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 the importance of maintaining an updated medical history and being active in transitioning to a...

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 provide encouragement and positive interaction beyond the illness. Finally, the hosts encourage...

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 approach necessary for effective management, including therapy, support networks, and coping...

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 side effects, and sometimes, you can even find the positives in the challenges of treatment. To...

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 disorder to be strong self-advocates, involve support systems, and work closely with their...

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, writers, and influencers? Has the desire to put a positive spin on the harsh reality of mental...

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 the tension between person-first language and conscious language initiatives and the way...

“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 outcomes and maintain stability. In this episode, Gabe Howard and Dr. Nicole explore the challenges of...

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 compare and contrast bipolar and BPD. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the...

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 your college career — all ideas and things that will put you in the best position for success. To...

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 mirror?  Join us as Gabe and Dr. Nicole share the answers to these questions and why it may be...

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 people had a lot of feedback, the majority remained respectful and shared a lot of great insights....

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 we do about food and how it ties together with a bipolar diagnosis. To learn more -- or read the...

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 cognitive decline. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode...

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 illness, and what her worries are now. Join us as Gabe steps aside and leaves the show entirely in...

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?), what to pack, what not to pack, and more. They also discuss the emotional implications of...

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?  It is a complicated question that depends on a myriad of factors like where you are in your...

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 unique ways? Join us as Dr. Nicole gives us all the medical info and Gabe shares how well-meaning...

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 best support. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode...

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 note: This is a continuing discussion from the previous Inside Bipolar episode, “Families Are...

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 these mistakes impacted him and what his relationship with his parents is like now. To learn...

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 want to look into getting a second opinion. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please...

Most of us want to get rid of depressive periods, but we aren’t as sold on getting rid of manic periods. And why should we be?   Why won’t doctors just do what we want and relieve our depression while not messing with the often incredibly enjoyable symptom of mania? Join us as Gabe and Dr. Nicole explain why the disorder — and the human body — just don’t work that way. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the show's official episode page. Gabe Howard is an award-winning...

Are you interested in the pros and cons of using over-the-counter supplements to treat bipolar disorder? Some people are curious about them and others feel they are equivalent to prescription medications. But, what’s the reality?  Join Gabe and Dr. Nicole as they share the potential pitfalls of using supplements as a front-line treatment and discuss some of the more popular vitamins and supplements talked about for bipolar disorder. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the...