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 regain stability.From grappling with medication changes to discovering the therapeutic power of a daily walk, Gabe shares raw insights about living with bipolar disorder. Whether you're managing your own mental health, supporting someone you love, or simply curious about the realities of navigating a mood disorder, this episode offers valuable lessons and a message of hope: Recovery is always possible, even after setbacks.“The number one thing that I wish that people wouldn't have said to me is, oh, you'll get through this because you've always gotten through it before. No matter how many times you've been through this, this does not guarantee success. That is a stupid thing to say. All of the people who I was in their thoughts and prayers. It's like, I know that's a nice thing, but I could really use actual help. Actual effort, labor, time, love. And you're just like, hey, I'm thinking of you.” ~Gabe Howard, HostTo 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. 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

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. Dr. Nicole breaks down the DSM criteria, the importance of proper diagnosis, and the challenges of identifying subtle mood patterns. Gabe shares relatable analogies to clarify these complex conditions.Whether you’re a patient, loved one, or just curious about mental health, this episode helps demystify the labels, clear up misconceptions, and highlight the path to better understanding and treatment. Tune in for an insightful conversation on bipolar disorder that might just answer your lingering questions.“Because I understand that there's a world of difference between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. When it comes to bipolar disorder and cyclothymia, it sounds like they're much, much closer. But I think it's still probably good advice that your mileage may vary, and you need to take everything that you hear with a grain of salt. Because it may or may not apply to you.” ~Gabe Howard, HostTo 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. 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

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 thoughts have on mental well-being.Listen to learn actionable tips to manage overwhelming thought patterns, from organizing your mental "papers" to differentiating between anxiety and bipolar-related symptoms. Whether you’re seeking clarity for yourself or a loved one, this candid conversation offers practical advice and compassion for navigating the chaos of an overactive mind.“If you know that, okay, when I have these thoughts, there are certain things I typically like to do to help me manage them. I listen to music. I take a bath, I blow bubbles, I color dog coloring books. I jump up and down, I scream in a pillow, whatever that is for you. You know what? Those things are for you. But then you also are aware enough to know that those things don't always work.” ~Dr. Nicole Washington, HostTo 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. 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

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 provides actionable steps to take control. Discover how radical acceptance and small, tailored changes can help you feel more in charge of your mental health.“What creates just an unimaginable amount of stress for people with bipolar disorder is this ‘I’ve read your mind, I’ve decided it is true, and I’m going to react to it’ mentality. It doesn’t serve us and we need to find better coping skills.” ~Gabe Howard, HostTo 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. 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

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 symptoms without jeopardizing your job. They dive into setting boundaries with co-workers, managing email overload, and creating routines that protect your mental health.Whether it’s using bathroom breaks as a reset, utilizing email autoresponders, or breaking free from the “always on” work culture, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you succeed. If you’ve ever felt stuck managing your bipolar disorder at work, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for!“I really want people with bipolar disorder to know that there are millions of people with bipolar disorder working jobs, really high-end jobs. They're managing it. They're figuring it out. They're putting in the work. They're finding the routines. They're finding the perfect scenario. They're reframing things. They're doing everything that they can to make it work. And they're just out there and we don't see them.” ~Gabe Howard, HostTo 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. 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

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, what qualifies as an adequate trial of medication, and why the term can feel so daunting. Dr. Nicole reveals how the concept is rooted in treatment response — not symptom severity — and why patience and persistence are critical to finding stability.Gabe shares his personal journey of recovery, proving that treatment resistance doesn’t mean hopelessness. If you've ever felt frustrated with your treatment progress or questioned why recovery takes so long, this episode will give you clarity, hope, and a fresh perspective. Don't let this label confuse you — tune in to understand the truth behind the term.“As we talk about treatment-resistant bipolar disorder, I want people to know that it doesn't mean meds won't work for you. And in fact, I want to give you a little challenge. There are over 250 available psychiatric medications to treat bipolar disorder. The average person with bipolar disorder is taking three medications. Some people more, 4 or 5. But using the 250 available medications, the average cocktail of three, that's over 2.5 million combinations before you can say that it's not going to work for you.” ~Gabe HowardTo 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. 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

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. This is a must listen for anyone wishing to help a loved one with bipolar disorder.“They're ultra focused on their sick family member. I understand that thinking, but I want to just rip the band-aid off. If you are not paying attention to your own mental health, if you are not practicing self-care and you are not getting the mental health care you need, that is also a very large problem. You need to put your own oxygen mask on first before you are in a position to help your loved one.” ~Gabe Howard, HostTo learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the episode page.This episode is sponsored, in part, by Cornbread Hemp. They produced the first-ever USDA-certified organic CBD gummies in America. Save 30% on your first order using code "Inside30."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

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 bipolar, raises concerns about how fad diets can lead people to potentially harmful decisions, while Dr. Nicole explains what science currently says about keto’s effects on the brain.Together, they debunk myths and discuss how to safely consider diet changes without jeopardizing stability. Perfect for anyone curious about diet trends, mental health, and the complex intersection between the two. Listen now!“I have followed a keto diet. It is hard. If you really are saying, I want to commit, you need to do your research. You need to learn about macros and what a keto diet is, and how many grams of protein should you be taking in a day? How many grams of fat? What kinds of fats? How many grams of carbs should you limit yourself to? Are you going to intermittent fast with your keto? Like, there's so many parts to this, know what you're getting yourself into.” ~Dr. Nicole Washington To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the official episode page.This episode is sponsored, in part, by Cornbread Hemp. They produced the first-ever USDA-certified organic CBD gummies in America. Save 30% on your first order using code "Inside30."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

Self-care for bipolar disorder transcends relaxation; it includes nurturing all aspects of life. Discussion revolves around the '8 Dimensions of Wellness,' offering practical advice for personal responsibility and resilience. The hosts reveal the challenges of workplace boundaries and the power of saying no. Emotional well-being is explored through joy, gratitude, and realistic expectations. Fostering connections and engaging in ongoing learning are emphasized as key to holistic wellness, making self-care a vital toolkit for thriving.

Get ready to tackle the top questions about bipolar disorder! Learn the important distinctions between bipolar I and II, and uncover management strategies that can help limit its impact. Discover the relationship between genetics and environment in the disorder's origins. Hear insights on navigating diagnosis, including symptoms and treatment options. Plus, find out why self-care is crucial for both individuals living with bipolar and their support systems. This engaging discussion offers clarity and practical tips for understanding and managing this complex condition.