Hi,
How’s it going?
Well, here we are into another new year, and I hope you’re feeling as hopeful as I am that this year will be even better than last year was.
My friend Violeta who you might remember as the girl who taught me how to eat a lobster about 2 years ago (that was a daily email with a big bipolar lesson), asked me what my New Year’s Resolutions were.
I told her that I didn’t make resolutions but I look at what I need to do to make this year better than last year. I have a system of looking at what I should not do in this year based on what I did last year. I also have things that I am going to do.
Make sense?
and all my businesses. In addition, I am doing this every quarter (every 4 months). This is how I advance my life, this organization. You can do the same for business disorder. For most of us, we’re hoping that the economy will get better this year, that’s for sure.
We’re hoping that a lot of things will improve.
We have a new president going into this new year, and that’s something to be optimistic about, for most of us.
But what I’m talking about is more than that.
Many people didn’t have a good year this
past year.
Many people struggled with their bipolar disorder, and their supporters struggled right along with them.
Or maybe their year was going ok, but the holidays threw them off, and they’re just coming out of that going into the new year.
Either way, the new year offers a new chance. A chance to do things differently.
In my courses/systems, I talk about that if something isn’t working for you, you have to change it, or try something different when you’re managing your bipolar disorder.
SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/report11
SUPPORTING A CHILD/TEEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
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http://www.bipolarparenting.com
HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER?
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http://www.survivebipolar.net
So that’s what I’m talking about here.
For both people with bipolar disorder and their supporters.
If something hasn’t been working, you need to change it or try something different.
Like medication.
If you’re not feeling stable, it could be because of your medication.
Talk to your doctor about it.
It could be that you need a medication adjustment. It could be that you need a medication change.
But whatever, you need to do something.
So talk to your doctor. Don’t just stay unstable, because that is dangerous for you. Or, say, communication.
If you’re having trouble communicating with your loved one, or your loved one with you, you need to do something about it, because you can’t let things stay that way.
It may be as simple as just telling them how you feel and opening up the lines of communication again, or it may not be that simple. You might need to consider family or marriage counseling.
Either way, make that change. Don’t leave something that serious alone in this coming year.
If you’ve found yourself falling into a rut, change it.
Try something new this year.
Pick up a new hobby.
Try volunteering.
Get out of the house more.
Join a support group (if you haven’t already).
Learn more about bipolar disorder.
Learn something new.
If you’ve been isolating, try getting out more.
If you’ve been staying away from friends and family, make a greater effort to stay in touch with them.
Make changes within yourself.
Grow. Change.
This is a new year. A time for growth and change!
Whatever you do, try to make this year even better than last year!
Hey, I am going to the mall and to the movies. I have to take off. What are you going to do differently this year than last year? What are some of your goals?
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David Oliver is the author of the shocking guide “Bipolar Disorder—The REAL Silent Killer.” Click Here to get FREE Information sent via email on how and why bipolar disorder kills.
Post responses below
Hi Dave,
Well last year was pretty good for me, although the economy went sour, it didn’t effect me or the city I am in all that much. Thank God. But I am doing things pretty much the same way. I made another minor medication adjustment in Dec. and I’m gonna stick with that. One thing about being bipolar is we never become stagnant. I have been stable, but not stagnant. : )
I am solidifying the advancements I have made in therapy in ’08 which have been many. I am working on building back up my line of credit at the bank. I had to use a lot of it in ’08, not related to the economy, more to car repairs, I am now looking for a new vehicle. But plan to build it all the way back up here quickly. For the most part I am doing the same thing.
You mentioned that we have to make constant adaptations when dealing with bipolar, I have found this to be very true. When your in a state of constant change, you have to constantly adapt. Adapt your thinking, your beliefs about life, and of course try to maintain a healthy attitude of Gratefulness, which means adapting to life. I have learned that a person with bipolar who is grateful can more easily stay stable. I am living proof. ’08 was a pretty good year in that respect, staying stable, so I don’t want to change everything, just make some minor adjustments, and keep my effort strong in adaptation.
Thanks for your email today. I loved that, “Business Disorder” Ha! I think everyone, and I mean everyone has “Life Disorder” and must also make constant adjustments to their game plan for life, otherwise we miss it.
Bob
I’m lost….. I enjoyed christmas for the first time in a few years. I went back to my clinic the week before xmas ( I had stopped going) The psychriatist bascilly said while I’m taking st johns wort they didnt want to know. They I feel have been doing me good why would i want to back on the lititum if something else is working but the mental health dont recognize st johns wort here in Ireland. I’m not sleeping rite at the moment and when i do its very light.
