Bipolar? Choosing the Lesser

Hi, how’s it going? Hope you are doing well.

I was talking to someone who called in the other day who had a concern. They had bipolar disorder, and they were also having trouble with housing circumstances. See, they had wasted all of their money while they were manic, because they weren’t on their medications at the time. They had thought that they could go off of their medications because they didn’t feel bad. But now they had started to realize that they needed to be on their medications all of the time.

But even though they realized this, they were still living with the consequences of their actions. They were essentially homeless. They had two options. They could either stay at a homeless shelter, or they could go move in with their family.

Now, immediately, one might assume that their family would have to be better than a homeless shelter. But there was a catch: Their family did not approve of them taking medications for their bipolar, believing that they should just be able to will it away. So, while it may seem better to be living with family, it may actually be better to stay at the homeless shelter so that they can take their medications and get themselves back on their feet.

There is a phrase, “The lesser of two evils.” Basically what that phrase means is that there aren’t always easy choices to make. When you’re facing a difficult choice, you have to choose the best option, even if it’s not a good option. Unfortunately, in life, there aren’t always good options. But we can make the best of what we can. This can be applied to all sorts of decisions that we have to make.

For example, if you cannot afford a regular psychiatrist or therapist, and you have to choose between whatever the option is in your area for people with lower income, or not having a psychiatrist or therapist at all, then you have to choose the lesser of two evils.

When you are in a crisis, and you have to choose between inpatient and outpatient services, then you have to look at both options carefully and figure out what is the lesser of two evils for you in that situation.

This will be different for everyone in that sort of situation, because everyone is experiencing different circumstances. For some, there may not be outpatient services that can handle that sort of crisis situation. For others, they might have the opposite problem.

There are a lot of situations in life where you will have to choose the lesser of two evils. There are some important things to remember when you go to make a decision like this. First of all, don’t be rash. Make sure you think over your decisions carefully with a clear head.

Secondly, don’t be afraid to get feedback about your decision. It may be that someone can see things from a better perspective than you can at this particular point in time. Thirdly, try to make the most of whatever you decide to do.

It may not be the best option you can think of, but it is the best option that’s available at the moment, so there’s no point in sulking about it. After all, when choosing between sulking and being happy, I think being happy is the lesser of two evils. 😛

Do you have any thoughts on this?

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave

  1. KINGSBOROUGH BY KINGS COUNTY WAS A “MAN’S SHELTER”

    ARE YOU BEING SHELTERED BY GOD, NOW??? YOU ALWAYS HAVE A CHOICE IN THE ADULT THAT WILL SHELTER YOU.

    THAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CHILD STAR AND AN ADULT STAR ——all of us didn’t have to deal with the sad situations that Coleman, GARY and MICHAEL JACKSON also former child stars had to deal with…….

    and here i’ll take my own advice – As Michael, i would go back to 2300 Jackson Street; as Gary i would go back to living the Mansion with the RICH PERSON WHO ADOPTED ME AS A BABY!!!!!!

  2. MOM IS THE FAR AWAY – BUT IT THE THE LESSER OF THE TWO EVILS!!!!! WHY, THAT’S THE ONE THAT LOOKS LIKE YOU – GET IT?????

    THE GREATER EVIL = THE ONE THAT WANTS YOU TO BE SOMEONE YOU CAN’T BE

    THE LESSER EVIL = THE ONE THAT WANTS TO BE YOU (AND IS EXTREMELY) ANNOYING ABOUT IT — MOM IS WHERE DAD IS – THAT’S IS WHY I AM HAPPY!!!!! ALL OF US WILL HAVE TO LEARN TO BE HAPPY WITH EVERY NEIGHBOR IN OUR LIFE…RIGHT?

  3. I agree with the phrase “lesser of two evils”. One option on the housing that you did not mention. Maybe find a close friend who could help you out while you look at all the other alternatives.. B J Hughes

  4. The nature of the disease makes the selection of the “lesser of two evils” options really tough. However, my experience with my BP wife shows writing down the pros and cons seems to help reinforce the decision and makes it easier to reference when doubts arise. It also helps to show that the “evil” selected leads to a better outcome in the long run. BOB

  5. Just want to find out that do I really need a therapist? I do have a very good psychiatrist – I think??? I used to be on 25mg of Tegrotol and now I am on 200mg Lethieum and 200mg of seriqule – Is that to much mecidation?

  6. Dear Dave, For years now I have read and read your e-mail to me and finally I would like to Thank You from the bottom of my HEART!! I have been with a man for 8 years now and I have been put threw Hell with him. A couple years ago I started keeping a log of my sweethearts episodes like you sugguested.He has his worst episodes in January-April, And this time I have losted him to doing 5 years in prison. I truly am at a place in my life of dealing with the lesser of the two evils,Living without him with me,or him being in prison which in my eyes has saved his life.Dave you have educated me in so many ways. And I truly Thank You for being such a unselfish man. Sincerly Dawn,of California,USA Dave You ROCK

  7. I have to agree with you it is the lesser of two evils that you much choose. I too had too make that same choose. good job Dave Thanks

  8. ya just crooks who were not effective in my case as you attempted to charge me for over 1200. I am reported your site and practice to all in authority. Good ridden’s.

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