Bipolar disorder expert Dr. Sheri Johnson and mental health advocate Robert Villanueva breaks down why what and when you eat is vital for people with bipolar disorder. They also dive into the science behind two emerging and promising approaches to eating for bipolar disorder: the Mediterranean Diet and Time-Restricted Eating.

(00:00) About Sheri & Robert

(03:40) Treating Bipolar with Metabolic Health

(06:11) Mediterranean Diet

(10:52) Time-Restricted Eating (TRE)

(14:40) WHEN You Eat Matters for Bipolar

(24:20) Fasting Damages Your Heart?

(27:09) Keto & Carnivore Diets

(31:07) The Research Study (Mediterranean vs TRE)

(32:12) Prioritizing Bipolar Voices

(37:03) Being Adaptable with Diets

Dr. Sheri Johnson is a professor of psychology at the University of California Berkeley, where she directs the Calm Program. She has published over 300 manuscripts, including publications in leading journals such as the Journal of Abnormal Psychology and the American Journal of Psychiatry. She is co-editor or co-author of five books, including Emotion and Psychopathology and a best-selling textbook on Abnormal Psychology (Wiley Press). She is a fellow for Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), the Association for Behavioral Medicine Research and the American Psychological Society.

Robert Villanueva is an international mental health advocate, speaker and mentor in arena of lived experience of bipolar disorder. His advocacy journey began over 25 years ago when he received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Robert collaborates with researchers, academics, and policymakers both in the United States and globally, providing insights drawn from his own journey and representing the often-overlooked voices of the “ordinary” population. He currently chairs the lived experience advisory board for the “Healthy Lifestyles with Bipolar Disorder” research study at the University of California, Berkeley. Robert's bipolar disorder story: https://talkbd.live/bipolar-in-the-bay/

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STUDY NOW OPEN INTERNATIONALLY

Help to compare Mediterranean Diet vs. Time-Restricted Eating for bipolar disorder.

The Healthy Lifestyles for Bipolar Disorder Research Study is an international online study comparing the benefits of two approaches to eating: Mediterranean and Time-Restricted Eating. Neither food plan is meant to be a diet or a treatment. In this study, you will be asked to consume the same amount of food that you normally would and to continue your regular medical care for bipolar disorder. Those who take part in the study will be paid at a rate of $25/hour for their time completing assessments.

More details/sign up: https://calm.berkeley.edu/participate-in-psychology-researchold/healthy-lifestyles-bipolar-disorder

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Special thanks to the Wellcome Trust. This episode is hosted by Dr. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Erin Michalak⁠⁠⁠⁠ and produced by Caden Poh.

#talkBD Bipolar Disorder PodcasttalkBD gathers researchers, people with lived experience, healthcare providers, and top bipolar disorder experts from around the world to discuss and answer the most important questions about living with bipolar disorder. Learn more about talkBD: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://talkBD.live⁠⁠

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This is the powerful bipolar disorder story of "ordinary guy" Robert Villanueva.

Robert "Coach V" Villanueva grew up in East Bay of San Francisco amidst undiagnosed bipolar disorder. Seeking a better life away from a dysfunctional home, Robert left home at 15 and became a wrestling coach and garbageman before experiencing his darkest moments with depression and mania. At the brink of despair, Robert found solace among other patients and a glimmer of hope that would change his life forever. Through self-discovery and support from his family and community, Robert discovered new ways to live well with bipolar disorder. Now a grandparent, international mental health advocate, and bipolar disorder researcher, Robert shares his story to offer hope to others on their journey to recovery.

(00:00) Introduction

(01:55) First Symptoms

(06:01) Darkest Days: Leaving Home & Ending It

(09:40) Hospital "First Time That I Was Ever Taken Care Of"

(12:49) The Hardest Phone Call

(15:55) Learning to Accept Bipolar Disorder

(18:35) "I Don't Want to Live in Fear"

(21:33) Telling My Story Through Advocacy

(23:39) It Is Possible To Manage Bipolar Disorder

(26:20) Thank Yous & Family

(30:03) "They Believed in Me"

Learn more and share this episode: http://bipolarinthebay.com

This episode is hosted by Dr. ⁠⁠Erin Michalak⁠⁠ and produced by Caden Poh.

#talkBD Bipolar Disorder Podcast talkBD gathers researchers, people with lived experience, healthcare providers, and top bipolar disorder experts from around the world to discuss and answer the most important questions about living with bipolar disorder. Learn more about talkBD: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://talkBD.live

Follow Us Instagram: https://instagram.com/crest.bd LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/crestbd X/Twitter: https://x.com/crest_bd