I'm also a bipolar teacher. I share my illness with everyone. I teach anatomy, and I'm upfront with my high schoolers. I tell them what it's like, and I think they've learned that mental illness isn't a character flaw. Sharing is difficult at first, but it's so liberating after you get used to it.

This WOMAN HAS SO MUCH SUPPORT !!! THIS IS NOT how most people experience mental health. If we all had this kind of support mental health wouldn't be as devastating. NOT sure how she acquired all of these 'Sherpas', most people run the other way of needy people. I ask for help but most people I know are ' fed up' with me. AS a TED TALK this is showing HER experience, yet it is FAR from achievable by most people with Bipolar.

This is the most profound video on bipolar I have seen, and has come into my life at just the right time. I have been tasked in life with being the Sherpa to a loved one who has bipolar. If "I" is replaced by "we", even illness becomes wellness.

I am a retired elementary teacher with bipolar 1 disorder. I enjoyed your talk. Well done. I also have sherpas. Never called them that before but they are angels on earth. Teaching with bipolar is a challenge but none of us needs to be humiliated because of this issue. Remember your moods and behaviour are the symptoms of your illness in the same way that throwing up is a symptom of flu. If employers have an issue with it get a new job because their prejudice is their problem. Do let them make it yours. I have been saying for years it is time for mental illness to come out of the attic. Forty percent of people will experience some form of mental illness in their lives. That means that EVERYONE either has a mental illness or they know someone who has. When a problem is this pervasive it is everyone’s problem.

I have a Bi-polar wife God it's hard for me, but I understand it's even harder for her

This was an excellent presentation. I watch videos on mental health bc I am looking for handholds as I climb this vertical wall. I always feel some sadness when I find a gem like this one bc I keep thinking of those who don’t struggle with mental issues who may not watch it. And yet that is precisely who needs to know about it. Mental illness is so isolating and we are labeled and blamed for our illness. I’ve had friends spit the label out the side of their mouth when they tell me about someone they know who’s been diagnosed as Bipolar. They say this to me. I’m bipolar! It shows how disdainful people feel about it. Even alcoholics get more compassion most times yet it is just as genetic. If you also come from a dysfunctional family then you’re really on your own. But thank you again for describing BP with such accuracy and insight.

I have bipolar and this was the most relatable video I’ve ever seen!!!

Thank God for someone who understands.

Great talk for me to hear. I am a sherpa for a loved one and your talk helps me continue climbing the mountain of bipolar. Loved you saying "When we replace I with we illness becomes wellness." Wish everyone had a sherpa.

Thank you, we are close to an actual diagnosis for my 17-year-old daughter and as soon as possible, I am sharing this with her. This will be one of her first Sherpas. ❤️.

I am a Sherpa, and I am a Psychology Student. Wish you good luck

I suffer from Bipolar-I. I've at times tried to explain what a clinical depression is like, but the truth is that unless one has not had one it is very difficult to describe this so that others can understand.

You're not alone. I was self medicating myself with opiates for years without knowing bipolar was my root issue. It's an exhilarating freedom to be aware of it and how to treat it so I can fulfill my true purpose in life and stop letting down myself and those who love me the most.

Well done Debbie, you are so brave. I have bipolar 2. I really struggle to “come out” and tell people about my illness. Especially at work, as in the past i had very negative experience and my manager used my illness against me, bullied me and also used bipolar as the reason i won’t be able to progress in the company into senior or managment (her excuse was i wouldn’t be able to handle the stress). After staying in hospial and doing all sorts of therapies i gathered my strength with the amazing help of a career coach sherpa and found a new job in management. I love to be stable with a bit of a high, as it gets my creative juices going:-) i love to paint, draw, do craft, write and just imagine different stories for books. I can not get to high into mani, as it always ends up in severe depression. I have had mixed episodes on and off in the past 4 years, some manic episodes but thank god no real full on depression. My biggest and most supportive sherpas are my husband, my children and my family overseas. I am blessed to have some amazing friend sherpas and the most amazing psychiatrist anyone could hope for. I’ve been seeing her for over 15 years and she has been my rock in all those years. Now i moved to australia from Europe about 20 years ago, when i was diagnosed with depression only. Bipolar has a lot of stigma, much more then depression or anxiety. Maybe because far less people have it, are properly diagnosed - if at all or maybe because of the picture some media, movies and so on paint of us. I truly wish you the strength of all the mountains on Earth and may you find an amazing psychiatrist that will guide you as a kind and understanding shepard. Stay strong and know you’re not alone, all over the world are your polar friends and shepards, Anna (not stephen, he’s my special shepard xo)

