Bipolar Disorder? Make sure you do this

Hi,

How’s it going today?

I hope you’re doing well.

I was kind of annoyed yesterday, I someone call and email that my daily emails didn’t give enough information.

The reason why it’s annoying is because I was like, “how much information do you want me to type of up EVERY DAY?”

They were like, “a lot more you are just teasing us?”

The reason why it’s annoying to me is because this takes a MASSIVE amount of work.

A TON.

Many people on my list realize this. Many do not. They simply complain. It’s like the same thing where I volunteer. There are people who constantly complain that someone or some or organization is not doing enough for them.

It’s amazing.

I can’t even imagine if I had to spend more than the time it takes for me to already write these emails every day.

It would be all I did, which doesn’t make any sense.

Know what I mean?

I mean think about it, I am doing this 365 days a year including my birthday, holidays, when I am sick, etc.

For YEARS.

Sorry to vent : )

It’s also annoying that if someone orders something from me and let’s say the post office loses it they assume I did it on purpose.

Or if a package is damaged. Or if something is done.

It just makes me shake my head and realize why it’s so hard in the mental health field. People can be super demanding.

Someone wrote me that I have “no integrity?”

When people say that kind of stuff, it’s beyond annoying based on what I am doing on a daily basis for the cause.

I do a TON and I mean a TON of work. Most of the time I don’t make a dime. You would be shocked if I laid it all out for you. The people who work for me know this for sure.

Anyway, based on the last day or so I was thinking about something.

Remember what is commonly called the Lord’s Prayer?

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference.”

Well, today I want to talk about the “accept the things I cannot change” part.

That’s important when it comes to bipolar disorder.

It’s trying to change the things you CAN’T change that leads to stress and anxiety, and that’s what’s bad for your disorder.

Stress leads to depression, and depression can lead to an episode.

And avoiding episodes are what my courses/systems are all about:

NEWLEARN 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

There are some things you CAN change, but there are other things you CAN’T change.

You can’t change other people. It’s up to them to change themselves. And that’s only if they want to – you can’t do it for them.

You can’t always change the situation around you (although sometimes you can, and I’ll talk about that in a minute).

You can’t change the world, as much as you might like to sometimes.

You can’t change the place you’re in, usually.

Especially in this economy. Most of us are lucky to be holding on to our homes these days, and couldn’t afford another house even if we wanted to.

You can’t change things. Things just are the way they are.

For example, you just can’t change the fact that you or your loved one has bipolar disorder. It’s just a fact. You may not like it, but you also can’t change it.

The only thing you can do about things you can’t change is to accept them.

A friend of mine told me this quote from one of her daily readings, and I think it applies here:

“Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation – some fact of my life – unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment.”

I think that’s what it’s all about.

Finding serenity, or peace of mind, in whatever situation you’re in.

In other words, accepting what you can’t change.

If you can come to the place where you can accept that you or your loved one has bipolar disorder and you can’t change that fact, then you can do something about it -You can start learning how to manage it.

Remember the old expression, “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade?”

Well, this is sort of the same thing.

You can work with what you have, if you accept it.

If you don’t, it won’t get you anywhere, anyway.

And it might make you sicker, trying to change what you can’t change, getting all stressed out and, like I said, getting stressed out can lead to depression, and depression can lead to a bipolar episode.

And that is something you DON’T want!

For supporters, the same thing can happen.

Maybe you won’t go into an episode, but the stress can make you not as good a supporter as you can be, if you don’t accept the things you can’t change.

The main point I’m trying to make is to accept the things you can’t change, and work with the things you CAN change, and you’ll be much more able to manage your bipolar disorder, or be a better supporter.

Know what I mean? I guess there’s always going to be people who complain on my list no matter what. I can’t change them.

FIND OUT WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT ME
Visit: http://www.bipolarcentral.com/testimonials

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.

  1. I am glad you don’t take the criticisms to heart. There are too many of us who need the knowledge you have gained.keep the faith. You are making a difference.

    I just received your bioplar supporters guide and it has paid for itself in the first 5 minutes of reading. Thank You!

  2. Hi Dave,

    The serenity prayer has gotten me through more tough times in my life than I can begin to list. It was a good way for all of us to start this day. Hold onto the thought and don’t give up.

    You are doing great work and I am sure helping the majority who subscribe to your site. Life is full of those who are happiest complaining. Keep up the good work!

  3. hi dave i think some people want a lot for nothing,i also think the time you have to put in to do these reports which alot of people would not do unless they where paid a lot to reserch them and then sit there and type them up,i like the info i have recived by way of your mini course and news, so please keep it up mate i think your doing a great job,
    yours keith

  4. I have BiPolar. About 3 yrs. ago is when I found out, after a manic episode that lead me to the hospital. Recently, my son was sent to Irac, on top of this I have been dealing w/such a person as you have described, at work.Things have been real tough.I was sitting here woundering how to chage things when I came across your email. I just wanted to say ‘THANKS’. I had forgotten all about the ‘Serentiy Prayer’.

