Justin Ray on KY3's Mindful Monday: Bipolar Disorder

Justin Ray, MSN, PMHNP-BC, founder of South Chesapeake Psychiatry, joined KY3 streaming anchor Jazlyn Summers on Mindful Monday (Springfield, Missouri) for Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 4–10, 2026. The 25-minute conversation is about what bipolar disorder actually looks like, which is rarely as simple as the stereotypes suggest, and about living well with the diagnosis. Mindful Monday airs Mondays at 7:30 p.m. on KY3 Streaming.

Watch the segment on KY3.com →

What They Talked About

• What bipolar disorder can look like. From depression and unmistakable mania to mixed episodes that can leave someone feeling both “tired and wired” at the same time. Learn how we approach bipolar disorder evaluation and treatment in Chesapeake.
• Why it gets missed. Many people first seek help for depression, and the earlier highs or mixed states never come up. Careful assessment matters because the wrong diagnosis can lead to the wrong treatment. Related: Bipolar Disorder vs. Borderline Personality Disorder.
• Warning signs worth noticing. Changes in sleep, judgment, irritability, energy, or behavior can be early signals that an episode is building, for the person and for the people around them.
• Treatment and daily structure. Medication, consistent sleep, and routine all play a part in staying well. Related: The Role of Neurotransmitters in Bipolar Disorder and Caplyta in Bipolar Depression.
• How families can help. Approach with concern rather than confrontation: “This isn’t your normal. I’m worried about you. What can I do to help?”
• Life beyond the stigma. Jazlyn speaks openly in the segment about her own diagnosis, treatment, and life since. Her candor is a reminder that bipolar disorder can be serious without defining the limits of someone’s future.

If you have wondered whether your own mood changes could be more than depression, our free screening tool includes a brief bipolar screen, and you can schedule an evaluation with one of our providers. Justin writes about mood disorders and new treatments every week in The Neuropsychiatry Brief on LinkedIn. Watch the full conversation on KY3.com.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or call 911 in an emergency.