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

Actor Sean Astin shares how he was affected by his famous mother’s bipolar depression and rage attacks — but also her inspiring personality and boundless love. David S. Holloway/Getty Images Editor’s Update Actor Sean Astin shared a profound and complex relationship with his mother, Patty Duke, colored by both personal challenges and deep admiration. Duke, celebrated for her acting talent, battled bipolar disorder, a diagnosis that brought clarity to her family’s turbulent experiences. Astin openly discusses how his mother’s mental health shaped his upbringing and early acting roles. Astin pr ..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. Getty Images 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, robust supp ..read more

Anxiety disorder is common among those with bipolar. Although the combination of the two can be complicated, there are treatments that can benefit both conditions. Getty Images (Stock photo posed by model) A certain amount of anxiety is a normal part of life; we often find ourselves worrying about our family, job, and pretty much anything else that matters to us. Yet for those who live with bipolar disorder, more than 50 percent also have some form of clinically diagnosable anxiety disorder. What Are Anxiety Disorders? Anxiety comes in several forms, or diagnosed types. Unlike occasional anxi ..read more