DBSA was delighted to partner with the BrainStorm film team to showcase their feature-length documentary about the bipolar spectrum. The film follows six compelling people living with bipolar disorder in their journeys from devastation to recovery. It connects their experiences with the latest bipolar science to shed light on potential causes and successful treatments.
Please enjoy this panel discussion, which includes clips from the film and questions for the panel. The conversation features the film’s director, writer, and advocates exploring themes of wellness, community, advocacy, and hope.
Panelists Bios:
Sara Schley
Co-Producer, Co-Writer, Author of the Memoir “BrainStorm”
Sara is a business consultant, social change entrepreneur, speaker, and author who has led transformation at companies around the world. She has lived with bipolar II for four decades. In her memoir, BrainStorm: From Broken to Blessed on the Bipolar Spectrum—the inspiration for the film—she shares her story to reduce stigma and promote healing.
Bonnie Waltch
Director, Producer, and Writer
Bonnie is a director, producer, and writer who has been involved in numerous PBS science series and has produced exhibit media for museums around the U.S. She is the award-winning senior producer and writer of the one-hour PBS and international broadcast documentary, Earth Emergency, narrated by Richard Gere.
Dr. Andrea Vassilev
DBSA Scientific Advisory Board Member
Dr. Vassilev is a bipolar advocate and survivor, with decades of experience and a deep understanding of the condition. Andrea’s mission is to help others and end the stigma surrounding bipolar through advocacy work, outreach, writing, and being an example of what is possible with bipolar.
Moderator: Aidan McKee, DBSA Associate Board Member
