Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed, poorly treated, and deeply misunderstood.
But change is happening.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Andrew Nierenberg, Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard and Director of the Bipolar Action Network.

We discuss:

• Why bipolar diagnosis still takes years

• How research is moving toward individualized treatment

• The limits of today’s mental health care systems

• Why collaboration between patients, clinicians, and researchers matters

• What a truly human-centered approach to care looks like

A powerful, accessible, and hopeful conversation for anyone affected by bipolar disorder — directly or indirectly.

👉 Learn more about HopeStage and our mission:
🌍 https://hopestage.com

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What does it really mean to age with bipolar disorder?

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Omar Ghosn, psychiatrist and assistant professor at UC San Diego, who specializes in geriatric psychiatry. Together, we discuss how bipolar disorder evolves with age — medically, emotionally, and socially.

We explore treatment changes, physical health concerns, autonomy, and the complex moment when asking for help becomes unavoidable.

A clear, compassionate, and deeply human conversation about aging and bipolar disorder.

Living with bipolar disorder and addiction often feels like walking a tightrope.
Mood swings, substances used to cope, relapses, shame, and isolation can slowly convince you that there’s no way out.

In this episode of Bipolar Talk, we sit down with Andy Dukeshire, a licensed addiction therapist based in Los Angeles, sober for 19 years, who has spent nearly two decades helping people navigate addiction and bipolar disorder together.

In this conversation, we explore:

• why bipolar disorder and addiction are so closely linked

• why stopping a substance is not about willpower

• the critical role of psychoeducation in recovery

• how long-term stability actually works (and why it takes time)

• how to prevent relapse after hospitalization or crisis

• repairing relationships — including forgiving yourself

• and most importantly: how to rebuild hope when you feel broken

👉 This episode is for you if:

• you live with bipolar disorder

• you struggle (or have struggled) with addiction

• you are a loved one or caregiver

• you work in mental health

💚 At HopeStage, we believe recovery is possible when people are given the right tools, clear information, and real human connection.

📩 Need support or want to reach out?
Leave a comment or contact us — you are not alone.