  5. I have learned a lot from the email that you
    Have sent daily! Thanks for them. I have also learned
    To live by the lords prayer. I have found that
    I can live without my meds. All I have to do is
    Let the things that I cannot change go and I have
    Not been on nor needed my meds now for more than
    5 months. So thank you and continue the good work.
    Sincerely ryan wallace.

  6. Dave, In your email today you hit two keypoints. One that people want everything free. Your email person wanted the system (whether they paid for it or not) fed to them daily. maybe they donot want to be responsible for doing someting wrong and wnat to be able to say…..Dave told me too. You give daily some support and encouragement and a touch of guiadance. You need to make money also.
    Secondly, acceptance. Yes, whether one is religious or not, acceptance can calm much anxiety. Many people feel they have to change everything around them, they must control things because they can not control the bipolar. It just makes like worse.
    Acceptance is about letting go of the need to control. We live in a society of controlers. Letting go of control does not mean we let ourselves be taken advantage of. If you think about it, chosing to accept things and NOT let them control your emotions is in fact liberating and empowering. But yes, it takes work and effort.
    I have a 12 year old son diagnosed this year with bipolar, previously it was ODD, ADHD and anxiety. I have a boyfriend who is eppileptic and bipolar, and a 14 year old with asperger’s and depression. Life for me is “out of control”. BUT, at times I can simply say oh well and let things go. Deep breathing helps. Looking into the face of your loved ones and remembering why you love them helps too.

    Thanks for my two cents.

  7. Dear Dave,
    I have been under a lot of stress the past few weeks. First on 2/12 a tree fell thru our roof of a property we use for business and storage. On the 16th. my father-in law died ( was going under cancer treatments but a heart attack took him.) Then just yesterday we discovered our entire bee hive was dead ( they were fine 2 weeks ago).

    Too many sad things are happening and I just want towalk away and not come back. Hubby is threatening divorce if I even talk to the remaining inlaws. What do I do? Too many unanswered questions. Hubby is ignoring my attempts to console him and I feel like I am on an island. I hurt tooo! I had another attack and he just doesn’t understand, I can’t controll this dragon that wants to rear it’s head every time life dissheveles things. I hate my life.

    Bipolar is a curse.

    Pat

  8. David, I read your emails every day. Today’s email really bothered me. I know how much work it must take to do what you do, I know how much stress it must create for you, and I’m sure there are a lot of people who don’t know these things. However, if you want everyone you come in contact with to be greatful and appreciative, you are on the wrong planet. Ever hear “you can’t please everyone”? I get the message about accepting what you can’t change. But, the way you wrote about these people who critisize you doesn’t sound to me like you’re following your own advice. You can get your message across without whining first. If you decided to accept it and not let it get to you, then you wouldn’t spend half of your email going on about it.
    For the most part I get a lot out of your emails, but today it just irritated me. Since I can’t control it and I can’t change it, I figured I would follow your lead and whine about it.
    Something I haven’t seen you mention about people with bipolar is that they are susceptible to other people’s moods. When they are around happy upbeat people, they tend to handle stress better. When they’re around complaining, whining people it tends to bring them down and draw out depression. You’ve talked about negativity having it’s place, but you are wrong there too. There is no place for negativity. There is a place for realizim. If you think taking medication for the rest of your life is negative, I disagree. It’s a realism. I prefer to look at it as there is something to help me feel normal for the rest of my life.
    So instead of thinking of these people as demanding more from you than you can give and looking at it negatively, look at it realisticly. The realism is you are doing all you can, and you have helped these people enough that they are turning to you for more. Of course, perhaps they’ve read your email on negativity and that has made them express their desires in a negative way.
    All that being said, I would like to thank you for the time you take to write the emails and send them out. I have found most of them to be very helpful and encouraging.

  9. First of all, I appreciate your column. I’d suggest that if this column is a bit much to write everyday, that you scale back to maybe 3 days/wk. I know for me and because of my busy schedule, I’m unable to read your column everyday anyway. Why don’t you go easier on yourself?
    A bi-polar supporter

  10. Doesn’t the Lord’s prayer begin “Our Father, who art in heaven…?” Your’s is an axiom (or wise advise), I think. xo

  11. Well, I appreciate your information. And it works in other areas of my life. My 16 year old is in a treatment center and has NO plan to recover. My husband either has a mood disorder or something equally dysfunctional. Your messages, along with Al-Anon, are helping me understand that I cannot change anyone but myself. I CAN have an episode emergency plan that we all agree to, but if they choose not to follow it, it still leaves me out there hanging so I stashed a “survival bag” which includes enough money for me to “escape” for a couple of weeks until things get good enough to return home. I agree with you that we supporters do not have to “take it” when they are in an episode and do not want help. It’s dreadful.

    I read an interesting comment in an exercise I was doing. It said “What if you detached from the situation or person you are trying to control? Will that happen anyway in spite of my controlling gestures?” It made me realize that no matter what I do to control, the person may leave me anyway.

