=>PLEASE FORWARD TO FRIENDS, FAMILY AND LOVED ONES <= Hi, I hope your day is going well. Yesterday I was so super mad. I was at the gym. Someone took my keys where my wallet and everything was in my car. I was waiting at the gym for almost 1 and ½ hours. Finally they made an announcement and someone realized they took my keys by accident. You know what? If I didn’t get them, I would not have been sending you this email. My computer was in my car, my house keys were lost and it would have been a mess. Anyway, another thing… Someone asked me if these emails come from a real person. Yea they do: ) I don’t know how you could have a computer to do this on a daily basis. ha ha. Anyway, I bet you think I am crazy with the title of today’s bipolar lesson. Seriously - think I am crazy? I am not. I sent this message out for a very important reason. Here’s the deal. People ask me all the time how do they find out if they are bipolar 1 or 2 and some even ask whether they are bipolar 3! (I was just kidding about the bipolar 3, 5, 6, and 7.) Here’s the point. Don’t get caught up in labels. Focus on the fact that you have bipolar disorder or that you are supporting a loved one who does. Don’t get bogged down with trying to understand bipolar 1 versus 2, etc. I have seen people make this make too many times. They believe or are told they have “mild bipolar” or not “the bad kind.” So then they let their guard down and guess what? WHAMO, a bipolar episode strikes. Actually, before I continue, I want to remind you for the like 500th time that I am NOT a doctor, psychiatrist, therapist, financial advisor, lawyer, insurance person, etc. Or, any other kind of professional, for that matter. I just do not want anyone misled. Anyway, my feeling is this (and you should run it past your doctor and think about it yourself): I feel that basically anyone who is stable can become unstable if they are not following their treatment plan or all the parts of their bipolar stability equation. The person who has mild bipolar disorder can wind up having severe bipolar disorder. The person who was never been violent can become violent. Also, I have seen different people’s bipolar disorder change and evolve. They may have been diagnosed as having bipolar 1 disorder and then rediagnosed as bipolar 2 disorder, and vice-versa. Just don’t get caught up in this kind of bipolar disorder versus that kind of bipolar disorder or you will get frustrated. In my courses/systems, I give the signs and symptoms of each disorder, but that's just for information, and not for you to self-diagnose. Only your doctor can diagnose you. NEW LEARN THE SECRETS OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER? http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/bipolarmastersystem/
SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/report11
SUPPORTING A CHILD/TEEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarparenting.com
HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.survivebipolar.net
Still, I mean what I said:
Don’t worry so much about labels.
It doesn’t matter what type of bipolar
disorder that you have.
You should be more concerned with
becoming stable with your bipolar
disorder, which is much more important.
If you have bipolar disorder, there are
several things you can do to gain stability,
like taking your medication religiously,
and seeing your therapist on a regular
basis.
If you do other things like keep a
good sleep pattern, exercise, and eat
a healthy diet, you will only be helping
your stability with bipolar disorder.
If you are supporter of a loved one
with bipolar disorder, there are several
ways you can help them to achieve
stability.
The greatest thing you can do for your
loved one is just to be there for them,
offering your unconditional love and
support.
They will also need your understanding
when they experience the fear and
confusion of a bipolar episode.
When someone with bipolar disorder
is in an episode, does it really matter
whether they are bipolar 1, bipolar 2,
or whatever type they are?
If you have bipolar disorder, has it
ever mattered to you?
If you are a supporter, has it ever
mattered to you?
FIND OUT WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT ME
Visit: http://www.bipolarcentral.com/testimonials
See you later on.
Your Friend,
Dave
===>> Great Resources For You <=== Get Your Own Subscription To This Newsletter Want your own copy of these daily bipolar emails sent to you for F.ree? If so, visit: http://www.bipolarcentral.com/register3
Get More Help On Bipolar Disorder
Don’t forget to take a look through the
different programs I’ve put together… each
one is designed to help you with a different
area of bipolar disorder whether you have it or
you are supporting someone with it.
You can see them all and get the details by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentralcatalog.com
View Past Daily Bipolar Emails For F.REE
Check out my F.ree blog with copies of emails
that I have sent in the past and lots of great
information for you:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/supporterblog/
Get Audio Information On Bipolar Disorder For F.REE
Check out my F.ree podcast. Hear me give
mini seminars designed to teach you information
you can’t learn anywhere else.
http://bipolarcentral.libsyn.com
Post responses below
I thought this was supposed to be free helpful information about bipolar disorder? Instead I have gotten a steady stream of rambling not really having much useful information at all accompanied by advertisement after advertisement for expensive courses and extras that I am not even sure I need! I would have actually considered purchasing some of these products had I actually been given any usable information for “free” like was stated. But I have a hard time paying for something I don’t even know I’ll be getting! I am unsubscribing to these emails as they come to my work address and are just giving me more junk mail to deal with than I care too on a daily basis.
