Inside Bipolar

You’ve received a new diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Now it’s time to sharpen your survival toolkit. In part two of this essential series, Gabe Howard (Lived Experience) and Dr. Nicole Washington (Board Certified Psychiatrist) dive straight into the signals you can’t afford to miss: the subtle shifts in sleep, mood, and behavior that whisper “episode incoming.” Learn why tracking your patterns today becomes your superpower tomorrow, and how a simple “chain analysis” can turn hindsight into foresight. With candid humor, real‑world examples (yes, Taco Bell may factor in), and expert guidance, this episode transforms “How did I miss that?” into “I can see it coming—and I’m ready.” Press play and empower yourself with the roadmap that turns panic into proactive action. (Link to the first episode: New Diagnosis? All the Basics Unlocked (Part 1 of 2)) Cold Open Transcript: Dr. Nicole You have to be honest with us about everything, including, as Gabe so eloquently put it, getting your freak on. Gabe: Getting your freak on. Getting your freak on. Dr. Nicole: You gotta tell us. Gabe: It's the number one reason that people stop taking their meds. Dr. Nicole: Yes, yes, yes. Gabe: And they always report to me I just stopped taking my medicine because I couldn't get an erection. Because my libido was down. You know, the sex didn't feel as good. I couldn't achieve orgasm. So I just Dr. Nicole: Yeah. Gabe: Stopped taking my medicine. And I don't want to tell my Dr. Nicole that. Dr. Nicole: Yeah. Because she's an old lady. Because she's Gabe: Yeah. Dr. Nicole: An old lady. She's the same age as my mom. I can't talk to her about sex. Gabe: Yeah, yeah. I hear that all the time. All the time. Number one reason. 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 available directly from the author with free swag included! Among his many accolades, Gabe received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero,” and had the distinct honor of speaking at Oxford University in England. To learn more about Gabe, or to 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, Dr. Nicole 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

Facing a new bipolar diagnosis can be overwhelming. The hosts discuss essential truths, emphasizing that bipolar is a lifelong journey similar to diabetes. They highlight the importance of distinguishing fact from fiction in treatment information. Medication plays a crucial role in managing episodes, and communication with healthcare providers is key. Plus, they explore how sleep hygiene is vital for mood stability. Overall, they advocate for a comprehensive and informed approach to wellness.

In this female-centric episode, board certified psychiatrist Dr. Nicole Washington welcomes mental health advocate Kit Wallis, who lives with schizoaffective disorder, for a fearless “girl power” takeover. Kit shares raw stories of being dismissed, sexualized, and romanticized simply for being a woman with a serious mental health diagnosis — and how one doctor’s simple question, “What is it like for you?” completely changed her care. Together, they pull back the curtain on the “crazy girl” trope, explore why stability truly is the new sexy, and celebrate the radical act of being heard. You’ll learn how gender bias sneaks into clinical decisions — from medication adjustments to life-altering procedures — and discover practical tools for reclaiming agency: setting boundaries, understanding transference in therapy, and advocating for respectful, person-centered care. Tune in and join Dr. Nicole and Kit for an uplifting, eye-opening discussion, because when women speak, real change happens.  We have a guest host for this episode (Don’t worry, Gabe Howard will be back!) Our guest host, Kit Wallis, who goes by SchizoKitzo, is a content creator who advocates for schizoaffective and bipolar disorders. She uses long-form videos on her YouTube channel and short-form content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Her content centers around her personal experience with schizoaffective disorder and often includes deep dives into research topics regarding mental health. Kit was diagnosed with the bipolar type of schizoaffective disorder in late 2020 and has struggled with symptoms since she was in middle school. Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition where someone experiences symptoms of schizophrenia--such as delusions and hallucinations--but also symptoms of a mood disorder--either major depression or, in Kit's case, bipolar. Realizing there was a lack of schizoaffective advocates, she decided to start her SchizoKitzo project to raise awareness for this complex condition. The mission of SchizoKitzo is to raise awareness of schizoaffective disorder and all of its aspects, from the mood side to the psychotic side. Kit works to bridge the gap between life and science so she can help break the stigma around mental health. 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, Dr. Nicole 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

Discover the power of a simple 20-minute walk in managing bipolar disorder. Gabe Howard shares his transformation from skepticism to embracing daily walks, revealing their surprising benefits for mood and mental health. Dr. Nicole Washington discusses the importance of lifestyle choices, including exercise, alongside traditional therapies. Join them on a journey highlighting small steps, social connections, and the joy found in movement. Celebrate the idea that progress doesn’t have to be perfect – just getting started can shift everything!

