When Bipolar Treatment Is Refused: What Can Loved Ones Do?

When someone with bipolar disorder refuses treatment, it can leave loved ones feeling helpless and overwhelmed. How can you support them without enabling their denial? In this episode, Gabe Howard and Dr. Nicole Washington offer actionable advice for navigating this emotional minefield. Learn how to foster meaningful conversations, set healthy boundaries, and take care of your well-being while encouraging them toward treatment. This is a must listen for anyone wishing to help a loved one with bipolar disorder. “They're ultra focused on their sick family member. I understand that thinking, but I want to just rip the band-aid off. If you are not paying attention to your own mental health, if you are not practicing self-care and you are not getting the mental health care you need, that is also a very large problem. You need to put your own oxygen mask on first before you are in a position to help your loved one.” ~Gabe Howard, Host To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the episode page. This episode is sponsored, in part, by Cornbread Hemp. They produced the first-ever USDA-certified organic CBD gummies in America. Save 30% on your first order using code "Inside30." Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. To learn more about Gabe, or book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. You can also follow him on Instagram and TikTok at @askabipolar. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Washington has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com.