Inside Bipolar

Love can be exhilarating, but for people with bipolar disorder, it can sometimes blur the lines between infatuation and mania. In this candid episode, Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, and Dr. Nicole Washington, a board certified psychiatrist, dive into the complexities of new romance through the lens of bipolar disorder. How can you tell if it’s true love, fleeting infatuation, or a s...

Doomscrolling can be especially harmful for people with bipolar disorder, amplifying mood changes and fueling anxiety or depression. In this episode, Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, and Dr. Nicole Washington, a board certified psychiatrist, dive into the dark world of doomscrolling and why it’s particularly damaging for people living with bipolar disorder. They explore why doomscroll...

Is hypomania something you can use to your advantage, or is that a dangerous game to try? In this episode, Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, and Dr. Nicole Washington, a board certified psychiatrist, take a deep dive into the nuances of hypomania, its diagnostic criteria, and the widespread belief that it can be harnessed for productivity. They explore why some people may mistake eleva...

What happens when someone with bipolar disorder relapses after years of stability? In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Nicole Washington interviews Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, about his recent mood episode and relapse. Together, they uncover the subtle warning signs Gabe overlooked, the crucial role loved ones—and even strangers—played in recognizing the episode, and the surpris...

Confused about what medically constitutes “bipolar tendencies” or “bipolar adjacent symptoms”? Do you want to understand more about the diagnosis of cyclothymia? You're not alone! In this episode, Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, and Dr. Nicole Washington, a board certified psychiatrist, tackle the murky waters of “not quite bipolar, but kind of.” They cover what cyclothymia is and ho...

Do cluttered, racing, or disordered thoughts disrupt your daily life? Do you understand the differences between them? In this episode, Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, and Dr. Nicole Washington, a board certified psychiatrist, unravel what these terms mean, how they differ, and discuss why they’re not exclusive to bipolar disorder. Using relatable analogies and personal insights, they...

Stress-free living is a myth, but stress-proofing your life? That’s a game-changer. In this episode, Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, and Dr. Nicole Washington, a board certified psychiatrist, share practical strategies to build a "foundation" strong enough to handle the stress that comes with managing bipolar disorder. Whether it’s navigating late-night anxiety or managing specific b...

Balancing a career while managing bipolar disorder can feel overwhelming, especially when symptoms like anxiety, depression, or hypomania strike during work hours. What do you do when you’re at your desk and suddenly feel frozen or out of control? In this episode, Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, and Dr. Nicole Washington, a board certified psychiatrist, share actionable tips to help...

Is treatment-resistant bipolar disorder a real diagnosis, just a concept, or entirely made up? It may surprise you, but depending on your perspective, an argument can be made for all three. Join Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, and Dr. Nicole Washington, a board certified psychiatrist, as they demystify what “treatment-resistant” bipolar disorder means. This candid conversation unpack...

When someone with bipolar disorder refuses treatment, it can leave loved ones feeling helpless and overwhelmed. How can you support them without enabling their denial? In this episode, Gabe Howard and Dr. Nicole Washington offer actionable advice for navigating this emotional minefield. Learn how to foster meaningful conversations, set healthy boundaries, and take care of your well-being while enc...

Can following a keto diet help people with bipolar disorder reduce or even eliminate medication? While keto is often promoted as a potential game-changer for mental health, there’s a crucial question: Can it really help manage bipolar symptoms? In this episode, Dr. Nicole Washington shares insights from clinical experience, balancing keto’s possible benefits against the dangers of going off medica...

Self-care for bipolar disorder is more than relaxation — it's about nurturing every part of your life, from physical health to emotional resilience. This episode dives deep into the “8 Dimensions of Wellness,” providing useful, practical ways to meet your unique needs and stay balanced. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at self-care advice, this episode may just change your mind. Listen in as our ho...

Bipolar disorder can feel overwhelming, and you're not alone if you don’t understand what it’s all about. In this episode, Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, and board certified psychiatrist Dr. Nicole Washington tackle the top ten questions about living with and managing bipolar. From explaining the difference between bipolar I and bipolar II to whether bipolar can be effectively manag...

