Love & Marriage: Tackling Relationship Challenges with Bipolar Disorder

Inside Bipolar

Navigating marriage is hard enough — but when bipolar disorder is in the mix, things can get even more complicated. In this episode, Gabe Howard, who lives with bipolar disorder, and Dr. Nicole Washington, a board certified psychiatrist, dive into the complexities of marriage when one partner lives with bipolar disorder.

Gabe shares candid stories from his two divorces and the challenges of untreated bipolar, while Dr. Nicole lends her expert insights on how unmanaged moods affect relationships. They explore why marital conflicts are often misattributed to mental illness and remind listeners that, sometimes, marriage itself is just tough.

If you've ever wondered how bipolar disorder impacts a long-term relationship — or if you're looking for an honest discussion about love, trust, and coping with life's ups and downs — this episode offers a refreshingly real take on what it means to build a resilient partnership despite what complications bipolar disorder may bring.

“We've already talked about how hard marriage is in general. Why add to it by not doing the things that you know are your responsibility? This is your responsibility in your marriage, is managing your symptoms, managing your illness. Just like every other responsibility that you have just by being married.” ~Dr. Nicole Washington, host

To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page.

This episode is sponsored, in part, by Cornbread Hemp. They produced the first-ever USDA-certified organic CBD and THC 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.

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