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 the appointment. Uncover the hidden gems behind those seemingly routine questions and learn how they can pave the path to your journey of recovery. The hosts discuss practical insights and invaluable tips for making the most of your mental health consultations. Discover the insider's guide to maximizing your psychiatric appointments by listening now! "If I can be frank for a moment, Dr. Nicole, these are the questions that come up in the Reddit threads, in the private social media groups, and the support groups. The questions that trigger us, offend us, annoy us, bother us. That we have some emotion about, a misunderstanding and, and some feelings about." ~Gabe Howard To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the official episode page. Our Host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an A*****e and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. To learn more about Gabe, or book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. You can also follow him on Instagram and TikTok at @askabipolar. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Washington has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices