Bipolar disorder affects a reported 1 million Americans; the number reported is definitively not a true number. The stigma surrounding mental health disease is still rampant in this country. Ironically, the culture we live in promotes a manic lifestyle due to all of the demands. The experiences between both bipolar and the expected pace of the world begin to align.

We will discuss the alignment in unsustainable lifestyles, the truth around bipolar disorder and the need to destigmatize all mental illness through education and relation. Finally, we will discuss that self care is NOT an option, but a basic human need. We will share beneficial methods to provide your self love and appreciation, and begin to heal from the manic pace unto which we are conditioned Nikki was born and raised in central Massachusetts. She went to undergraduate at University of Miami in Florida, to get a double major degree in Biochemistry. She also joined Army ROTC and became a cadet, certifying in Air Assault School and the Expert Field Medical School. Upon graduation, she was commissioned as a Medical Service Corps officer. In the Army she served in various leadership and medical operations positions, finishing her service as a Company Commander for an 180 person Medical Company.
Nikki then moved to Denver to attend the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center to get her masters and doctorate in Physical Therapy. Nikki had the opportunity to study under Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, Washington University in St Louis, focused on Biomechanics. She also pursued lots of continuing education in pelvic pain, manual therapy, taping, ASTYM, women’s health, Postpartum and prenatal care, attaining over 1500 hours of continuing education hours through her career . This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx