Inside Bipolar

What happens when binge eating disorder and bipolar disorder collide? Research shows they co-occur in as many as one in four cases — and yet, many people living with both conditions feel completely alone. In this episode, host Gabe Howard shares his personal journey of living with bipolar disorder and binge eating disorder, including how food was his form of self-medication.Board certified psychiatrist Dr. Nicole Washington breaks down the clinical side: what binge eating disorder actually is, how it’s diagnosed, and why treating it alongside bipolar disorder can get “tricky.” Listeners will learn: signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder (beyond overeating) why stability with bipolar disorder often makes binge eating easier to manage unique treatment challenges — including why the only FDA-approved medication for binge eating disorder may be destabilizing for people living with bipolar disorder Gabe and Dr. Nicole rip the lid off the shame, secrecy, and stigma surrounding binge eating disorder, especially when it coincides with bipolar disorder. With honesty and compassion, they share practical treatment insights, real hope, and a powerful reminder: You are not alone. Whether you’re having trouble or supporting someone you love, this episode delivers validation, guidance, and the encouragement you need to take the next step toward healing and living your best life. "I weighed over 550 pounds and I knew that I was unhealthy. But I didn't really see binge eating disorder as a mental health problem because bipolar disorder sucked all the oxygen out of the room. And I was lucky, I did go from over 550 pounds down to the 200 that I weigh now, because I had the right interventions. I treated both bipolar disorder and binge eating disorder. But I imagine that many listeners, they don't realize the connection between these two." ~Gabe Howard, Host Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn’t be any of those things today if he hadn’t been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America’s Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote 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! To learn more about Gabe, or to 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, 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

What happens when bipolar disorder collides with hypochondria? Is it even possible for someone to have both conditions? In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington (a psychiatrist) tackle the complex overlap between bipolar disorder and what’s often called hypochondria but is now known as illness anxiety disorder.Together, they explore the confusion that comes when symptoms of panic, mania, or depression mimic physical health conditions — and why people with bipolar disorder often have trouble being taken seriously in medical settings. From emergency room misdiagnoses to the fear of “crying wolf” during a health scare, our hosts unpack the stigma and frustration many face when advocating for their physical health.Key takeaways the difference between illness anxiety disorder (hypochondria) and bipolar symptoms why people with mental illness are often dismissed in healthcare how therapy can help reduce overwhelming health fears You’ll also hear practical advice on how to tell the difference between anxiety and a medical emergency, the importance of knowing your symptom patterns, and why having a consistent primary care doctor is crucial. Listen now! "It matters whether you have hypochondria or whether mania is driving it, because of your next steps. If you truly have hypochondria, if you really are a hypochondriac, you are worried about being sick regardless of your mood state. So whether you're happy, sad, manic, whatever, this hypochondria persists. If you're only ultra focused on illness in a manic state or a grandiosity state, or with some specific symptom of bipolar disorder. Then it's just the bipolar disorder manifesting itself." ~Gabe Howard, Host Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn’t be any of those things today if he hadn’t been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America’s Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote 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! To learn more about Gabe, or to 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, 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. Please share the show with everyone you know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if managing bipolar disorder wasn’t just about medication? Too often, conversations around bipolar treatment stop at the pharmacy counter. But what about therapy that helps you process trauma? What about learning your triggers before a full-blown episode hits? What about diet, exercise, creativity, and community support? These are not extras — they’re essential.In this episode, hosts Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington (a board certified psychiatrist) dive deep into science-backed strategies for managing bipolar disorder beyond medication. From therapy to sleep hygiene to mindfulness medications, they explore the powerful “other pieces of the puzzle” that can help stabilize moods and improve daily life. Key Takeaways how being “med compliant” isn’t the be-all and end-all of bipolar management why therapy, triggers, and sleep tracking can be critical in maintaining stability how diet, exercise, and creativity can support long-term mental health practical steps to build (and lean on) a strong, balanced support system If you’ve ever asked, “What else can help manage bipolar disorder besides being ‘med compliant’?”— this episode has the answers. “People aren't discussing them enough. When it comes to managing bipolar disorder, it's not one big thing that you do well. It's many little things. And this episode, especially the research for it, has really shown me that doing a lot of little things well often garners really big results.” ~Gabe Howard, Host Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn’t be any of those things today if he hadn’t been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America’s Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote 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! To learn more about Gabe, or to 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, 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

