You’re Not Broken & You’re Not Crazy: Experiencing and Healing PTSD, Psychosis and Bipolar Disorder as a Spiritual Woman ~ w/ Anika Poole

Anika Poole is a 35-year-old woman from Germany who now lives and photographs in Portland, US. A while back she reached out to me with the idea to have her story on the podcast and I wholeheartedly said yes. I immediately felt such a courageous, wild-woman energy from her and was eager to learn more about her journey in mental health and reclaiming her own truth. 

 In this episode, we talk about Anika’s experiences with psychosis, the labels of bipolar disorder and PTSD and (postpartum) depression. She opens up so bravely and authentically about her mental health issues throughout her life, including the time during her two pregnancies and experiencing motherhood. We explore the topic of being seen as ‘crazy’, especially as a woman, and how looking at our (collective) past can bring healing. We talk about the concept of diagnosis, why those labels are necessary but sometimes also restricting and how we can then fall into the trap of pleasing our therapists instead of healing ourselves. 

 Through her story and beautiful sharings, Anika invites us to sit with the fear we can feel, to listen to its messages and to empower ourselves from within. 

 ~ Find Anika on Instagram, @anika_poole_photography 

 ~ If you are dealing with or suffering from mental health issues and this episode triggered something in you, make sure to reach out to someone you trust or call the mental health hotline in your area. ~ Visit the Spiritual Fem website & join the community on Instagram ~ and let me know what you thought of this episode! I would love to hear from you. ~ Music credits go to www.purple-planet.com. The Spiritual Feminist is an online platform and a safe space for women who'd like to dive deeper into spirituality and female empowerment. This podcast is about exploring a deeper connection within ourselves and with everything around us.