Physical Health and Bipolar: How to Live Better and Longer
From Inside Bipolar by Gabe Howard & Dr. Nicole Washington
March 9, 2026 · 43 min
About this episode
This episode discusses the physical health challenges faced by individuals with bipolar disorder and how lifestyle choices can impact their longevity.
Studies suggest people with bipolar disorder die 25 years younger than the general population. It’s a statistic that hits like a "thump to the chest," but is it a death sentence or a wake-up call — and is it even true? In this episode, host Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington (a board certified psychiatrist) peel back the curtain on the physical toll of living with a serious mental illness. While we spend so much energy managing our minds, we often neglect the “vessel” carrying us through life. From the 50% increased risk of sleep apnea to the increased risk of weight gain and diabetes, the risks are real, but they aren’t inevitable. We dive deep into why “bipolar adjacent” issues like diet, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles are the true drivers of the shortened lifespan statistic, and how building a rock-solid relationship with a primary care doctor can literally save your life. Listeners will learn: how sleep apnea mimics — and triggers — mood changes why not every physical symptom is “just bipolar” the truth about medication and your liver how your lifestyle choices and daily habits can rewrite your health statistics Stop treating your physical…
People in this episode
Host: Gabe Howard
Guest: Dr. Nicole Washington
Topics covered
- bipolar disorder
- physical health
- mental illness
- lifestyle choices
- sleep apnea
- health statistics
Keywords
- bipolar disorder
- physical health
- sleep apnea
- lifestyle
- mental illness
- health risks
- diet
- exercise
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Inside Bipolar
More episodes of Inside Bipolar
- Navigating the ‘Fear of Fear’ Cycle of Panic Attacks with Bipolar · June 1, 2026 · 47 min
- Is it Anxiety, Bipolar, or Both? (And How to Tell the Difference) · May 18, 2026 · 48 min
- When Joy Goes Missing: Understanding Anhedonia in Bipolar Disorder · May 4, 2026 · 38 min
- Can I Stop My Bipolar Meds? Cold Turkey vs Tapering · April 20, 2026 · 45 min
- BONUS: Headlines of Horror: Schizophrenia Portrayals in News Media · April 18, 2026 · 40 min
- Solo Parenting with Bipolar: Staying Stable as a Single Parent · April 6, 2026 · 42 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Inside Bipolar podcast page.