I was recently diagnosed with BP II. These videos, along with medication from a new psychiatrist, are really helping me understand myself more and keep pushing.

Every description is like her reading my life, Recently Diagnosed with Bipolar 1 and it's so hard and confusing, crazy as most people will describe it. Thank you so much. It gives me hope that i can go through this.

I'm so grateful for you, my first Sherpa, thank you so much. You've just made my life more bearable

Debbie, you have put a powerful,bright, sensitive face on an often misunderstood, dark diagnosis. YOU and your "sherpas" deserve a standing ovation and a long round of atta girls !!!

You could tell it was hard for her to share. I have bipolar 1. You are so brave . We are all brave and just trying to manage .

When I is replaced with WE, even illness becomes wellness 🙏🏽. I am 49 and after nearly 30 years of denial/neglect/abuse I finally had to come to terms with the fact that I am Bipolar. Sadly mine would be an almost solo climb as my condition led to separation. My heartfelt best wishes and prayers to all those who have to go through this on their own - love yourself ❤️

Thank you Debbie Foster, I also live with Bipolar and this was emotional and empowering for me to watch. I applaud your bravery and your strength, I do not have my own sherpas, but I do have some good friends. I would love to be able to hear you speak again someday, thank you so much for your inspiring speech.

I'm a teacher with bipolar 1. It's really difficult. I'm not allowed to let my students see how I am on the inside.

This woman is so valiant to tell us how it is!!

I've got my own sherpas and thank God for them, Its extremely helpful to feel loved when one cant love oneself.

Youre so so fortunate to have sherpas. I feel so alone most of the time.

Great speech well done keep going doing amazing things I have bipolar manic depression I also have hypoxia brain injury I died 26minutes spent weeks months in coma rehab hospital learning talk walk again been a recovery massive discovery never ever give up on yourself many will never yourselves keep going doing amazing things sending luck hugs prayers most of all love from headway Nottingham UK you got this speak out nothing to be ashamed off its mental health you got this thanks for sharing well done x

Debbie, Your TEDx talk will inspire so many more to move out of the dark shadows and into the light! Thank you for breaking silence and helping to de-stigmatize mental health and specifically an often misunderstood diagnosis. You are a brave human being, with a beautiful soul and important purpose!

Even illness become wellness. Well done 👍

This is he'll I understand very personally myself my single mom grandma and sister , they have all passed away. I've been fighting with all CAN. ALL that I am to raise children. Keep rouf over food on table. To not fai,l constantly year after year to not let life far apart, lose my children. Alone and AFAIK to ask for help

Thank you so much for being open and transparent with your struggle. I have a family member recently diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and I greatly appreciate this video to help me better understand.

I can't believe you were able to give this talk in the middle of a depressive episode. I was diagnosed just a few months ago, so this is all very new to me. I understand the "in the closet" aspect of what you are saying, because I still want to appear as though I have it all together. I just got a job as a preschool aide and wasn't upfront about this at the interview. I am hoping it will be okay, though, since it is just two mornings a week. I am going slow and learning my limits, but it's a tough process to navigate. I really appreciate you sharing your story, because it gives me just a little more courage to maybe start sharing mine.

Such a honest breathtaking account of this illness we have . Thankyou for sharing. You totally described my whole life .

Beautiful, heartwarming and ever so relatable speech.

This is so extremely spot on..

Felicidades te explicaste muy bien, I understand everything, my daughter is bipolar and this help me so much to understand how she feels

Debbie, I am so proud of you. You are truly a remarkable person. I miss you but I am always here if you ever need me. You are such a caring and loving person, The preschool is so lucky to have you . Your talents, creativity and love are invaluable to them.

