How to Share Your Mental Health Story with Meloney Hendricks
In this episode of the Communication Queens podcast, host Kimberly Spencer coaches Meloney Hendricks, founder of Dopamine on the Rocks. Meloney shares her journey as a neurodivergent single mother and mental health advocate, discussing her experiences with bipolar disorder and suicidal ideations. She talks about the importance of sharing personal stories and breaking the silence around mental health, particularly in the Caribbean community. The pair also discuss the power of community, the concept of limitless potential, and the importance of lifting others as we rise. Meloney's mission is to help women who have been labeled with a mental health diagnosis, emphasizing that individuals are more than their diagnosis.
Meloney Hendricks was the winner of our Social media challenge for the Communication Queen's monthly Podcast Party. Want to get in on the party? Register here.
Connect with Meloney Hendricks:
What You'll Learn:
- About Meloney Hendricks, a Caribbean single mother with Bipolar disorder who founded the blog, Dopamine on the Rocks
- Importance of sharing personal stories and inspiring others
- Trigger warning for discussion of bipolar disorder and suicidal ideations
- Meloney's mission to help women in the Caribbean with mental health diagnoses
- Meloney's journey of seeking support and receiving her diagnosis
- The role of Meloney's children as her anchor during difficult times
- The power of vulnerability and breaking the silence around mental health struggles
- The importance of community and finding one's tribe
- Embracing limitless potential and redefining oneself
- Lifting others up as we rise and shining our light for others to follow
Links + Mentions
- Podcasting Party: 00:00:00
- Instagram: 00:03:30
- Dopamine on the Rocks: 00:03:58
- Professional help: 00:02:11
Moments of Note:
The Diagnosis and Anger (00:07:05)
Meloney shares her anger and frustration upon receiving her bipolar disorder diagnosis, feeling defeated and questioning why she has to deal with yet another challenge.
From Defeat to Gratitude (00:10:17)
Meloney reflects on her journey from feeling utterly defeated to being grateful for her diagnosis, recognizing the strength and resilience it has brought her.
Transitioning from Anger to Gratitude (00:10:42)
Meloney discusses the process of transitioning from anger to gratitude, acknowledging that it took about six months to reach a point of acceptance and appreciation for her diagnosis.
Finding Strength for My Kids (00:11:30)
Meloney talks about how her kids became her anchor and motivation to keep going through difficult times.
Leading with Purpose (00:12:26)
Kimberly Spencer highlights the importance of leading with purpose and painting a clear picture of one's journey to create empathy and connection with the audience.
The Power of Community (00:17:33)
Meloney discusses the significance of finding one's tribe and the exchange of support, growth, and love within a community.
The intention of being limitless (00:25:16)
Exploring the purpose and potential of being limitless and the positive aspects of having no limits.
Elevating others as you rise (00:26:02)
Discussing the difference between empowering others and putting oneself on a pedestal, and the importance of lifting others up as you succeed.
Shining your light and guiding others (00:28:45)
Highlighting the significance of sharing one's story and guiding others through their own challenges, even in the face of darkness.