Imagine being fully awake, yet your body refuses to respond — a terrifying state where time seems to warp as you stand paralyzed. In this riveting episode, we dive deep into the elusive world of catatonia as it intersects with bipolar disorder. Drawing from special guest host Kit Wallis’s (SchizoKitzo’s) firsthand experiences, including moments of being physically “frozen” while fully aware, this episode unpacks the surprising complexities behind catatonia. Listeners will gain a clear and compassionate understanding of the three distinct presentations as host Dr. Nicole Washington, a board certified psychiatrist, breaks down the symptoms and dispels common misconceptions, while Kit shares intimate details of how these episodes have disrupted her life and ultimately guided her toward better management of her mental health. Whether you are directly affected by bipolar disorder or seeking a deeper insight into its hidden facets, this discussion promises to be an enlightening journey into one of the most misunderstood aspects of the condition. We have a guest host for this episode (Don’t worry, Gabe Howard will be back!): Kit Wallis, who goes by SchizoKitzo, is a content creator who advocates for schizoaffective and bipolar disorders. She uses long-form videos on her YouTube channel and short-form content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Her content centers around her personal experience with schizoaffective disorder and often includes deep dives into research topics regarding mental health. Kit was diagnosed with the bipolar type of schizoaffective disorder in late 2020 and has struggled with symptoms since she was in middle school. Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition where someone experiences symptoms of schizophrenia--such as delusions and hallucinations--but also symptoms of a mood disorder--either major depression or, in Kit's case, bipolar. Realizing there was a lack of schizoaffective advocates, she decided to start her SchizoKitzo project to raise awareness for this complex condition. The mission of SchizoKitzo is to raise awareness of schizoaffective disorder and all of its aspects, from the mood side to the psychotic side. Kit works to bridge the gap between life and science so she can help break the stigma around mental health. 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, Dr. Nicole 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

Have you ever felt the crushing weight of doubt when every day is a battle with your own mind? In this episode, Gabe (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole (a board certified psychiatrist) cut through the BS and get real about staying on track with bipolar treatment. They dive into moments when giving up seems like the easier option and Gabe recalls a painful wake-up call from a friend who wasn’t holding back their anger — a moment that ignited a drive to prove everyone wrong. Dr. Nicole breaks down why even the smallest victories, like getting out of bed or planning a future getaway, can mean everything. With no sugarcoating, they explore the raw truth behind why fighting isn’t just for the dark days — it’s a constant, everyday challenge. This episode is for anyone who’s ever wondered how to find the strength to keep moving forward when life feels overwhelming. “I did not want to lay down and die. My core philosophical values and belief systems is that this is all there is. Whatever I do with it, that's my life. That will be how I'm remembered. That is what people will see. Whatever joy or suffering or pain or happiness or success or laughter or connections, this is all there is. And if I just sit at home and do nothing, then I will just be remembered as the guy who sat at home and did nothing. And I don't want to be remembered that way.” ~Gabe Howard, Host 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 available directly from the author with free swag included! Among his many accolades, Gabe received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero,” and had the distinct honor of speaking at Oxford University in England. To learn more about Gabe, or to 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, Dr. Nicole 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

