Hi,

You know, we usually think of supporters as having a certain special characteristic –
COMPASSION. We think of them as having compassion, since they are supporters, after all.

But today I want to talk to both supporters and people who have bipolar disorder as well, as everyone should have compassion, don’t you think?

Some people I think are just born with compassion. And some people are more compassionate than others. But then some people just have to learn how to be compassionate.

One way to do that is to practice compassion, whether you feel it or not. And nothing helps us build our character more than developing compassion for others.

Compassion is a sympathetic feeling. It’s when you have sympathy for other people. It can just start with willingness.

If you just have the willingness to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, you’ll take the focus off
yourself and you can imagine what it’s like to feel like them, experience what they experience,
struggle with what they struggle with, have the problems they have.

So what does this have to do with bipolar disorder? Try to imagine those people who you don’t think understand what you’re going through. Maybe you don’t think they have much compassion
toward you.

They probably don’t, because they haven’t imagined what it’s like to be in your shoes, go through what you go through, experience your problems and struggles, etc.

It’s up to you to educate them. You have to educate other people on bipolar disorder because they aren’t going to learn it on their own.

They need to be willing, too, to take the focus off themselves and to imagine what it’s like to be
someone who has bipolar disorder, and to feel compassion for that person.

Compassion can be learned. It’s the recognition that other people’s problems, their frustration and pain, are every bit as real as our own – and many times even worse. It means stopping being selfish.

Compassion is something you can develop with practice. You get better with it over time. If you have it in your heart, it will come out in your actions.

Like me, for example. I’m not bragging, believe me, really, I’m not. I’m just using myself as an example. I mean, I sure don’t do what I do for the money, because I’m no millionaire!  But I do care about people who have bipolar disorder.

So I have compassion toward people with the disorder. So I volunteer at several bipolar support groups. That’s the action part.

Being compassionate is who you are. Having compassion is what you do about it. When you see that your loved one is struggling about something and it tugs at your heartstrings, that’s compassion. Then the action part is what you do about it.

You can go to them and ask how you can help them. You can just be there for them. You can be supportive in any number of ways. You can simply be a good listener for them.

Maybe there are specific ways in which they need your help. Maybe there are certain things you can do for them.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave

Hi,

What’s new? Hope you are doing well.

To read this week’s news visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarnews735/

Psychotropic Meds Prescribed for Medicaid Preschoolers
DO> Important study, don’t you think?

Patients can suffer from multiple mental disorders
DO> This man makes an important point.

Randy Regan, 23-Year-Old Charged With Viciously Attacking Woman, Asks If Bipolar Disorder Can …
DO> Do you think he should be able to claim insanity?

Author Jane Thompson releases her new book: “Applied Biology: A Novel ofBipolar Disorder”
DO> This sounds like a book you might like to read.

Man gets 18 years for abduction and rape
DO> Do you think the sentence is enough?

New method for reducing aggression in children
DO> This study reveals something very interesting.

Tal Medical raises $14M Series B for device that repurposes MRI tech to treat – not diagnose …
DO> This treatment might help your loved one.

Personalizing bipolar disorder treatment
DO> Interesting study, don’t you agree?

For these stories and more, please visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarnews735/

Check out all my resources, programs and information for all aspects of bipolar disorder by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentralcatalog.com

Your Friend,

Dave

Hi,

Many people follow the newspaper every day. Are you one of those people? Some people say they just can’t seem to start their day without it. Others say it just wouldn’t be the same without
their daily “fix” of the news.

Did you know that some people even get that “fix” on their computers now? They don’t even have to wait until the newspaper is delivered to their door!

One of the advantages of getting your news online is that it provides a daily review of the news.
So that anytime during the day, it provides a sort of running commentary, or a review of that day’s most pertinent headlines.

That way, by following the daily review, you can read about what you’re most interested in. So you can keep up with things. So you can be on top of things, so to speak. Being on top of things is important to all of us.

It’s especially important when it comes to bipolar disorder. I mean, you wouldn’t do a daily review like the newspaper does, but you can do a sort of daily review in another way that might help your loved one (and you).

What I’m talking about is keeping a daily mood chart or diary. This can be an important tool in managing your loved one’s bipolar disorder.

A mood chart or diary can track things like changes in mood. This can be useful, because it can help you to see if your loved one is heading toward a bipolar episode before it happens.

Different mood charts keep track of different things, but most of them chart at least these basic things:

1. Date
2. Mood
3. Comments

The mood section should have a range that goes from manic to depressed, and everything in between, like anxious and irritable or agitated, etc. Again, this is useful to note patterns, which can help you to see if there might be an oncoming bipolar episode.

You can also track how long your loved one has been in this same mood without change. And you can also see when their mood changes, and track that as well.

