Beyond the Bipolar Label: Overcoming Self-Stigma & Shame | Dr. Andrea Vassilev

What if one of the biggest challenges of living with bipolar isn't just the symptoms—but the way we've learned to think about ourselves?

In this powerful episode of this Is bipolar, Shaley Hoogendoorn welcomes back friend, psychotherapist, researcher, and bipolar advocate Dr. Andrea Vassilev to celebrate the release of her groundbreaking workbook, Beyond the Bipolar Label: A Workbook to Overcome Self-Stigma, Break Free from Shame, and Live Authentically.

Pre-Order workbook here (or wherever you like to buy your books) - Beyond the Bipolar Label A Workbook to Overcome Self-Stigma, Break Free from Shame, and Live Authentically

*Available on Audiobook soon

Together, they unpack one of the most overlooked aspects of living with bipolar disorder: self-stigma. From believing you're "too much," "hard to love," "lazy," or "broken," to learning how to challenge those deeply ingrained beliefs with evidence-based strategies, this conversation offers hope, compassion, and practical tools for anyone living with bipolar—or loving someone who is.

Andrea shares the research behind self-stigma, explains why shame can be more disabling than symptoms themselves, and walks listeners through the workbook chapter by chapter. Shaley also opens up about her own struggles with feeling difficult to love, comparing herself to others, and learning how to replace harsh self-judgment with self-compassion.

Whether you've been newly diagnosed or have lived with bipolar for decades, this episode is a reminder that you are so much more than your diagnosis.

In this episode:

• What self-stigma really is—and why so many people don't recognize it

• The difference between public stigma and self-stigma

• How shame impacts depression, self-esteem, relationships, work, and recovery

• Why our thoughts shape our emotions and behaviors

• Learning to recognize and reframe self-stigmatizing beliefs

• The importance of telling yourself a more truthful—not more positive—story

• Why living authentically helps reduce stigma for everyone

• How to decide whether or not to disclose your bipolar diagnosis

• Building community and finding people who truly understand

• A look inside Beyond the Bipolar Label workbook and how to use it at your own pace

• How book clubs and peer support can make healing less lonely

If you've ever thought...

"I'm hard to love."

"I'm lazy."

"I'm broken."

"I'll never amount to anything."

...this episode was made for you.

Remember: your diagnosis is one part of your story—not your entire identity

Memorable Quotes

"You are so much more than your diagnosis."

"Reframing doesn't change reality—it changes your ability to cope with reality."

"Self-stigma is often harder to live with than bipolar itself."

"You are worthy of love just the way you are."

"Healing starts one thought at a time."

About Dr. Andrea Vasilev

Dr. Andrea Vassilev is a psychotherapist, researcher, author, speaker, and passionate mental health advocate living with bipolar disorder. Diagnosed at age 14, Andrea combines nearly three decades of lived experience with extensive clinical expertise specializing in bipolar disorder. She is the creator of the Overcoming Self-Stigma in Bipolar program and author of Beyond the Bipolar Label, an evidence-based workbook designed to help people overcome shame, challenge self-stigma, and build a more compassionate relationship with themselves.

Follow Andrea on Instagram: @best.life.bipolar

About Shaley Hoogendoorn

Shaley Hoogendoorn is a bipolar advocate, speaker, podcast host, teacher, wife, and mom living openly with Bipolar II Disorder. Through her podcast, social media platforms, and community, she is passionate about sharing real stories that reduce stigma, increase understanding, and remind people living with bipolar that they are never alone. Her mission is to create honest conversations that offer hope, connection, and practical tools for recovery.

Connect with Shaley

🌐 www.thisisbipolar.com

Instagram: @this.is.bipolar

If this episode encouraged you, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who may need to hear it. Every conversation helps break stigma and reminds someone that hope is possible.