Episode 24: She+ Wendall Churchill
In this episode:
This episode contains graphic descriptions of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Please proceed with caution, if this content may be sensitive to you.
Wendall Churchill is not bipolar. She has Bipolar I disorder. That’s the first thing you need to know about this episode. She also is the author of “Confessions of Madness: My Journey with Mental Illness.” In this episode, Wendall discusses her book, as well as her 30-year journey with mental illness.
The Wendall of today is much different than the early years of her journey with Bipolar I. She discusses what her diagnosis with Bipolar I means, including the symptoms and how it affects her. She talks more about her book, why she wrote it and who should read her book. This interview walks through important parts of her book, but it certainly does not touch everything— so I would recommend reading it if you want to better understand how Bipolar I disorder affects people.
Wendall starts her journey at the beginning— her childhood, which was riddled with anxiety that was only remedied through sports and academics. She candidly shares the turbulent relationship with her family as she grew up. Wendall proceeds to attend college at Middlebury College and studied advanced mathematics. She chose to pursue a Master’s degree in architecture from the University of Virginia. All throughout these years, Wendall seemed to be hanging on, until she visited Italy while in graduate school. A trip that was supposed to be for sketching Italian villas turned into the key moment where Wendall spiraled and had a mental breakdown.
Following this trip, Wendall shares her experiences in both private and public mental health institutions… how they differ and what that means when it comes to treatment cost. She also discusses her run-ins with law enforcement while she lived and worked in Baltimore, Maryland. In the episode, I reference the over-policing issues regarding mentally-ill and disabled persons, which is prominently discussed in Bryan Stevenson’s book, “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption.’
We also discuss the societal definitions of mental illness and how it’s regarded as a weakness. Organization such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness are working to end these stigmas and educate the public about mental illness. And finally, we discuss Wendall’s journey towards healing— once she found the right care and realized the importance in saying, “I HAVE Bipolar disorder” instead of “I AM bipolar.”
Concerns about this episode? Email us at sheis.podcasting@gmail.com.
Episode Topics:
What is bipolar one disorder?
Wendall’s diagnosis of bipolar one disorder
Wendall’s book ‘Confessions of Madness: My Journey with Mental Illness’
The audience that needs to read her book
Wendall’s reflection of her childhood and anxiety
How sports and academic served as an escape outlet from her anxiety
The turbulent relationship between Wendall and her parents
Wendall’s experience at Middlebury College and the University of Virginia
Wendall’s mental breakdown while studying architecture in Italy
Her stay at a private mental health facility and the high price for such care
How the carceral system disproportionately affects mentally ill individuals
Wendall’s experience in a public mental health hospital
Wendall’s experience with police in Baltimore, Maryland
Societal definitions of mental illness as a weakness
The work of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The turning of the tides when Wendall meets Dr. Rosenbaum, who helped change her perspective
Advice to other mentally ill individuals, especially those with bipolar disorder
Additional Resources:
Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie 2020 - Prison Policy Initiative
‘Mental Illness as a sign of weakness’ Google search results