Dave, on a personal note. Everybody, bipolar or not, should have a plan (good routine). You set yourself up for stress/disappointment/theft if you don’t. Leaving your computer in the car leads to eventual theft—it’s in the news. Creative problem solve? Get a good (loud?)car theft system–ask professionals. Find a safe place for keys. Getting a locksmith isn’t tragic. Have 2 sets of keys? Expect occasional problems–we’re human–_it happens. EVERYONE needs a plan. XO, LG
Just a note to thank you for your helpful advice. My daughter is bipolar and has been on lithium successfully for 30 years. Recently she was taken off lithium due to kidney damage. As one would suspect after 3 weeks she was in a manic state. She is in the hospital now and receiving Seroquel which has brought her back down. We are hopeful that she will be back on track soon and ready to pick up her life as before. I have found your course very helpful as well as your daily emails. Thank you for all you have done to help others with this difficult disease.
You know every morning I wake up an read these colums that are written . I was diagnosed 10 years or more with manic Bipolar … I have been on so many coctails from the doctor an we just can’t find the one that keeps me stabile . It has been quite a ride . I have taken up to 17 different pills in one day . An we can’t find that perfect one . But I think my doctor don’t know what else to do . I have gotten to the point where ,I have given up on trying to get it under control with all those pills ..I have to fake my moods sometime for my family sake .. But there are times I just can’t control it .. I have had some violent episodes ,But I lash out on my house . Yeah , The first time my In-Laws were coming to Texas from Georgia to meet me an my kids, I had an episode an got so mad I ended up ripping two of my cabnet doors off the hinges. It was 10 days before they were to arrive ,We had to redo my cabnets an repaint my kitchen to make every thing match .. My New Husband had to explain what happen an why we were completing the project the day they arrived . Mind you it’s not the first doors I have ripped off . It seems to only last for a few minutes , But the damage is usually extensive .. An trying to explain this to my three young boys isn’t easy ..But I truely think they are kinda use to it an they know to get away from me when the episodes arrive .. And my oldest is now 10 an my youngest is 7 . An I have only been married for almost 3 years now .. An my husband don’t understand my disorder , he just enables me an lets me do whatever .. Then we fix it after the fact .He hasn’t quite understood how to notice the signs of my manic episodes but I tryed to explain this to him , an I have gotten as much information I can find to help him understand . Living with Bi-polar people is harder on the familys .
Yes, Dave, CAROL has some GREAT advice for you. Personally, I have a “hide-a-key” under the car, so when I lock my keys in the car – or lose them – I can get in without calling the wrecker. It’s saved me a LOT of money. And, for Heaven’s sake, haven’t you heard that computers are the FIRST thing a car-thief will look for when he’s trolling to rob a car??!! PLEASE take better care of your “externals” before you go “crazy” about losing something.
I don’t know whether I’m Bipolar I or II, but like you say, what does it matter in the long run? I still have bipolar. I’m much more stable the last few years, but still have the fear that the hypomania will creep up on me when I least expect it, making me “look over my shoulder” should it appear in all it’s gruesomeness.
My computer “motherboard” died, and I’m using a laptop that I’m unfamiliar with. Thank God, I had it as a spare! Then, the fan for the refrigerator part of my fridge/freezer is shot, so I have to pay about $180 to get it fixed! I DON’T have that kind of money any more, especially now that I have to pay my mortgage out of my checking account. Right now, I have NO cushion to fall back on – not even credit cards. I cut them ALL up, and now rely completely on my bank debit card. I didn’t get my refinancing, nor my Food Stamps – I’ve NEVER been this poor!
I was raised upper-middle-class, and owned an apartment house for 30 years, so ALWAYS had a CUSHION with the rents and help from my Mom. Looking back with hindsight, I never should have sold my house – but there were extraordinary repairs needed on the house, and I felt I couldn’t afford them; so I downsized to a condo. I miss the rents and my Mom’s help. I’m completely on my own – don’t know how much longer I can last…
BIG HUGS to all bipolar survivors and those who love us. May God bless you real good. I pray for my country.
I was the one that asked the question about whether David was the author of all the daily blogs that are waiting for me each morning.
I was just wanted to be sure that I know the identity of the authors that contribute to getting your blog that we read each day. I fully understand that it must require a tremendous amount of thought to put these out every day, and that maybe it would get to the point that the work needed to be shared.
