Ambassadors of Hope: Andy's Journey with Bipolar Disorder and Peer Support
Episode Overview
Peer support can be life-saving and transformative. Lived experience is crucial in helping others with similar struggles. Institutionalisation can be more traumatising than helpful. Misdiagnosis can lead to significant challenges in mental health treatment. Accessing gender-affirming care is a critical aspect of mental health for trans individuals.
Peer support saved my life.
In this episode of Bold Beautiful Borderline, hosts Laurie Edmundson and Sara Amundson sit down with Andy Levitt, a professional in peer support and a long-time friend of Sara's husband. Andy shares his compelling journey living with Bipolar Disorder, from being institutionalised as a minor to becoming an ambassador of hope through his work in peer support. He discusses the importance of lived experience in helping others, the challenges of his condition, and his upcoming top surgery.
Andy's story is both raw and inspiring, as he talks about his work with youth peers, the impact of misdiagnosis, and the often overlooked value of peer support in mental health recovery. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health advocacy, peer support, or simply looking for a heartfelt story of resilience and hope.