Do you feel trapped in a therapy or psychiatry relationship that feels stagnant, unsettling, or just plain wrong? This episode pulls no punches as hosts Gabe Howard — who lives with bipolar disorder — and Dr. Nicole Washington — a board certified psychiatrist — tackle the uncomfortable question most people think about but rarely voice: “How, and when, is it time to part ways with your mental health professional?" This direct and practical conversation cuts through the guilt, the logistics, and the myths about “ghosting” therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors. Dr. Nicole explains when walking away is OK, when to be careful (especially with meds), and why honest communication can actually be beneficial to you as the patient. Gabe brings the patient perspective — what it feels like to doubt care, to fear being “difficult,” and some tips to tell if the problem is the professional, your stage in recovery, or just a bad fit. Takeaways You don’t have to explain, but honest conversation is usually the healthier choice. Plan transitions first: “Ghosting” can create dangerous gaps in your care. Ask for records and time your switch to minimize treatment disruption. If you’ve ever wondered whether you owe the professional an explanation, how to keep medication continuity, or what to ask on day one to avoid a mismatch later — this episode is for you. Expect blunt truth and step-by-step strategies to move on responsibly so your recovery doesn’t skip a beat. Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn’t be any of those things today if he hadn’t been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America’s Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote 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! To learn more about Gabe, or to 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, 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. Got topic ideas or questions? Hit us up at show@psychcentral.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you feel people are manipulating or using you because of your bipolar disorder diagnosis? If that question hits a nerve, this podcast episode is for you. When a listener emailed us because they felt they were being exploited due to their diagnosis, hosts Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar disorder) and Dr. Nicole Washington (a licensed psychiatrist) dove headfirst into a frank conversation about loneliness, control, and the messy reality of potentially unequal relationships. Gabe shares personal stories of how a friend used his desire for connection to get what they wanted — free tickets, emotional labor, and more — while giving little in return. Dr. Nicole helps unpack how mental illness can cloud your ability to spot toxic dynamics until it's too late. Together, they explore what it really means to set boundaries, recognize red flags, and take your power back without beating yourself up for what you allowed in the past. You’ll learn how to rebuild your life with real friends, regain your self-worth, and protect your peace — one boundary at a time. If you've ever looked around and wondered, "Why do I feel like I'm the only one giving?" and wondered if you are being taken advantage of due to a bipolar diagnosis — listen now. “The real reality is I've lost friends for all kinds of reasons. Because I've switched jobs, because I've moved, because I'm no longer in high school, because I've outgrown them. The number one reason, honestly, is because I don't have children. And many of my friends went on to have kids. When you live with bipolar disorder, you tend to think that the only reason that you lose people is because of bipolar disorder. And I don't think that serves us. I think maybe a better way to look at it is, you know, when you were sick, these were your friends. But as you reached recovery, as you got better, you made different friends because your situation changed. And I think that's much healthier than saying, well, bipolar disorder cost me all my friends.” ~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

You can be living in a storm and swear it’s a sunny day. That’s what it’s like when insight slips away. In this episode, Dr. Nicole (board certified psychiatrist) and Kit Wallis (lives with schizoaffective disorder) explore why people with serious mental illness, like bipolar disorder, often can’t see their own symptoms — even when the evidence is undeniable. Dr. Nicole unpacks the science behind lack of insight and explains how it isn’t all-or-nothing. Insight flickers, evolves, and sometimes disappears just when you need it most. From Kit’s early experiences hearing voices (and assuming they were just a creative mind) to the manic episodes that shattered her reality, you’ll hear firsthand how denial and confusion can coexist. Discover why antipsychotic medications didn’t convince Kit the voices weren’t real, why manic highs feel too good to question, and why telling someone “you’re sick” rarely makes them believe it. If you’ve questioned why it’s so hard to see bipolar symptoms in yourself or a loved one, this conversation will open your eyes to the hidden forces behind denial — and acceptance. Cold Open Transcript: Kit Wallis: It took me years to figure out I was hallucinating. And the voices hated it whenever I did that. They were like, don’t do that, don’t research us, don’t do that. Looking back on it, it doesn’t make sense, but in the moment, it made perfect sense to me. It’s kind of wild to me that I can go through all this effort to really figure out what is going on and I still have moments where it just completely slips my mind. It still slips my mind when it is happening most of the time. 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

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!