361 | Living with Bipolar and ADHD Malaika Tolford

Do you think you might have a bipolar disorder? Eric Tivers and Malaika Tolford, the host of ADHD reWired, discuss Malaika’s diagnosis of bipolar disorder. They also discuss how common it can be to have both ADHD and bipolar I.

Malaika is a ceramic artist, owner of Place Value Pottery, and teaches at a non-profit craft organization. Malaika was diagnosed with bipolar two disorder 2013. In January 2020,, she was also given an ADHD diagnosis. This provided some answers to her mental health puzzle. She is a mother to two boys and is trying to navigate COVID, while working remotely and staying out of her husband’s way at zoom meetings.

Malaika talks about why she contacted Eric and the differences between bipolar I/II. She also discusses what led her to seek treatment and diagnosis for bipolar disorder. Malaika was suicidal and sought treatment for bipolar depression. The first thing she tried actually worked.

Malaika talks about what led her to believe she may have ADHD. She also discusses her struggle to discover who she was. Eric believes medication is the best treatment for ADHD if you are able to tolerate it.

Malaika talks about her pottery business and how it has evolved to online sales following the pandemic. She also discusses how pottery can be relatable to her diagnosis. Malaika describes her pottery and explains that she uses maps to identify her pieces. If you like geography, please visit Place Value Pottery.

You’ll learn: [03: 28] Welcome to the show, Malaika! [04: 22] Malaika discusses why she got in touch with Eric. [07: 19] Malaika shares what she understands about bipolar and the difference between 1 and 2. [09: 44] What led you to seek evaluation and diagnosis of bipolar ? [11: 16] Malaika speaks about why she sought medicine for her disorder. [13: 02] Eric says that having suicidal thoughts is the language of an illness. [16: 05] Malaika discusses how ADHD may have led to the cycle of depression. [22: 36] They talk about the medication Malaika was prescribed for her bipolar disorder. [25: 08] Malaika shares what happened that led to the ADHD diagnosis. [28: 28] ADHD Alien led her to her ADHD diagnosis. [31: 15] Malaika discusses the struggle to try to figure out who she was. [33: 51] They speak about the pandemic and what they were doing when they were shut down. [37: 43] Malaika shares the meds they have put her on for her ADHD. [39: 57] ADHD is not a skill deficit. [40: 54] Medication, if you can tolerate it is one of the best treatment plans for ADHD. [47: 07] Malaika discusses her pottery business and how it is relatable to her diagnosis. [50: 54] The majority of Malaika’s work is based on geography. [52: 37] What has been the hardest thing about pivoting with bipolar, ADHD, and COVID? [54: Malaika talks about how she moved through all this chaos. [57: 00] Malaika shares the interesting things that have come out of her diagnosis. [1: 01: 19] Eric talks about how great the Bose noise-canceling headphones are. [1: 02: 09] Is talking to people with masks on hard for you? [1: 03: 16] Malaika shares some final thoughts for people who might think they have bipolar disorder along with their ADHD. [1: 08: 37] Thank you so much for being on the show! [1: 09: 50] If you are a regular listener, consider becoming a patron click on our Patreon tap at www.ADHDreWired.com Links and Resources Find Malaika:

Place Value Pottery Instagram: Use my Audible.com affiliate hyperlink for your favourite titles: d

ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Groups The 16th season of the ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability groups are ending soon. ArC 17 Summer Sessions run July 11th – Sept. 19th. There are only 9 spots left. Please visit coachingrewired.com to learn more and sign-up for our Last Scheduled Registration Event on June 11th at 3 PM CT. You don’t want to miss it!

Patreon: Support the Podcast. Patreon is a platform that allows you to support content creators such as me. You can access different levels of perks by making a monthly donation. Our Patron-only Group Coaching Sessions are one example of a perk. Find out more at

ADHD reWired Facebook Page: To apply for the ADHD reWired Secret Facebook page, visit and complete the application.

Productivity Q&A Ask your questions live! These Q&A sessions take place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 12: 30 PM CT. Go to s

Are you interested in being a guest? Hey! How about you? Are you a coach? Are you a coach? Are you an ADHD Clinician or coach? Schedule a pre-interview call if you answered “yes” to any of the above questions.

Brain & Body Power Free Trial

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *