Benefits of Bipolar Ep. 6 - A Podcast Legend on successfully managing bipolar disorder.

‪@gabehoward29‬ is the host of Healthline Media’s Inside Mental Health podcast, the only openly living with bipolar host of a major media outlet, author of Mental Illness is an Asshole, and an award-winning speaker. He was diagnosed with bipolar in 2003 after being committed to a psychiatric hospital.
Gabe is an absolute legend in bipolar recovery and education. He is an OG; this interview will greatly increase your knowledge of bipolar disorder and the requirements and possibilities of stability living with bipolar.
He received a resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero” and had the distinct honor of speaking at Oxford University in England.
3:00 -
The Bipolar Diagnosis
Gabe goes over the symptoms of bipolar disorder and the lucky scenario that led to his hospitalization and diagnosis.
Mental Illness can happen to anyone!
We discuss suicidal thoughts during childhood.
7:45 -
Mental Health vs. Mental Illness
Good mental health and wellness may be boring, but they are possible.
The lack of good mental health education.
Mental Illness is nobody’s fault.
Crisis is entertaining, wellness isn’t, but we need to talk about it and provide examples.
Negative media coverage of bipolar disorder.
13:00 -
Breakthroughs, recovery and progression with bipolar disorder.
People living with bipolar may have different levels of success.
15:30 -
Bipolar Disorder and Stability
Developing delayed life skills and coping skills.
From diagnosis to stability, the process.
An amazing firefighter training analogy about improving your coping skills.
18:00 -
What is recovery with Bipolar Disorder?
Still have episodes and mood swings, but less severe and more manageable.
Every person is different, but we all need a good team of professionals.
The need to train your recovery team on how to help in a crisis.
21:30 -
You have to be accountable in your own recovery!
You have to take accountability and control of your own journey towards stability.
Ask for help early, it’s a faster road to recovery.
“My pride almost killed me.”
Why “I want to do it on my own” has never worked for anyone.
Relating “doing on my own” to Elon Musk… yes, seriously.
Take the bull by the horns, create your own story, and do all the research you can.
28:00 -
Gabe is a normal guy with bipolar disorder. Now what?
The only person Gabe knew with bipolar disorder was Kurt Cobain, he assumed death.
The feeling of hopelessness being broke, alone, and mentally ill.
Our only examples were on tv or those with completely unattainable lifestyles. It’s hard to relate to these stories.
Now, Gabe is a “regular guy” who is an amazing example of someone living well with bipolar disorder.
“This guy’s an idiot, I’m an idiot, and I’m going to be okay.”
You don’t have to be special to beat bipolar disorder. You have to do the work.
34:30
A discussion on mental health influencers
The dangers of only following overly negative influencers.
Make sure to follow a wide range of influencers, positive, negative, and professionals.
Follow 30 or more accounts related to bipolar disorder, mental illness and mental health professionals. Aggregate that information and learn as much as you can.
Follow people you disagree with and open your mind and think critically!
You can then take this entire wealth of information and apply it to your life.
42:40
How to learn from those we disagree with.
43:30
Anger is a lost art. Venting is necessary.
How to use anger to your advantage.
“Nothing has ever changed until someone got angry.” - Gabe
Anger - Passion - Energy - Planning - Change
44:45
Do we still have episodes? Yes
They are just more manageable.
From suicidal depression to god-like mania.
We are now aware of these symptoms of an episode and can do something about it.
Don’t take this for granted. Recovery and stability is not guaranteed.
Recovery is more time living your life than managing bipolar disorder.
49:20
Every person with bipolar disorder is different.
A discussion on Diet Coke and caffeine.
What works for one doesn’t work for all.
We gave up so many dangerous habits, Gabe kept Diet Coke, coffee is my “safety habit”.
53:00
Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Public Speaking
Panic is a release of overwhelming emotions.
57:21
Gabe’s favorite influencers.
Kody Green -
@schizophrenicHippie on both UA-cam and IG
Michele Hamer
@schizophrenicnyc on UA-cam
@schizophrenic.nyc on IG
Shaley Hoogendorn
‪@thisisbipolar‬ on UA-cam
@this.is.bipolar on IG
Natasha Tracy
@natashatracy on UA-cam
@natasha_tracy_writer on IG
Mayim Bialik - ‪@MayimBialik‬
@missmayim on IG
The Mental Illness Happy Hour
@thementalillnesshappyhour5293 UA-cam
@mentalpod on IG
Gabriel Nathan
@pepperpot1914 on UA-cam
@nathanismylastname on IG
#bipolar #mentalhealth #mentalillness #interview #therapy #wellness #mensmentalhealth #mania #psychosis #livingwithbipolar

[@dadStinks]

OMG I love you both!!! I asked my wife to buy this book for me immediately. I work on the road 300+ days a year & having a good book with me is important & one on metal illness is like adding an awesome tool for my toolbox.
I need to get to sleep but look forward to listening to the rest of the show tomorrow with earbuds at work tomorrow.
We gotta get the word out to your channel Lee! You’re my friggin Hero. Keep doing it, you’ll have people out there find you that need your message. 😎🤟🏼

[@BenefitsofBipolar]

Thank you so much! You know how much this means to me, but Gabe was the absolute star of this show. I learned so much from him.
I’m going to do all I can to get more eyes on this episode. I really do believe there is so much to learn from and resonate with Gabe. 💯💙 Making that push all weekend!