Many have a place where you can put what medications your loved one is on, as that can affect how they’re feeling, too. You can note there when there has been a medication change, which can be important. Then, in the comment section, you can note any reactions to the new medication.

Many mood charts also have a place to note number of hours slept. This is important, because sleep changes can indicate an oncoming bipolar episode. Loss of sleep can indicate a manic episode. While too much sleep can indicate a depressive episode.

The comments section is important, because it gives you a chance to indicate what might be responsible for mood changes you have indicated, or anything else of note that day.

For example: You may note that something happened that day that was responsible for a “down” mood that was only situational, and not an indication of a possible bipolar depressive episode.
This would be important, as there is a difference.

Mood charts can be kept online or in a mood chart diary offline. The important thing is that you maintain it consistently. Then it can be printed out when it is time for your loved one to see their doctor or psychiatrist (or you can bring it to show them) so they can see what has been happening to your loved one since their last visit.

Do you see how a daily mood chart can be an important daily review in helping to manage your loved one’s bipolar disorder?

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi,

What’s new? Hope you are doing well.

To read this week’s news visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarnews734/

Illinois mulls expanded disease list for marijuana program
DO> Do you think bipolar disorder should be added to this list?

Lithium Still Best Medication for Preventing Bipolar Relapse
DO> This study makes an important point.

Scientists find molecular trigger of schizophrenia-like behaviors and brain changes
DO> Important study, don’t you think?

‘Special K’ May Ward Off Depression, Bipolar Disorder
Researchers at the University of Hertfordshire believe that the illegal substance sometimes referred to as “Special K” may hold the power to fight off …
DO> What do you think of this controversial treatment?

Booker had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, Hazim said, and had been prescribed medications. At one point, Hazim said, he
DO> Do you think if he would have been taking his medications the outcome would have been different?

Targeting Teenage Depression
From the first year, we surveyed the students’ knowledge about depression andbipolar disorder and their attitudes about seeking help or encouraging …
DO> Don’t you agree this program can help teenagers?

Courage To Come Back: Mental Health recipient stamps out stigma
DO> This woman’s story will inspire you.

Her employer investigated the situation and — despite Wills’ doctor stating that while Wills suffered from bipolar disorder she wouldn’t endanger her …
DO> Do you think this is fair?

Country singer Jason DeShaw shares stories of mental illness on tour
Bipolar disorder, formerly referred to as manic-depressive illness, is a … a disease like Alzheimer’s and bipolar disorder might not at first be apparent, …
DO> Don’t you think he is doing a good thing?

For these stories and more, please visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarnews734/

Check out all my resources, programs and information for all aspects of bipolar disorder by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentralcatalog.com

Your Friend,

Dave

Hi,

Have you ever thought about the cereal that you prefer? I’m sure you have a preference, like everyone does. Many people even still eat the kind they ate as a child.

There are all kinds: There is hot cereal, like oatmeal or Cream of Wheat. Then there is cold cereal, and that’s where you get into every kind under the sun. With fruit or without fruit…Fruity tasting…Graham cracker-ish…Frosted…Sugary or not…Flakes or not…With almonds…With oats…Chocolate flavored…Or other flavored…Bite sized or regular sized…Made for kids or made for adults…

And now they even push for added vitamins and minerals and even antioxidants and other things
good for your health!

Many times I talk about how eating a healthy diet can help with your loved one’s stability with bipolar disorder, and a good choice in cereal can be a part of a healthy diet.

But, like I was saying earlier, many people still eat the same cereal that they ate as a child. Do you? The point is that many people choose one thing and then stick to it because they hate to change. That’s one of the problems that your loved one may be experiencing with their bipolar disorder.

One of the first things that their therapist will ask them to do is to change. Usually, to change the way they think. Like, the way they approach things. Even the way they look at life.

For example, they may look at life and see it not for the way that it is, but for the way that they would like it to be, and that can cause them all sorts of problems. It can cause them problems not only with their bipolar disorder, but with other things as well.

And especially cause them problems in a relationship. Say they’re in a relationship with you. And they see you not as you really are, but the way that they would like you to be instead.

Well, that’s going to cause problems, because you will undoubtedly let them down, because
you can’t possibly live up to their expectations of you, because you’re not perfect. And this can even lead to fights, or cause them not to communicate with you, or to not tell you how they feel or what they are thinking when their moods change or they are being triggered into a bipolar episode.

But another thing that can happen, whether you have bipolar disorder or whether you are the
supporter to someone who has it, is that you can fall into a rut (like still eating the same cereal you ate as a child).

If this happens, it means that you’ve been doing the same things over and over again for awhile, and you’ve probably been getting the same results, too. And probably not the results you want, either.

