What does bipolar disorder actually feel like beyond the stereotypes?
In this episode of Wired & Worthy, Dr. Amelia Kelley sits down with artist, physical therapist, and energy healer Cait Schmitt for an honest conversation about bipolar disorder, hypomania, creativity, sleep, medication, and the spiritual experiences that can sometimes accompany mania.
Cait shares her lived experience of learning to recognize bipolar cycles and distinguish genuine happiness and creative inspiration from the early signs of hypomania. She explains why changes in sleep have become one of her most important warning signs and how she has learned to protect her stability while still making space for creativity.
They also explore the complicated relationship between bipolar medication and creative expression, the misconceptions surrounding bipolar disorder, and Cait’s experience of mania through both scientific and spiritual lenses. The conversation offers a nuanced look at what it means to manage bipolar disorder while maintaining a connection to creativity, identity, relationships, and spirituality.
Key Takeaways
About Cait Schmitt
Cait Schmitt is an abstract painter, physical therapist, and energy healer based in Greensboro, North Carolina. Her art practice explores art as an alchemical and healing medium through which transformation and personal evolution can occur. She works with students, private clients, and designers around the world.
Cait studied Religious Studies and Dance at UC Berkeley before exploring the body from a scientific perspective at Northern Arizona University, where she earned her Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy. She later deepened her spiritual practice through intuitive healing, shamanic mentorship, Reiki, and Angelic Healing training.
Her work brings together creativity, spirituality, energy healing, and emotional transformation. Through her art and healing practice, Cait creates spaces for people to process and integrate emotional and energetic experiences.
Cait began painting in 2018 and is a self-taught artist who has learned from several mentors along the way. She primarily works with acrylic on canvas while also exploring watercolor, collage, charcoal drawing, and dance.
Connect with Cait:
Website: https://www.caitlinschmitt.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alchemy_and_intuition
Connect with Dr. Amelia Kelley:🌍 Website: https://www.ameliakelley.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drameliakelley/👩🏼💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drameliakelley/