Why is schizoaffective disorder so often overlooked — even by mental health professionals — and how does it relate to bipolar disorder? In this episode, Dr. Nicole Washington sits down with guest host Kit Wallis (aka SchizoKitzo) to discuss Kit’s life managing schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type.Kit shares her decade-long journey through multiple diagnoses, from cyclothymia to bipolar I, before finally receiving the correct diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder. Kit explains why this diagnosis finally made sense and how she educated herself on her disorder.If you’ve ever wondered about the blurry lines between bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder — or just want to hear a powerful story of self-advocacy — this episode is for you.Cold Open Transcript: Dr. Nicole: Some people will tell me that their voices are not all bad, and they don't necessarily want to get rid of them.Kit: Oh, man. That's a can of worms. That is a can of worms. When I was telling my psychiatrist that I was experiencing religious delusions, and I went on antipsychotics to get rid of the god who hated me, but not necessarily for the voices who helped me so much. I ended up losing the others and I think about the voices that I don’t hear anymore all the time because I miss them that much.We have a guest host (Don't worry, Gabe Howard will be back!) for this episode:Our host, Kit Wallis, who goes by SchizoKitzo, is a content creator who advocates for schizoaffective and bipolar disorders. She uses long-form videos on her YouTube channel and short-form content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Her content centers around her personal experience with schizoaffective disorder and often includes deep dives into research topics regarding mental health.Kit was diagnosed with the bipolar type of schizoaffective disorder in late 2020 and has struggled with symptoms since she was in middle school. Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition where someone experiences symptoms of schizophrenia--such as delusions and hallucinations--but also symptoms of a mood disorder--either major depression or, in Kit's case, bipolar. Realizing there was a lack of schizoaffective advocates, she decided to start her SchizoKitzo project to raise awareness for this complex condition.The mission of SchizoKitzo is to raise awareness of schizoaffective disorder and all of its aspects, from the mood side to the psychotic side. Kit works to bridge the gap between life and science so she can help break the stigma around mental health.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

Ever wonder what happens when two complex mental health conditions collide? In this episode, host Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, and board certified psychiatrist Dr. Nicole Washington, peel back the layers of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and bipolar disorder, challenging the clichés and misconceptions that have long overshadowed these conditions.Using humor, candor, and expert insight, they share personal anecdotes and surprising research that illuminate the hidden battles behind intrusive thoughts, relentless rituals, and shifting moods. This conversation dives deep into how misinterpreting symptoms can lead to confusion and missed diagnoses — making it a must listen for anyone seeking clarity on the comorbidity of these two conditions.  Whether you’re navigating these challenges yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode invites you to rethink what you know about OCD and bipolar disorder.“It's very difficult to have an episode about OCD and bipolar disorder because they're two unique illnesses that present in very unique ways. And I'm not sure what it looks like when they blend together. You may or may not have it. The things that you're describing as OCD may very well just be personality traits or just part of bipolar disorder. So I want to ask you very specifically, is there anything unique about OCD and bipolar disorder put together that our audience needs to know that our listeners should be aware of or concerned about?”~Gabe Howard, HostOur 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. 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

Many people with bipolar disorder experience trauma — either from external events or even from the disorder itself. In this episode, Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, and Dr. Nicole Washington, a board certified psychiatrist, dive into the deep waters of managing trauma with bipolar disorder.They cover the differences between trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), debunking common misconceptions. They explore how experiences like suicidal episodes, hospitalization, job loss, and manic behavior can leave lasting emotional scars and why it’s important to manage them.Most importantly, they discuss how to validate your experiences, communicate with loved ones and medical professionals, and take steps toward healing. If you've ever felt dismissed or struggled to explain how bipolar-related trauma affects you, this episode is a must listen."People with bipolar disorder have trauma because of it. So much of this is driven from the fact that people aren't taken seriously. I want to say, as a person living with bipolar disorder, it is real. Bipolar disorder caused you trauma. You are traumatized because of your experiences with bipolar disorder." ~Gabe Howard, HostTo 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. 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

Bipolar doesn’t just impact mood — it can take a toll on your sex drive, too. In this frank conversation, Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, and Dr. Nicole Washington, a board certified psychiatrist, break down how both depression and mania affect libido, the frustration of losing sexual desire, and the pressures of maintaining intimacy in relationships.They cover why some people care deeply about their loss of sexual desire while others barely notice and seem not to mind. How do medication side effects and the emotional weight of bipolar disorder complicate sex and intimacy? And what about the expectations partners place on each other?This episode tackles it all — including the unspoken struggles of men and women navigating sex while managing mental health and the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Whether you're personally affected or supporting a loved one, this episode offers crucial insights into an often overlooked topic."When it gets right down to it, hyposexuality is simple. Your libido is lowered and you don't know why. You need to follow this up. I know people are listening to this because bipolar disorder is what they feel is causing their issue." ~Gabe Howard, HostTo 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. 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