Author and advocate Dyane Harwood shares her journey of treating postpartum bipolar disorder with a unique vegan ketogenic, metabolic therapeutic diet. Craig Harwood Dyane Harwood was diagnosed with postpartum bipolar 1 disorder in 2007, seven weeks after the birth of her second child. As a mother of two young daughters, she faced the dual challenges of an under-recognized diagnosis and treatment-resistant bipolar depression. Although postpartum bipolar disorder is less common than postpartum depression, it still significantly affects many new mothers, especially those with a personal or fami ..read more

What’s the difference between a sudden burst of inspiration in the creative process and a flight of ideas when in a manic or mixed episode? If video is not showing, click here Flight of Ideas, Defined I am a proud, longtime columnist for bp Magazine, and my column is actually called “Flight of Ideas.” Part of the reason I named it that is because it is something I deal with a lot, both as a symptom of bipolar disorder and as part of my basic daily human experience. I think it’s worth distinguishing the two: when it is related to creativity versus when it is a symptom. Flight of ideas usually ..read more

Some health disorders appear at higher rates among those with bipolar — and migraine is one of them. Luckily, certain treatments can help both. Getty Images (Stock photo posed by model) Living with bipolar disorder already feels like a demanding job, requiring constant attention and effort to manage symptoms effectively. Yet when a neurological disease like migraine enters the picture, the complexity of managing daily life and mental health takes on a new dimension. On top of dealing with significant mood and energy shifts — sometimes so extreme and prolonged to disrupt daily life — a migrain ..read more

The famous actress and advocate shared her life with bipolar disorder, offering hope and support to others facing similar challenges. Getty Images Editor’s Note: Patty Duke, an acclaimed actress and mental health advocate, passed away on March 29, 2016, at the age of 69. Five years before her death, bp Magazine interviewed Duke, where she spoke openly about her experiences with bipolar disorder. When you’d ask Patty Duke a question — any question — she’d answer it with candor and charm. She proclaimed herself “an open book … a professional confessor” when it came to telling her story about l ..read more

Ingrezza Sprinkle (valbenazine) offers an alternative for those who have trouble swallowing pills or prefer a different method of taking medication. Getty Images The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new sprinkle formulation of valbenazine (Ingrezza) for individuals with tardive dyskinesia and chorea associated with Huntington’s disease, designed specifically to help those who experience dysphagia or have difficulty swallowing pills. Tardive dyskinesia, a side effect of medications, including antipsychotic drugs that treat psychiatric illnesses such as bipolar disorder, c ..read more

Many films and TV shows sensationalize bipolar disorder’s extreme episodes and neglect the daily management and stability. This only perpetuates public stigma. Robert Lahser/Getty Images Please note: Suicide is discussed in the content below. Reader discretion is advised. In her insightful review of the documentary Roadrunner, author Jessica Lynn eloquently captures the shock and disappointment I experienced after watching the film about the celebrated chef, author, and television star Anthony Bourdain, who died by suicide in 2018. Lynn writes in her commentary: “As the documentary suggests ..read more

While not all television characters with bipolar disorder are accurately portrayed, there are some shows that get it right, with an authentic dramatization of mania, depression, and paranoia, and how relationships are affected. Craig Sjodin/ABC, Sifeddine Elamine/Showtime, Liam Daniel/Netflix, Eddy Chen/HBOTV Shows Featuring Characters With Bipolar On the small screen, characters with bipolar seem to be making their mark, with many storylines featuring bipolar more prominently. Given the complexities and nuances of symptoms, it’s no easy task to portray the important yet subtle details necessa ..read more

Building a strong relationship takes work. When one partner has bipolar disorder, thriving together takes a more focused effort. Here is how couples can navigate their relationship. Getty Images (Stock photo posed by models) Maureen met her husband, Gary, years ago. They were both on a bowling team for people in the music business — she booked internationally known artists and he was a touring jazz musician. By the time they got married, they’d known each other nearly 10 years. Then, two years later, she was diagnosed with bipolar 1. The California grandmother has a proactive array of self-man ..read more

What’s the secret to a successful relationship when bipolar disorder tags along? For answers, we turned to four couples with long-term solid partnerships. Getty Images What’s the secret to a successful relationship when one partner has bipolar disorder? For answers, we turned to four couples who illustrate key aspects of maintaining a long-term, satisfying partnership while also living with bipolar. (Thinking of yourselves as a team is a given, since both of you “live with” bipolar, even if only one has a diagnosis.) Knowledge (About Bipolar) Is Power When Sammi S. and James, of Wyoming, fell ..read more

Maintaining a long-term relationship or marriage when one partner has bipolar disorder may be a challenge, yet many couples successfully make it work. freestocks.org / Unsplash Navigating a relationship or marriage when one partner has bipolar disorder presents unique challenges. This brain-based disorder can introduce unpredictability and tension, making it essential for both partners to cultivate a deep understanding of the disorder’s dynamics. Despite the higher rate of break-ups in such relationships, many couples defy the odds by implementing the right strategies. Effective communication ..read more