Hi,

Today I want to talk about being a cheerleader (can you be one?). Whether it’s high school, college, or pro football, they always have cheerleaders. And what do cheerleaders do? They encourage the team. They excite the audience in the grandstands. They perform for your entertainment. They are a necessary part of any football game.

Just watch some of the cheerleaders and how they act (perform) at the next football game you watch or go to. You will always see them smiling. They have a lot of energy. They take their job seriously. And they do the best they can to encourage the team as well as the people in the stands.

Let me ask you: Are you a cheerleader for your loved one with bipolar disorder? Because sometimes you need to be. It’s a cheerleader’s responsibility to encourage – To keep the team and the people from getting discouraged, no matter how bleak the outlook. They believe in the team that they are representing. They are behind them 100%. They do their best to show a positive attitude. Their actions, like cheering on the crowd, show their positive attitude.

I know you weren’t called to be a cheerleader. It probably doesn’t come to you naturally. You probably never thought you would be called upon to be a cheerleader in your life. But there are times that your loved one needs you to be a cheerleader for them. Think about what I just said about the qualities of a cheerleader. They believe in their team. You should believe in your loved one. They are behind them 100%. You should be behind your loved one 100% too. They have a positive attitude, no matter how bleak things look. You can maintain a positive attitude, if you try. If that’s hard for you, then just rejoice with your loved one in small victories – Like every day they go without a bipolar episode (which is a big victory, actually). A cheerleader’s actions show that they take their job seriously. So should your actions.

Be a good supporter. By being the best supporter you can be, you can show your loved one that “cheerleader” in you. Sometimes your loved one can get discouraged, especially if stability doesn’t seem to be coming very easily for them. But knowing you are “backing” them can help with that discouragement, especially if you are being encouraging yourself. Times will be tough, like when your loved one goes into an episode. You know that can happen at any time, right? But if they know you’re going to be there for them, it will make things much easier.

Be an encourager. Be a good supporter. Be there for your loved one. Have a positive attitude. Your loved one will appreciate your “cheerleading” efforts more than you know.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave