highlights the role of creativity and community in coping with mental health issues.
He shares anecdotes about his passion for basketball and how it provided him with a supportive network during difficult times. His reflections on group therapy and the therapeutic nature of storytelling offer hope and encouragement to those facing similar struggles. This episode is a candid exploration of mental health, aiming to demystify hospital stays and highlight the resilience found within these challenges.
If you're curious about mental health recovery or want to understand the journey from chaos to calm, Luke's story is one you won't want to miss.