Many of us have been told that maintaining a consistent routine is the key to living well with bipolar disorder. But does that ever annoy you? Does it feel like you’re being treated like a child? After all, the idea of having a routine sounds like something a toddler does, not an adult. Listen as Gabe and Dr. Nicole discuss what the concept of routines gets wrong as well as what it gets right. They even throw in some helpful hints on creating one for yourself. But, perhaps most importantly, you’ll learn the suggestion Gabe has for naming your daily schedule.To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please 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 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.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

Today we welcome Gabe Howard to the podcast. Gabe is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after speaker. He hosts the Inside Mental Health podcast and is the author of Mental Illness is an Asshole and Other Observations. He’s been featured in numerous publications including Bipolar Magazine, WebMD, Healthline.com, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America’s Norman Guitry Award and received a resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” In this episode, I talk to Gabe Howard about living with bipolar disorder, an illness that is characterized by emotional highs and lows. Gabe shares what phases of mania and depression are really like and how the sudden shifts feel so jarring. Even though the disorder has its own set of challenges, Gabe is a staunch believer in taking responsibility for his actions. He opens up about his journey of recovery and the coping strategies that have benefited him. We also talk about the common misconceptions about people with bipolar disorder and public figures who may have had this mental illness.Website: gabehoward.comTwitter: @gabehoward29 Topics03:22 Gabe’s childhood and diagnosis05:36 Experiencing a wide range of moods11:31 True mania is not productive 14:47 Bipolar disorder does not control me22:03 Hypersexuality 30:28 Feeling dead inside32:49 Mania changes what you see36:07 Working on coping skills39:53 Everyday mindfulness42:03 Perception is reality45:09 The dangers of bipolar disorder48:01 Public figures with bipolar disorderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Nicole and Gabe Howard discuss managing urges and impulses in bipolar disorder, emphasizing the importance of discerning between symptoms and regular emotions. They highlight the necessity of creating checklists, setting boundaries, and consulting a support team when making decisions to prevent negative outcomes and maintain stability.

A podcast featuring an honest conversation between Kati and Gabe Howard about bipolar disorder, hospitalizations, and symptoms that are often overlooked. They discuss treatment options, managing symptoms, and breaking down mental health stigma. Audience questions explore breakthrough moments in bipolar disorder and experiences in the hospital. The podcast delves into the complexities of psychiatric hospitalizations, less discussed symptoms of bipolar disorder, and the importance of proactive management and seeking support.

Gabe Howard, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, shares his journey from a successful tech career to becoming a speaker and activist. He discusses the stigma and consequences of bipolar disorder, the challenges of obtaining affordable health insurance, and the underrepresentation of bipolar disorder. Howard also explores his career journey, including fundraising for a mental health charity and pursuing side hustles. Lastly, he discusses the possibility of individuals with bipolar disorder succeeding in the corporate world and the importance of inclusivity and reasonable accommodations.