59 episodes

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.

Inside Bipolar Healthline Media

    • Health & Fitness
    • 4.8 • 144 Ratings

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.

    Speed Shift from Mania to Steady Thoughts (and How to Manage)

    Speed Shift from Mania to Steady Thoughts (and How to Manage)

    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 healthcare professionals to achieve stability and recovery.
    To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please 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 Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.
    He is also the host of Healthline Media's Inside Mental Health podcast available on your favorite podcast player. To learn more about Gabe, or book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com.

    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

    • 38 min
    Exploring the Gritty and Ugly Sides of Bipolar

    Exploring the Gritty and Ugly Sides of Bipolar

    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 illness gone too far?
    Our hosts want to acknowledge the complexity of addressing bipolar disorder and its consequences while still providing hope and encouragement to those affected. This episode was inspired by a listener's email. As always, we encourage feedback and topic suggestions. Send them to Show@psychcentral.com.
    To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please 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 Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.
    He is also the host of Healthline Media's Inside Mental Health podcast available on your favorite podcast player. To learn more about Gabe, or book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com.

    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.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 42 min
    Is “I’m Bipolar” a Stigmatizing Statement?

    Is “I’m Bipolar” a Stigmatizing Statement?

    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 individuals with bipolar disorder choose to describe their own experiences. We question the rigidity of language initiatives and advocate for preference versus hard and fast rules
    To read the transcript -- and learn more -- visit the official episode page.

    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.
    He is also the host of Healthline Media's Inside Mental Health podcast available on your favorite podcast player. To learn more about Gabe, or book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com.

    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

    • 38 min
    Managing Urges and Impulses with Bipolar

    Managing Urges and Impulses with Bipolar

    “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 discerning whether urges are symptoms of bipolar disorder or regular human emotions. They stress the importance of using strategies such as creating checklists, setting boundaries, and consulting a support team when making decisions. If you or a loved one manages impulse control in the context of bipolar disorder, this episode is for you. 
    To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please 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.
    He is also the host of Healthline Media's Inside Mental Health podcast available on your favorite podcast player. To learn more about Gabe, or book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com.

    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

    • 39 min
    Borderline Personality Disorder vs. Bipolar. Why the Confusion?

    Borderline Personality Disorder vs. Bipolar. Why the Confusion?

    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 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 Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.
    He is also the host of Healthline Media's Inside Mental Health podcast available on your favorite podcast player. To learn more about Gabe, or book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com.

    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

    • 40 min
    Attending College with Bipolar Disorder

    Attending College with Bipolar Disorder

    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 learn more -- or read the transcript -- please 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.
    He is also the host of Healthline Media's Inside Mental Health podcast available on your favorite podcast player. To learn more about Gabe, or book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com.

    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

    • 47 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
144 Ratings

144 Ratings

Tash57 ,

Just what I needed

I came across show recently in a desperate attempt to understand what my love one is going to through with this diagnosis. I’ve listened and it has helped me to see through Gabe, the experiences of someone with bipolar and the clinical side from Dr. Nicole. This creates a great balance and perspective to the discussion around the topics. Thank you Gabe for pursuing this podcast. I pray it blesses many as you continue to provide more insights

lilyelizabethl ,

I am bipolar

you guys are a blessing for doing this podcast. i listen every single day. believe it or not you have motivated me to stay positive and understand happy isn’t always the final destination to feel complete. you both are very smart people and encouraged me to feel better. thank you for your wise words and dedicated uploads. keep it up, your doing great.

katyoakpdx ,

Not great for folks who aren’t 100% on board with the medical model

The topics can be super interesting at first blush, but I find the hosts to be unsympathetic and patronizing towards people’s personal choices, particularly in regards to medication. I think the show could use a trigger warning for people who consider themselves psychiatric survivors. We are making decisions that affect every moment of our lives and have huge impacts on our health and quality of life. It is a deeply personal and complex thing. Not doing what your doctor tells you does not you mean you lack insight or are foolish or uninformed. At most, they know you for an hour a week, or more likely, an hour or two a year. Both hosts often seem incredulous that people might want to make their own medical decisions. Honestly, at times I find it down right insulting. I would love to find a podcast covering some of these topics that takes a much more person-centered approach.

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