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Talk 1-on-1 with a Peer Specialist About Manic Depression

Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, involves cycles of extreme highs and lows that affect mood, energy, and daily life. A 1-on-1 session with a manic depression Peer Specialist gives you private time with someone who understands those cycles from lived experience.

Start with a free 15-minute intro call.

1-on-1 support

Peer Specialists who focus on manic depression

Private 1-on-1 conversations shaped by lived experience. Open a profile to read their story and book a free 15-minute intro call.

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Jonathan Tucker

Jonathan Tucker

Available tomorrow

Grounded support for real life and recovery.

Anxiety
Depression
Shaera H.

Shaera H.

Available tomorrow

Experienced peer support for emotional clarity. MHPS.

Bipolar disorder
Emotional regulation
Mike Lardi

Mike Lardi

Available tomorrow

Bold Emotional & Spiritual Recoveries. Faith-based.

Bipolar disorder
Emotional regulation
Patricia Catalano

Patricia Catalano

Available tomorrow

For many years, I believed I would need my eating disorder to stay in control of my life. I know what it's like to feel trapped by anxiety, overwhelmed by mental health challenges, and unsure if recovery is really possible. I also understand the unique challenges of living with a chronic illness while trying to prioritize both physical and mental health. Today, I can honestly say that recovery has given me a life I never thought was possible. My lived experience led me to become a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist and Behavioral Health Case Manager because I believe no one should have to face recovery alone and everyone should have access to care and resources. I know how powerful it is to have someone who truly understands. My approach is warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental. I believe recovery isn't about perfection. Recovery is about progress, self-compassion, and learning to build a life that feels meaningful. Whether you're navigating an eating disorder, anxiety, depression, or the challenges of living with a chronic illness, I'm here to listen, encourage, and help you recognize your own strengths. In my professional role, I support individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges through goal setting, coping skills, resource navigation, psychiatric rehabilitation, and recovery-focused conversations. I also love using creativity, art, and mindfulness as tools for healing because there is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery. I'm honored to walk alongside others on their recovery journey and hope to offer the same understanding, encouragement, and belief in recovery that was once offered to me.

Anxiety
Bipolar disorder
Pilar Arsenec

Pilar Arsenec

Available tomorrow

ICF ACC/Peer Specialist/Coach in mental health & recovery

Bipolar disorder
Shame
Breanna Gillespie

Breanna Gillespie

Here to help you navigate your recovery and healing.

Anxiety
Depression
Cristina DiMatteo

Cristina DiMatteo

Available tomorrow

CPSS, Art Therapy Facilitator, Creative, Trauma Survivor, Narcissistic Abuse Survivor, Bipolar, STE, Spiritual Emergence. After a sharp hit to the skull, I had my first psychosis at the age of 33. Rather than getting imaging done, the ER assumed it was psychological and sent a psychiatrist to diagnose me with bipolar disorder. No physical check was done, no evaluation of my past family trauma. I believe I had a Spiritually Transformative Experience or Spiritual Emergence. I've had a few since then and have realized that I want to be a part of fixing a broken health care system. I've survived emotionally immature parents (a complacent mother and narcissistically abusive father), abusive siblings, and I'm still working on myself to this day. Writing has helped me with perspective, I hope to publish my memoir soon. I am also an artist who is certified as an art therapy facilitator to compliment my CPSS (certified peer support specialist) that I received in the state of Arizona.

Anxiety
Grief
Dr. Steve

Dr. Steve

Available tomorrow

I have become a Certified Peer Support Specialist because my life has been shaped by trauma, mental illness, and years of trying to cope without understanding or support. After childhood abuse, a difficult time in Air Force, church-related trauma, a bipolar II diagnosis, and eventual burnout, my recovery began through trauma‑informed care, medication, my service dog Violet, and my faith in God. These experiences have equipped me to offer others empathy, hope, and guidance on their own healing journeys.

Depression
Bipolar disorder
Why it helps

How a Peer Specialist helps with manic depression

A Peer Specialist helps with manic depression because the highs and lows can leave people feeling alone, misunderstood, or ashamed. A 1-on-1 session offers real talk about what stability looks like, grounded in your specialist's own experience navigating the same cycles.

In a session

What a manic depression specialist session often covers

  • Manic or hypomanic episodes: energy, impulsivity, and the aftermath
  • Depressive crashes and the weight of the low periods
  • Medication, treatment, and the challenge of finding what works and staying with it
  • What stability and daily life have looked like for your specialist over time
Good fit for

Who these specialists may help

  • People diagnosed with bipolar disorder or manic depression, or exploring whether the pattern fits
  • Anyone navigating extreme mood swings that affect daily life and relationships
  • People wanting 1-on-1 peer connection with someone who understands both ends of the cycle
Keep exploring

Related topics

These topics often connect with manic depression and may lead you to another specialist who fits what you are navigating.

Frequently asked questions

Is a manic depression Peer Specialist the same as a bipolar Peer Specialist?

Yes. Manic depression and bipolar disorder refer to the same condition. The term manic depression is older and some people still identify with it more. Your specialist will work with whatever language feels right to you.

Can a Peer Specialist help alongside my existing treatment?

Yes. Peer support is not a replacement for clinical care. Many people find that 1-on-1 sessions with someone who has lived experience with manic depression add perspective and connection that clinical appointments alone do not provide.

Can I book a session during a low period?

If you are in a severe depressive episode, please contact a mental health professional or crisis line. Many people find Peer Specialist sessions most helpful during stable or moderate phases, or in the recovery period after an episode.
Group support

Want to join a group conversation about manic depression?

Join a free peer-led manic depression support group with others who understand.

See Manic Depression groups

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