Inside Bipolar

Parenthood, Choice, and Bipolar: Reproductive Justice Explain

People with mental illness, including bipolar disorder, have long been denied the right to make their own reproductive choices. This episode looks at how psychiatry’s history and stigma continue to shape who gets to decide. Dr. Nicole Washington sits down with mental health advocate Dr. Keris Myrick to unpack the intersection of reproductive justice and mental illness — and how stigma, outdated systems, and silence continue to rob people of autonomy over their bodies and futures. Together, they explore the three pillars of reproductive justice — the right to have a child, to not have a child, and to raise a child in a safe environment — through the lens of psychiatric care. Listener takeaways: * Learn what a Psychiatric Advance Directive is—and how to create one. * Discover how to start meaningful conversations with your providers about family planning. * Gain insight into how choice, autonomy, and care can coexist in mental health treatment. Whether you’re living with bipolar disorder, a provider, or an advocate, this conversation will challenge your assumptions, break stigma, and offer new ways to protect choice, dignity, and autonomy for all. Our guest, Keris Jän Myrick, PhD (ABD), MBA, MS is a nationally recognized advocate, executive, and storyteller whose work has redefined how we understand and reform mental health and substance use systems. Known for her fierce leadership, creativity, and humanity, Keris brings both lived and learned expertise to every space challenging the status quo and building new paths rooted in dignity and rights. She serves as Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Innovation at Inseparable, where she helps shape mental health policy and practice. Keris also hosts the acclaimed podcast Unapologetically Black Unicorns, co-edits the Lived Experience Inclusion and Leadership column in Psychiatric Services, and serves on the boards of Disability Rights California and the Center for Health Care Strategies. She is an inaugural member of the Global Leadership Exchange (GLE) Lived Experience Council and lives in Los Angeles with her dog, Obi. 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 [http://drnicolepsych.com/]. Our typical cohost, ⁠Gabe Howard⁠ [https://www.gabehoward.com/speaking/], 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 wrote the popular book, "⁠Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations⁠ [http://gabehoward.com/merch]," available from Amazon; signed copies are available ⁠directly from the author⁠ [https://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/] with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, ⁠gabehoward.com⁠ [http://gabehoward.com]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

How to Find Hope When Bipolar Steals It Away

Life with bipolar disorder often feels like a constant battle, so being told to find hope can seem like a cruel joke. But what if hope isn’t naïve — it’s necessary? In this episode, Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, and Dr. Nicole Washington dive deep into the real, practical power of hope and how to find it even when it feels impossible. From planning something to look forward to, to saying “yes” to new experiences, they explore small, science-backed ways to keep hope alive. Gabe shares personal stories about concerts, silly dance videos, and even late-night wrestling shows that reignited his optimism, while Dr. Nicole breaks down why hope isn’t just wishful thinking — it’s a key part of recovery. Listener takeaways: * why hope is more than a feeling — it’s a survival skill. * how planning future events (big or small) boosts mood stability * practical ways to document joyful memories to remember on tough days * the difference between hoping and believing — and why both matter This is the episode you didn’t know you needed when things feel impossible. Listen now! “Being intentional about remembering what it felt like to be happy and starting to formulate a plan to get back to it breeds a lot of hope. Because it's always easier to do something that you've already done.” ~Gabe Howard, Host Our host, Gabe Howard [https://www.gabehoward.com/speaking/], 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 [http://psychcentral.com/blog/show] 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 [http://gabehoward.com/merch]," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author [https://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/] with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com [http://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 [http://drnicolepsych.com/]. Please recommend this podcast to all your friends! Sharing the show is how we grow. Thank you! :) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Fish Oil and Bipolar: Hype or Helpful?

In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar disorder) and psychiatrist Dr. Nicole Washington unpack what the research actually shows, why supplement quality is inconsistent (and sometimes downright sketchy), and how side effects — even with “natural” products — are very real. In short, they dig into the science, hype, and hope surrounding omega-3 supplements. Listener takeaways: * why omega-3s may help with certain bipolar symptoms — especially depression * the risks of using supplements as a substitute for prescribed treatment * how to spot high quality fish oil (and avoid bottles full of fillers) * why “natural” doesn’t automatically mean “safe” Plenty of people in the bipolar community are desperate for alternatives to pharmaceuticals, and fish oil often gets framed as a safer, side-effect-free solution. If you’ve ever wondered whether popping a fish oil capsule could replace your meds — or just help you manage life with bipolar disorder more smoothly — this is the episode you don’t want to miss. “If it's powerful enough to fight bipolar disorder, it is powerful enough to potentially have interactions. One of the things that I'm always fascinated about in the bipolar community is when we say things like, hey, this thing is so powerful, it will treat bipolar disorder, which we know to be dangerous and damaging, but it also is so safe that it won't cause any side effects or interfere with any other medications or any other organs or anything. It's like it can't be both.” ~Gabe Howard, Host Our host, Gabe Howard [https://www.gabehoward.com/speaking/], 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 [http://psychcentral.com/blog/show] 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 [http://gabehoward.com/merch]," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author [https://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/] with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com [http://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 [http://drnicolepsych.com/]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Unpacking the Binge Eating Disorder and Bipolar Connection

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 [https://www.gabehoward.com/speaking/], 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 [http://psychcentral.com/blog/show] 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 [http://gabehoward.com/merch]," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author [https://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/] with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com [http://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 [http://drnicolepsych.com/]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Hypochondria (aka Illness Anxiety Disorder) in Bipolar Disorder Examined

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 [https://www.gabehoward.com/speaking/], 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 [http://psychcentral.com/blog/show] 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 [http://gabehoward.com/merch]," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author [https://www.gabehoward.com/merchandise/mental-illness-asshole/] with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com [http://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 [http://drnicolepsych.com/]. Please share the show with everyone you know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]