Inside Bipolar

Ever wondered why your psychiatrist bombards you with what seem like mundane questions? Join Gabe, who is navigating life with bipolar disorder, and Dr. Nicole Washington, a board certified psychiatrist, as they delve into the dynamics of your psych visit. Their talk will touch on mood charts, sleep journals, and a better understanding of what is going through your provider’s mind as they direct t...

The common issue of people with bipolar disorder wanting to stop taking medication is discussed in today’s episode. Dr. Nicole Washington highlights that often, these people present compelling reasons why they believe their diagnosis might be incorrect, but stopping medication without a strategic, supervised approach can lead to severe consequences.  Both Gabe Howard and Dr. Nicole emphasize the i...

Is it ever OK to joke about living with bipolar disorder? And what about people who live with bipolar — are they welcome to jest about their experiences, or is it considered inappropriate? While mental health circles often advocate embracing humor as a healthy coping mechanism, there's also the acknowledgment that bipolar disorder is a serious condition and should not be trivialized. Today's episo...

We discuss the challenges people face when needing to find a new psychiatrist, therapist, or support group, emphasizing that while people often underestimate the difficulty of this process, it's a crucial step in managing a long-term mental illness. We highlight that a solid patient-provider relationship is vital and can take time to replace a trusted professional. Dr. Nicole Washington advises on...

Today we discuss the importance of forming a supportive partnership with loved ones managing bipolar disorder without it devolving into a codependent relationship. We also discuss how important it is for our friends and family members not to micromanage or infantilize those living with bipolar.  We emphasize the value of open communication so loved ones can express their fears and concerns and pro...

Dispelling myths surrounding bipolar disorder can be challenging, especially considering its diverse presentation among individuals. In this episode, Gabe and Dr. Nicole delve into these misconceptions, emphasizing the varied nature of the disorder's symptoms and the complexities involved in diagnosis and treatment. While acknowledging the importance of medication, they stress the holistic approac...

Today’s episode discusses the complexities and reality of mood stabilizers for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Though mood stabilizers can significantly aid in shifting mood, they are not perfect and come with various side effects, some of which may require regular blood monitoring and can affect daily life differently for each individual. You can work with healthcare professionals to manage si...

Many people with bipolar disorder miss the feeling of mania despite its destructive nature. Today, we discuss the complexity of treating bipolar disorder, emphasizing the importance of patience, concrete examples of symptoms, and the fact that medication can help stabilize and potentially hinder a patient's cognitive functions. Gabe and Dr. Nicole both agree on the need for people with bipolar dis...

Addressing the more difficult and less discussed aspects of bipolar disorder, such as the high suicide rates associated with the condition, the severe impacts of depressive episodes, and societal stigma & discrimination is never easy. However, in today's episode, we ask ourselves, candidly, do podcasts like this one ignore the “ugly” side of bipolar disorder? What about mental health speakers, wri...

If you spend time discussing bipolar disorder, you’ll quickly see there are many complexities and controversies surrounding language and identity. Today’s conversation aims to emphasize respect and personal empowerment while encouraging society to accommodate individual language preferences and focus on broader issues of care for those living with bipolar disorder. In today’s episode, we explore t...

“Bipolar urges" are the strong desires or impulses that people managing bipolar disorder may experience. Sometimes, giving in to these impulses can lead to significant life changes, such as quitting a job or spending excessively. It’s important to understand that while urges are a natural part of human behavior, managing them in the context of bipolar disorder is critical to prevent negative outco...

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is often compared to — or even confused with — bipolar disorder. Many people are curious whether BPD and bipolar are the same thing with different names.  In this episode, we discuss what BPD is, what it is not, and if bipolar disorder and BPD have any relation at all. We also delve into whether someone can have both disorders. Join us as Dr. Nicole and Gabe c...

We’ve talked about how to manage going back to work after a bipolar diagnosis. But what about going to school? What is college like with bipolar disorder? What are the unique challenges of trying to navigate academia with a mental illness? And how can you put yourself in the best possible position for success?  Join us as Gabe and Dr. Nicole discuss practical tips and considerations when starting...