I have another appointment with the clinic on thurs and i dont know if i should go back coz i feel they want to push their ideas on me and not actually listen to me. why change something that seems to be working.
Any ideas am i doing rite or wrong ?
I dont want to go low again
Do you have to believe a drug is working for it to work ?
I didnt believe lititium worked for me, Yet the doctor said i wasnt on it long enough to know ( was taking it for over a year) Most websites says its not good to be on it any longer than 3years.
I’m lost… The more questions I asked the more questions I get coz every answer creates another question.
Happy New Year.
God Bless Amanda.
My resolutions play out to be more like goals. I see where the deficits are and will do something about it, to improve on the old and come away with something new. To be a better me.
*This year I’ll focus on getting out more.
Since I also suffer with anxiety I’ll work towards getting out EVERY day, even if it’s just to walk for exercise. I’ve been doing that and it’s a healthy trend, the walking I mean. To do it every day even on snow days or days when it’s bitterly cold outside.
*To continually work in therapy on becoming a better me.
I’ve been in therapy for a few years and it’s helped, but I think this year I’ll make it further into bettering myself, and when I better myself, I’m better for my supporter, my husband.
*To be vigilant about taking my medications on time.
*To work at my diet; to get off a couple of medications I’m on.
*To work towards daily structure and stability.
Hi Dave! I am having a hell of a time with a new boyfriend and his son. We moved in together in Sept. I am a grandma raising 2 granddaughters, 10 & 5. His son is 11. We butt heads over the kids so much that it keeps my bi-polar in a spin almost all the time. I just fly off the handle and can’t understand why he won’t try to work on the issues and calm things down. It has sometimes scared me cause things are being thrown across the rooms. I feel like for the sake of the girls, I need to get out. I don’t like them hearing arguing and screaming all the time. What should I do?Please help me.
For Amandak:
My doctors took 2 years to find the right “cocktail” of medications for me.
Finally I realized that my continuing depression related to the fact that I just didn’t feel like me. I was tired, still somewhat depressed, had no interest in the Activities of Daily Life –such as cleaning my house, hanging pictures, keeping up on my bills.,etc.
Finally the doctors put me on Uppers– I feel like me before my depression and bipolar episodes. I now get up, take a shower, put on my make-up, have scrubbed my house from top to bottom, organized my bills, and drove 500 miles round trip for Christmas with my family. (Which I had been afraid to do before.) I’m not saying that I’m “high” all the time-I’m not. But maybe you need a boost. I surely did. I plan on taking 16 units this semester at college, volunteering at a local children’s society (signed up on the 31st.) and I believe I can handle anything life throws at me this year. This is the best I’ve felt in 11 years. And all it took was lowering one medication, taking away one, and adding another. I should also mention it was a different doctor who made these decisions as mine was on vacation. Sometimes it just takes a differen point of view. I still see my regular doctor and he agreed with the changes after he saw me come into his office as a completely different person! My Bipolar is now under control and I don’t anticipate any problems although my mom says that Spring is the worst time for me. I hope not this year, as I have alot to accomplish! I hope this is a word of encouragement for you and possibly you need to change doctors. Best of luck in the New Year!
Teri
To Angel Currier:
You need to leave this situation immediately! If things are being thrown, it is highly likely that it will turn more violent. Plus you have 2 little girls to think of. It is not healthy for them to hear you and him yell and scream at each other– they will grow up thinking this is the way you resolve problems in their own lives–and I’m sure you don’t want that. Sometimes we Bipolars hang onto relationships that are not working just because we feel a deep need not to be alone. We have to learn that we can make it on our own. As long as we keep our doctor’s appt.s, take our medications and get enough rest and exercise. These things are hard to do (taking care of ourselves) as long as we are constantly being bombarded by outside forces ( in this case your boyfriend). Sounds like you have more on your plate then you can handle. First thing is to get rid of the violent – throwing things boyfriend. You can handle this in a non-emotional way, by explaining that for you in order to take care of your own Bipolar problems that you need to be apart. Not only will he develope more respect for you because he see’s that you are taking care of yourself. He’ll be less likely to be violent. ( I Hope). But you definitely need to take care of yourself, and your 2 granddaughters. Their safety is utmost and with things flying around–Your neighbors might be likely to call the police, arrest both of you and put the children in foster care. I’m just giving you a worst scenario. That would be terrible for you and them. I encourage you to change your situation as soon as possible. It will only escalate.