That’s the common definition of insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again, expecting
different results.

So what can you do about it? Change your routine. Change your cereal, in other words (but that it were that simple). Make some changes in your life, like your loved one’s therapist is asking them to do.

It can even be simple ones. Like…If you normally take your shower in the morning, take it the night before. That way, you can spend more time with your loved one or the children in the morning, or just more time getting yourself ready, or just relaxing with the morning paper or extra cup of coffee, or whatever.

Or…Say you or your loved one have been isolating too much. You can change that routine by adding more days where you spend more time with friends and family, say, by going to lunch or dinner or going out for coffee with them or otherwise just spending time with them.

Can you see how making changes can change your routine and ultimately change your life?

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave

Hi,

What’s new? Hope you are doing well.

To read this week’s news visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarnews733/

Suicide attempts in bipolar adolescents more common when ADHD present
DO> This tool might help your loved one.

Student’s gadget could help people with bipolar
DO> Do you think a device like this might help your loved one?

Lithium Still Best Medication for Preventing Bipolar Relapse
DO> Interesting study, don’t you agree?

Psychologist, psychiatrist say Barre man not responsible for arson
DO> Do you think he was responsible for what he did?

The recording artist suffers from bipolar disorder and experienced a manic depressive episode at the time. He was hospitalized in a psychiatric ward …
DO> You will feel sympathy for this young man.

Woman accused of throwing children out window ruled danger to herself
DO> Do you agree with the findings?

Mom shares challenges in meeting son’s mental health issues
DO> Things were really hard for this mom, don’t you think?

For these stories and more, please visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarnews733/

Check out all my resources, programs and information for all aspects of bipolar disorder by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentralcatalog.com

Your Friend,

Dave

Hi,

I heard a great quote recently (you know how much I like a good quote): “Success is not so much what we have as it is what we are.” I think the best supporters are those who change themselves in relation to the change in things around them.

What I mean is that some people react to their loved one’s bipolar behavior with anger. Others react with quiet resentment. They stuff their feelings.

But, you know, you end up taking your frustration out on those you love the most, and that’s what comes from stuffing your feelings. It will just backfire on you. So you may need to change how you communicate with your loved one.

Anger, resentment, frustration, and stuffing your feelings are all not going to help your situation.
So why do some people not make the necessary changes? Some people just don’t recognize the need to change.

They can see it in their loved one, but not in themselves. These people are not effective supporters, because everyone needs to change from time to time.

We generally change ourselves for one of two reasons: inspiration or desperation. Think about that in relation to your loved one, their bipolar disorder, and you.

If your loved one keeps getting angry and doesn’t do anything to change that, the scenario will always be the same. So, out of desperation, you need to change how you deal with their anger.

In other words, you can’t change your loved one, but you can change yourself in relation to them (and their behavior). That’s changing out of desperation. You really don’t have a choice if your loved one refuses to change.

Or you might be inspired to change. Change makes you a better person, much less a better supporter. It’s when you change for yourself and nobody else.

For example, to keep yourself from getting stressed out over your loved one’s behavior, you might learn stress reduction techniques. That’s changing something, and helping you to be a
better person and supporter. Or practicing relaxation exercises to help you cope with things, that’s another example.

What you need to do is first look at the methods you’re currently using to deal with your loved one and their bipolar behavior. Then ask yourself if they are effective or not effective. If they are effective, then you don’t need to change. But if they aren’t effective, then you do need to change.

It’s kind of like filling in a puzzle. And if something you’re trying isn’t working, you look for another way (another piece to the puzzle). But you also have to have a willingness to change –
Not just blame things on your loved one.

Change is what brings success. So there can be success with bipolar disorder. As long as there is a willingness to change. You can’t expect your loved one to change if you are not first willing to change yourself.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave

 

Hi,

What’s new? Hope you are doing well.

To read this week’s news visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarnews732/

Attorney: Georgia Officer Had Time to Use Nonlethal Force
DO> What do you think of this statement by witnesses?

Ex-US Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. to be released from prison
DO> Do you think it’s ok that he’s being released early?

Report warns of overprescription for children on Medicaid
DO> You will find this report shocking.

Couple sues Nebraska agency over adoption of troubled boy
DO> Do you think these parents have a good case?

Factory owner diagnosed with bipolar disorder after mass iPhone giveaway
DO> Does this diagnosis surprise you?

Studies from Ohio State University in the Area of Bipolar Disorders Reported (Quality of Care for …
DO> This study makes a good point.

Mother died from paracetamol overdose, inquest hears
DO> Do you think it was her bipolar disorder that made her do it?

For these stories and more, please visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarnews732/

Check out all my resources, programs and information for all aspects of bipolar disorder by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentralcatalog.com

Your Friend,

Dave