It can take a long time to reach recovery with bipolar disorder, but once you do, what then? Is it over? Can you stop going to support groups, monitoring your sleep, and tracking your moods? What about your medication and doctor’s visits — can all that just be forgotten? In fact, how long will it be before you can stop paying attention to all of this and leave bipolar disorder in your rearview mir...

We asked on social media for the most annoying things people’s psychiatrists have ever said to them. Wow, did we get some responses! From access to care to dismissing symptoms to offering nonsensical advice, people really feel many psychiatrists say a lot of annoying things.  In this episode, we discuss the top four answers and Dr. Nicole shares some thoughts from her perspective. Even though peop...

There isn’t a specific diet that will cure bipolar disorder, but that doesn’t mean what we eat has no impact on how we feel. In fact, our diet can directly affect how we feel, which can drive the symptoms of bipolar disorder in a myriad of ways.  Join us as Gabe and Dr. Nicole share specific tips on ways to eat better — even when depressed. They also work to unpack all the reasons we believe what...

Do you have trouble remembering things? Do you not think as quickly as you used to or as you would like? Does your memory or ability to focus often feel “foggy?” Do you think it may be caused by bipolar disorder?  It could be your medication, or aging, or drinking, or something else entirely – but how do you know? Join us as Gabe and Dr. Nicole discuss the frustrating symptoms of brain fog and cog...

Bipolar disorder is difficult to manage and it doesn’t just affect the person with the disorder. The entire family is involved, often negatively. Unfortunately, more often than not, no one takes a greater hit than mothers.   In this episode, our host Gabe Howard’s mom shares the early signs of bipolar disorder, what it was like to deal with teenage angst on top of serious and persistent mental ill...

No one wants to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital, though being prepared could make it easier to manage. But how do you prepare for such a thing? Whether you have been admitted in the past or just want to feel better prepared for the possibility, this episode dives deep.  Join us as Gabe and Dr. Nicole share advice on how to be legally prepared (what on earth is a psychiatric advance directive...

In our society, alcoholic beverages are very common, and since people living with bipolar disorder are just like everyone else, they absorb the same messaging surrounding drinking. From the simple wedding toast to “wine o’clock” and “beer thirty” to celebrate the end of a long work day, imbibing a drink is as common as breathing. But is this the best choice for people managing bipolar disorder?  I...

Often, when discussing hypomania in bipolar disorder, it is described as “just like mania, but not as severe.” To the uneducated populace, this creates the idea that hypomania is not as serious and, for all practical purposes, is basically “mania light.” But is that accurate? Is hypomania simply a lesser form of mania? Or are mania and hypomania two distinct symptoms that need to be treated in uni...

Building a support system to help you manage bipolar disorder is easier said than done. In this episode, Gabe and Dr. Nicole share that a support system is helpful and give hints and tips on how to build your team. They discuss who you should have on your support team and how to recruit them as well as who to avoid and why. They also share the five most important people they feel can offer the bes...

Last week, Gabe shared all the things his parents did wrong when it came to helping him manage his bipolar disorder. This week, he tells us some of the things his parents got right.  Dr. Nicole shares how many of her patients have tried to reconnect with estranged family members, and they both discuss ways to bring people back together. An inspiring, hopeful, and motivating episode awaits! Please...

Our host, Gabe Howard, frequently shares how his parents “did everything wrong” when getting him help for bipolar disorder. He has shared the fractures in his family, the misunderstandings, and the conflict in multiple past episodes.  In this episode, we dive into some of the specifics of his parent’s missteps and touch on what they could have done differently. Join us as Gabe openly discusses how...

Receiving a diagnosis of any major medical condition is scary. A bipolar disorder diagnosis can be even scarier. Many people may disagree, wondering if the doctor is correct.  Should you seek a second opinion and, if so, what if another doctor or mental health professional has a different perspective? Would you benefit from hearing it? Join us as Gabe and Dr. Nicole discuss when and how you might...