My Best To YOU!
Teri
To AMANDAK: St. Johns Wort is an herbal concoction that, here in America, at least, is 75% alcohol. I took it for about 10 days, and was “reeling.” You should listen to your doctors; I was on Lithium for almost 20 years, and it kept me stable, not too high, not too low. However, I developed neuropathy in both legs from it, and was switched to Valproic Acid (Depakote), which seems to work BETTER than the Lithium. Not being a doctor, I can’t tell you what will work for you, but you MUST listen to your doctor, and USE the medication for at least 3 MONTHS before you give up on it. That’s the median length of time that a prescription needs to get into your system in order to see that it’s working. Good luck to you!!
My NEW “thing” for 2009 is going into Freelance writing as a profession! Being as how I’m POORER than I’ve ever been in my entire LIFE, I was asking myself what I was good at, and what I could do to make money from it – and came up with – WRITING! Of course, the old adage of – “it takes money to make money” – I had to pay a fee to join a freelance company, that has a database of companies looking for writers. I thought this was a way to “get my feet wet” so to speak, and make money, too. Wish me luck; I’ll need it…
The meds I’m on now, are the RIGHT “cocktail” for me, too. I can’t even THINK of making a change right now. I’m highly-functional on them; I’ve reached the proverbial “plateau” where I’m NOT hypomanic nor depressed, just somewhere in-between. My wish for everyone on this blog is that their doctors can find the right combination of meds that will work for YOU.
BIG HUGS to all bipolar survivors and those who love us. May God bless you real good. I pray for my country.
Hi my name is Audrey. I am a 46 year old married female. i have been struggling with Bipolar Disorder for many years now. The clinic I go to which is th eonlu one in my area that sees patientw like me, well it has been through 6 different docotors in 12 years. I don’t understand where to start from here. I am not doing any better now then I was 12 years ago. I do read alot about Bi Polar online and do know that I definitely am not being medically treated right. But what do I do. I am totally lost. I know from past experience that my medicine is not doing what the doctor claims it will do. I have no other choice of a doctor in my area and it takes 3 months to get into see him.. My next appointment is not until JAN 21, AT WHICH TIME i think will be a waste of the $95.00 office call just to have precriptions wrote. I want to lead a more normal life. WHAT can I do anybody any sugesstionw…
Hi Dave, How are you?, First of all I want to say thank you for your daily information about bipolar disorder. I am very interested on your books, but my English is limited, so, I want to know if there is a Spanish version from your products.
I am living in México
Thanx to Teri and Suzanne for your advice, It gives me something to go on.
Thank you
God Bless Amanda
SUZANNE, In the UK and Ireland you can buy St. John’s Wort in tablets at a health shop and there is no alcohol in them. Many herbal remedies, along with vitamins and supplements are available without prescription. Some doctors will even work alongside alternative practitioners like homeopaths or herbalists, but not many. Every now and then herbal remedies are in the spotlight and considered “dangerous.” Of course we should all be careful and aware of side effects and consult the doctor before taking any complementary supplements, as some may not be compatible with bipolar meds or other drugs. However, I believe the drugs companies tend to scaremonger about natural remedies purely in fear of competition. Drugs have side effects and work for some people and not others, and so do herbs.
St. John’s Wort can be a very effective anti-depressant. Feverfew works wonders clearing headaches within minutes. Valerian calms the nerves and Vervain has a list of healing qualities including anti-depressant. I have an interest in healing herbs and back in the UK used to grow them in the garden and make my own teas and tinctures like my grandmother did. I have yet to find a place here in Ireland where I can buy them to start a new herb garden.
AMANDA, I am not a qualified herbalist and would never advise anyone to use herbs instead of prescribed meds. If you have found St. John’s Wort to work better (with fewer side effects) than a prescribed anti-depressant then it should be worth discussing this with your doctor.
My newyear’s resolution is to get out more and travel. I find it very relaxing to get away from routine of household chores and just try new thing. I know for sure that I need my medications. Taking one day at a time and not worrying about things too much is a plus. My sister said that my visit was a blessing because I was helping her with her kids. My kids are happy that I found the courage to get on the plane and travel because it has been 10 years since I last travel. I thank St. Dymphna and my family for their support.
With tears in my eyes I say that I think you are the only one in the whole
world that knows what I am going through. I appreciate you so very much.
You are so right on. I would love to purchase your materials but I am in a
financial crunch right now because I was focused on my x-borderline fiancé and
not taking enough care of myself, but I am working on that now. I look
forward to continued emails. Thank you.