Beautiful talk Debbie, I was sharing those tears with you as you described my life as well :')

You have such strength and a gracefullness that is beautiful. Thank you for getting up on a world stage, in a depressive episode and sharing your story, insights and feelings. Although I only have BP Type 2 and do not have the extremes of depression and mania that you have, I can identify in many ways. I too believe in being transparent about my condition, sharing in the hope that my experiences with BP may help those I meet. Thank you.

I really relate to having a great idea and initiating something and then having to do it when my world has caved in. So much power to you for doing this and for standing on stage in your vulnerability. You could have ducked out but you didn't. And it was v powerful for it. And gosh I just love that end quote. I need to find some more sherpas.

Great job, Debbie Foster! Thank you very much for sharing your experience.. I have been diagnosed with bipolar I one year ago and I struggle a lot with the depressive stages of it, but I have my friends and family who support me. So the people around are very important. Keep on going 🙏🏼

I’m literally crying through this talk. I feel seen

Amazing thank you ❤️

Thank you Debbie.

I’m literally in tears. This is amazing and I feel less alone. Thank you Por Siri

Beautiful and powerful - thank you for your message!!!

Powerful

Thank You SO much

Thank you so much! I can relate a lot. I appreciate you, and your video!

I have bipolar and I feel exhausted all the time - weary, tired, spend a lot of time in bed. It's a hellish way to feel.

Thank you so much

Girl! You made me cry! I can relate.

YhWh prosper you angel. Your testimony is a gem!

thank you so much...

What an amazing phrase to close.

Well done. That was brilliant :-)

Thank you!

This was great

You're never alone sweetie.

Very brave of you to share your story - thank you!

Thank you immensely!!! You’ve shared your truth with such honesty. By giving your story you give others hope🥰

I appreciate your description of this. I’ve been looking for an explanation of someone I love with bipolar and haven’t been able to really understand.

Debbie, you are a beautiful and strong person.

Great Video

this is so wonderful to tell your story, glad you allow your sherpas in. Someone i care about alot is bipolar and he shuts down and literally dissapeara for months even though i am the best sherpa you could ask for . Thanks for this video

You are so beautiful and your true strength shows through. You are very brave to enhance the Sherpas or network around you. Bravery courage do not even come close to describing you I take so much from you. Never give up

excellent

Wonderful and very helpful presentation. P.S. You are beautiful inside and out with stunning hair.

Debbie, what a wonderful talk and explanation of what the manic-depressive state is and the problems associated with it are. You are brave and remarkable to reveal all of this.

Sherpas or a support group among the people who love us, Is all I hear about to truly thrive with BD, and that is why I'm getting more and more scared because I don't have any sherpas. No family in this country, no friends, no money to pay for helpers (can't even pay the rent anymore), still looking for a therapist who uses DBT or IPT, etc, since talk therapy alone does not help me. I am completely alone/isolated despite trying to connect with others + I HAVE A DAUGHTER = I'm screwed.

I need sherpas.

This reminds me of when I was in AA.Step one: My name is none of your business and I am powerless over my bipolar disorder and my life has become unmanageable! My higher power is the drug companies and my psychiatrist is my sponsor! No disrespect intended! I have had a few psychiatric labels in my time and was a member of the forensic group for over ten years! The DSM 5 is the equivalent of AA's Big Book!

Being wealthy buys sherpas

My cheer -pal is my husband,thank God!!..at least I've one....the poor guy.

I'm sorry, I'm too eaten up with envy to praise this talk or its presenter. I have both Bipolar 1 Disorder AND Borderline Personality Disorder, so any would-be volunteer Sherpas ran for the hills long ago and I'm too dysfunctional to pay any. I usually feel better after a TED talk. Not this time.

a hyphen is a wonderful tool///////Bravo my dear

I have only one Sherpaish

Mania allowed my brother-in-law to commit suicide

I thought this was about climbing Everest lmaoooooo. I’m bipolar and it’s definitely not half as hard to deal with as climbing the tallest mountain in the world....... hahaha

👀