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: Date, Mood, and 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