What if the very thing society labels as a "disorder" could be a gateway to discovering your truest self?
Smitha has a deep conversation with Ishaa Vinod Chopra – dancer, author, and mental health advocate - who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 16. But rather than letting this label define her, Ishaa transformed her journey into a powerful narrative of resilience, creativity, and self-discovery. Her memoir, "Finding Order in Disorder," is a testament to finding beauty in the chaos and strength in vulnerability.
This conversation is all about embracing the full spectrum of human emotion and finding grace in every moment.
Powerful quotes from the conversation
"Just know that after having a dark day with complete darkness, there will be light again. Sometimes the wait for that brightness and sunshine may be longer, sometimes it may be shorter, but rest assured it will be there."
"The intensity of those emotions are what make who we are. And I don't think I would trade that."
"There is some sort of beauty as well in having that disorder in your life."
We discuss
- Why the "disorder" in bipolar disorder might actually be a hidden gift
- How Ishaa uses Kathak dance as a powerful tool for emotional expression and healing
- The importance of finding your own coping mechanisms (dance, yoga, journaling for Ishaa)
- The surprising truth about what really happens during manic and depressive episodes
- How family support can make or break a mental health journey
- The unexpected lessons learned from embracing rather than fighting your diagnosis
- The value of honest conversations about mental health
Ishaa's bio
In her memoir ‘Finding Order in Disorder’ Ishaa Vinod Chopra addresses what it is like to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, how it affects interpersonal relationships, and how societal norms influence our understanding of and responses to mental health issues.
Ishaa identifies as a BIPOC, mental health advocate, artist and educator. She utilizes multidisciplinary arts from two generations of filmmakers to cope with, learn from, and reflect on life and its vagaries. She holds a Performing Arts Degree in Kathak and a Diploma in Early Childhood and is in her last year of an Honors Bachelor at George Brown College, Canada.
She aims to foster empathy, positivity, and self-awareness while sparking mental health discussions and reducing stigmas by creating safe spaces for conversations in committees such as the AODA (Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act), Patient and Family Advisory Committee(s) and as chair of George Brown College Advocates Club. As a Member Artist of the Workman Arts Organization funded by CAMH, she integrates dance therapy into the community for healing and expression by infusing Latin, Indian Classical and Folk styles as a facilitator and performing artist.
You can purchase Ishaa's book here - https://amzn.in/d/hinsrHw
Connect with Ishaa
LinkedIn | YouTube | LinkTree I Instagram
QOTD
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