As the holiday season begins, we start feeling the pull to enjoy every treat, party, and late night that November and December has to offer. But for those managing bipolar disorder, the holiday frenzy can lead to more than just leftover fruitcake in January. Join Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, and Dr. Nicole Washington as they dive into the chaotic holiday whirlpool and explain how...

Navigating marriage is hard enough — but when bipolar disorder is in the mix, things can get even more complicated. In this episode, Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, and Dr. Nicole Washington, a board certified psychiatrist, dive into the complexities of marriage when one partner lives with bipolar disorder. Gabe shares candid stories from his two divorces and the challenges of untrea...

Dive into the intricate dance between self-sabotage and bipolar disorder in this eye-opening episode. Join Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar, and Dr. Nicole Washington as they explore the often unrecognized ways that bipolar symptoms can lead to unconscious self-sabotaging behaviors. Discover how to identify patterns of self-sabotage and why understanding the "why" behind your actions is crucial...

Can the changing seasons impact bipolar disorder, much like they do with seasonal depression? In this episode, Gabe Howard and Dr. Nicole Washington tackle the intriguing question of whether bipolar disorder can have seasonal patterns. Drawing on the latest research, they explore how seasonal changes affect mood, not just in terms of depression but also mania and hypomania. Dr. Nicole sheds light...

Shame, guilt, and self-stigma. Our host, Gabe Howard, may openly talk about living with bipolar disorder, but that doesn't mean he doesn’t feel shame and guilt. In this episode, Gabe and Dr. Nicole Washington dive deep into the lingering guilt many feel after a bipolar diagnosis. Why do feelings of self-stigma persist, even after years into recovery? From internalized discrimination to societal mi...

Can mania and depression really coexist? In this episode, our hosts unravel the complexities of bipolar mixed episodes — where mania and depression collide in the same mind, often creating a personal hell for those experiencing it. Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, and Dr. Nicole Washington dive into the complexities of mixed episodes, highlighting that they’re far more than just mood...

This episode delves into the often-overlooked aftermath of living with bipolar disorder, even after achieving stability. Gabe, who lives with bipolar, shares his personal experiences of lingering fears, the trauma of past depressive episodes, and the constant self-monitoring that comes with managing his illness. Dr. Nicole explores the delicate balance between responsibility and self-compassion, a...

Trying to achieve that perfect work-life balance? You’re not alone, and it might be doing more harm than good—especially if you’re managing bipolar disorder. In this episode, Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar, and Dr. Nicole Washington debunk the myth of work-life balance, revealing how this ideal can fuel feelings of inadequacy and guilt for those living with bipolar disorder. Instead of chasin...

Today we discuss how to navigate friendships, avoid echo chambers, and integrate professional advice into your bipolar support system. Learn why having a range of perspectives is essential for your mental health journey and how to effectively manage relationships without falling into codependency. We explore the intricate balance of maintaining friendships while managing bipolar disorder. Gabe, wh...

Today we delve into the complex relationship between menstrual cycles, hormonal fluctuations, and bipolar disorder. Join Dr. Nicole Washington and Natasha Tracy, who lives with bipolar disorder, as they explore how periods and other “women’s health” issues can impact mood stability and what menstruating people with bipolar disorder should know about managing their symptoms. Learn about the importa...

Ever wonder if dizziness is from your medication or if there's really such a thing as medication-resistant bipolar disorder? In this episode, our hosts tackle questions submitted by listeners, diving into topics rarely discussed on other podcasts. Questions include: Is the brain of someone with bipolar disorder physically different? What exactly is TMS and does it work for bipolar? Was lithium rea...

Curious about how bipolar disorder is diagnosed? Join Gabe and Dr. Nicole as they break down the intricacies of the diagnostic process. From recognizing the subtle signs of mania and depression to understanding the importance of detailed questioning, this episode offers an in-depth look at what it takes to accurately diagnose bipolar disorder. Whether you're noticing symptoms in yourself or suppor...