As I said, I look forward to the information that is being made available to us. Though I know that me, for one, it makes a difference if I am reading your writings or a ghost-writer.
I had just happen to noticed that it says that someone with a different email address, sometimes writes these blogs,
” on behalf of David Oliver”
Look forward to reading your emails in the morning. I know that a lot of people get help from you and I just wanted to make sure that all of these blogs “are written by David Oliver himself”.
I don’t doubt that a “real person” writes them. Just not sure which real person you are referring to.
Hi Dave, Thank you for all the helpful advice and information. I do not have bipolar but I believe my wife and child does. Your advise for “supporters of bipolar love ones” has enabled me to better deal with what I think are signs of this disease. My wife doesn’t believe there’s anything wrong with her and refuse to go get help. I have not brought the subject of getting help lately because it would only cause a big argument and/or an episode. Therefore, I’m not sure if your course will benefit me until such time she is medically confirmed with this disorder and are willing to work with controlling her mood swings. I never heard of bipolar until I began researching her personality and how it has affected our marriage and family. I did not find Bipolar, it found me together with order disorders such as Border line personality, and mood disorders (to name a few). I have only stayed in the marriage to protect my children from her mental and physical abuse.
Based on the knowledge and experience I have with my wife, I took a test online for bipolar. The result showed my wife has bipolar and should see a doctor for further evaluation. If you could advise me on how to encourage my wife to get help without getting upset, it would probably help save my marriage.
David thank you for all the insight. I found your doctor friend interesting that thinks there is a conspiracy. He might just relate things in a different way & be pointing out there are different world views. The new movie ‘EXPELLED’ by comedian Ben Stein out in DVD now helped me allot in understanding that.
I enjoy your messages keep up the good work!
HI TO WHO EVER I AM TALKING TO, A THINK AM GO TO HAVE TO STOP LABBLEING MY SELF. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR EMAILS,
TAKE CARE LINDA X
I agree with you Dave, I too have search fruitlessly to find out whether my daughter has Bi polar 1 2 or whatever- and it was all for my piece of mind because maybe Bipolar 1 was better to have than Bipolar 2. Meanwhile my daughter was in an episode and my mind was preoccupied – suffice to say supporting one with Bipolar is like supporting a loved one with cancer you have to have an unconditional love and commitment to your loved one’s eventual recovery and that’s all that matters. A supporter knows his loved one will recover.
Regards
Shona
I do NOT agree with this blog post. I’m a supporter of a guy with mild bipolar II and have read article after article from Dave that do not fit my guy at all. I even paid for some products and got my money back after finding they didn’t fit our situation *at all.* Then we picked up a book from the bookstore about Bipolar II – “Less than Crazy: Living With Bipolar II” – and it all fit. Made total sense, fit him to a T, including the anxiety, OCD symptoms, and long-lasting periods of depression without ever seeming to go hypomanic (it can manifest in II as anxiety).
We also read about the SIX possible presentations of Bipolar Disorder in this book. It’s so easy to misdiagnose these. And so helpful to get a correct diagnosis.
So Dave, I think you need to update yourself if you want to help ALL people with bipolar, not just those with wild mood swings like your mother has!
Hi Dave,
I have found your letters very helpful. I adopted a child who is now 8 yrs old, and she has been diagnosed with bipolar, ADD and Rad. It has been very differcult for our family to first accept this awful diagnosis but she completly fits the description. There isn’t too much on bipolar in children,and I wish I could find more about it. It has been so differcult to deal with this but we are doing all we can. Thanks for all your help. God Bless all who have to deal with this terrible disorder, and also for their families. Thanks Again
Hi Dave ,i dont know what to do any more,i was in hospital 3 times last year 4 depression and another 2 times in icu coz i took overdose medication,i did great for the past 4 moths but now im getting weird again,last night i cut myself again after me and my hubby had a fight ,i really want top die i cant take this anymore,plz help ,my kids r 6 and 8 years old this is efecting then 2
David,
Keep the conversation coming. It is inspiring and humorous and informative.
No need to take this thing too seriously. It is going to happen and humor has helped me through it.
I am a supporter and I am a participant in the bipolar world.
Tell the discombobulated and self loathers to lighten up and love their lives and themselves. There is no shame in this condition.
Love and Blessins!
Awesome information you have here. Thanks for sharing.
i dont agree. It does matter. You would know if you are bipolar type 1 or not. type 2 and on are a joke compared to 1. even type 1 rapid cycler is much easier than one.