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The Daily Dish The Real Housewives of Potomac

Mia and Gordon Thornton Candidly Discuss His Bipolar 1 Diagnosis Through Tears

Mia Thornton said she’s “forever gonna take care of” her ex-husband during an emotional moment at the RHOP Season 8 reunion.

By Allison Crist

Mia Thornton and Gordon Thornton may be separated, but The Real Housewives of Potomac cast member is making it clear that she plans to remain in her ex-husband's life for one big reason: Gordon was recently diagnosed with Bipolar 1 disorder.

Mia and Gordon Open Up on His Bipolar 1 Diagnosis

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Gordon revealed during Part 3 of the RHOP Season 8 reunion on April 14 that approximately two-and-a-half years ago, he was diagnosed with Bipolar 1. 

"What I began to realize is that as early as my early 20s, I've had this. And I could remember episodes over the course of my life," Gordon explained. "Here's the thing that's really key to this: My manic got worse over the years as I gained more control, more power, more money." 

He went on to share the specifics of his diagnosis, noting, "The difference between Bipolar and Bipolar 1 is, really, the degree of manic that you have. Bipolar in and of itself causes your mind to really work opposite, and your mind tricks you into saying, 'You are normal, everyone else is slow or lazy.'" 

More from Bravo: 

Why Mia Thornton's Boyfriend, Incognito, and Ex-Husband, Gordon, Both Appeared at the Reunion

Mia Thornton Details Her 1,100 Square Ft. "Penthouse" Apartment After Gordon Split

Mia Thornton Shares New Details on the Timeline of Her Separation from Gordon: "No One Knew"

How Gordon's Doing Today After His Bipolar 1 Diagnosis

Today, Gordon is in a "good" place after learning more about what it means to have Bipolar 1. "I understand my mental illness," he said. "I understand how to control it now." 

Mia Thornton and Gordon Thornton posing together at The Real Housewives of Potomac Season 7 reunion.

Speaking to reunion host Andy Cohen, Gordon also noted, "There's medication, Andy, but what I have learned is that the key to controlling this is not the medication exclusively — you have to go the rest of the way yourself." 

How Mia and Gordon Are Still Involved Amid Their Separation

In spite of their divorce, Mia and Gordon remain on good terms and plan to keep it that way. More specifically, an emotional Mia stated, "I'm forever gonna take care of Gordon."

Added Gordon, "Mia has been absolutely wonderful. And you may say, 'Why do you say that when this other stuff was happening?' First off, whatever's gone on, I forgive her and she's forgiven me ... I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she loved me."

Any health-related information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, or before embarking on any diet, exercise, or wellness program.

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