Inside Bipolar

Inside Bipolar

Join Gabe, who lives with bipolar, and Dr. Nicole, a board certified psychiatrist, as they explore the spectrum of this misunderstood illness. They tackle bipolar disorder using real world examples, the latest research, and just enough funny to keep you intrigued. Signal Award Gold Winner, 2024. Signal Award Listener's Choice Winner, 2024. Webby Honoree, 2024.

Episodes

February 10, 2025 37 mins
Does your psychiatrist really understand what you're going through? Navigating conversations with your psychiatrist and other professionals helping you manage your mental health can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, Gabe Howard and Dr. Nicole Washington tackle the communication disconnect between patients and mental health professionals. Learn why vague terms like "nervous breakdown" can hinder your treatment...
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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 symptom of mania? From grandiose dec...
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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 doomscrolling feels addictive and how it impa...
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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 elevated moods for hypomania, the risks ...
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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 surprising strategies that helped him rega...
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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 how it differs from bipolar I and II....
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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 explore the profound impact these ...
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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 bipolar symptoms, this episode provi...
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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 you maintain focus and manage sympt...
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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 unpacks whether this label is in the DSM,...
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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 encouraging them toward treatment. Thi...
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November 25, 2024 38 mins
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 medication. Gabe Howard, who lives with b...
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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 hosts delve into the often misunderst...
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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 managed to treatment options, they break...
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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 its demands can quickly become a re...
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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 untreated bipolar, while Dr. Nicole lends...
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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 for growth. If you’ve ever felt tr...
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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 on the DSM-5's reclassification of ...
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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 misunderstandings, Gabe shares how he...
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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 changes. Bipolar mood episodes comb...
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