    Nanc’

  12. HI THERE….
    Sorry for being so rude but i am sick of accepting the things i carnt change i dont no if it, s just me, the way i am or is it the way my partner as made me, i feel frustrated to day and you no why i am sat in with the partner who wants all is own way.A think i need some courage, i certanly have wisdom i can spot different,s. I may have a mental illness i may not i dont no who cares.SORRY for the moan a just needed to get that out like you said you are all ways going to have some one on your course that moans.By the way i apprechate all the work you do, and look forword to reading ALL your Emails
    my partner is starting to think am up to something a think he wants me to pussy foot round him. Keep up the good work.
    Take Care Linda x

  13. Dave,
    I find your efforts very rewarding to me and I am sure to others. There is alot to understand and alot that you have to accept. “Bravo” for pointing that out. Keep up the good work, there are alot of us that, I’m sure, out number the one that have to complain. 🙂
    Sandie

  14. Dave,
    You are a life-saver and an answer to prayer. Thank you for using your life to make such a huge difference for so many of us supporters.

  15. dave i found your site a yr ago and think its great.i fell in love with a married man with bipolar his wife has divorced him.he blames me of course we still talk he is going or phyco therapy now.i was seeing him for yrs but he cant seem to commit to me.wants the ex back me and her talk she will never take him back.says couldnt take the lieing an on line afairs i fwd your letters eveyday i think you are doing a great service.
    thank you

  16. Dear Dave: Im am scared hes gone He called me this morning at 5 am and said he went back to new york city has no cash no place to live and not on his meds. He wanted to come home yet he lost the call and it was from a pay phone and I havent heard from him since. Im scared for him hes not in his right element. He thinks hes going to save the world and thats crazy.He beleives that were in war here and hes goimg to fix it. I cant go to new york city due to I just had the babys ans even that how would I find him in new york city. Im worried scared that hes going to get worse or hurt due to hes not on his meds and he smart mouths everyone due to he knows not what hes saying what do I do how to I stay sane. Im scared and lost isabella

  17. Hi Dave, You are doing a good thing with your daily emails. I really appreciate the support and encouragement. Try to accept the fact that there will always be complainers and you can’t change that. All we can do is do our best and that’s what you’re doing.
    God bless.

  18. dave- i truly appreciate your emails- its nice to know someone understands- people really are demanding- maybe one email should be about the benefits of having a grateful heart-
    not often heard- the 2nd verse to the serenity prayer- when i first read it it did not hit home- now it does- (because i could not connect with the God parts- now i believe that God is good that comes to us through other people and or things- we are given information of what the right thing to do is- just always get that from someone higher up the food chain)
    2nd verse of prayer(which is about acceptance)
    living one day at a time
    enjoying one minute at a time
    accepting hardship as a pathway to peace
    taking as He did this sinful world as it is
    not as i would have it
    trusting that He will make all things right
    if i surrender to His will
    that i may be reasonably happy in this life
    and supremely happy with Him in the next
    l

  19. Don’t let the complainers get to you. They will always be there regardless of your actions. The service you provide is most appreciated by many of us out here. The Lord sees your sacrifices and efforts and that is what matters most. You care enough about all of us out here to make those sacrifices. Keep up the good work.
    I can’t say for sure if my relative is bipolar but regardless your input and suggestions have helped me to interact in a more constructive way. So I thank you deeply. Alot of what you write applies to many more situations than just dealing with bipolar.
    May God Bless You

  20. Dave,
    It was really hard for me to explain to my husband what bipolar and it’s symptoms were before your site, but I started forwarding your e-mails to him and he started to realize it was true and saw some similar symptoms. Our relationship has grown in such a profound way and he’s been so much more understanding, I think what you do is so generous and loving don’t listen to people who can’t understand the sacrifice you give to all of us. Please keep up the good work.

  21. Just wanted to say that the news letters are very helpful on a daily basis.I am bipolar,and have been for many years.I am in a very good relationship with a very strong man that puts up with me everyday.I just feel that sometimes it is even more then he can handle,so I want to try to turn to my news letters to get me though the tough moments,that way I lean on him less.What I am saying is,no matter what others say,you are helping A LOT of us,and we all thank you very much.

  22. Dear Dave you are doing great work dont let people get you down people like me needs you. you have helped me so very much!thake you and god bless you for every thang you are doing. phyllis pflueger

  23. Dave, please ignore the negative comments! Even though I haven’t been able to avoid your program (yet), your daily advice has really seen me through a lot with my loved one. God Bless You!

  24. Dave, finding your site has helped me out a lot thanks for all the kind words and e-mails I receive every day. Your doing something great. I have had bipolar for a few years and am still learning how to live with it. So what you do is helping me.

  25. I think you do a great job!! You are so correct about the serenity prayer, it has saved my hide more than once. All the time actually. Acceptance has enabled me to be very functional in my life. Thanks for all that you do…

  26. Dave,

    Keep on believing! You are doing God’s work……………..

    That seems like a big job…even for God………

    Even if you turned into God someone would think of a reason to complain.

    Keep up the good work.

    God bless you,

    Ken

  27. To ISABELLA: I can’t say “I know how you feel,” because I haven’t had a relationship quite like yours, but I KNOW what it’s like to have a boyfriend who is mentally ill, go off his meds, and completely DISAPPEAR.

    In your case, you’ve just had TWINS, for Heaven’s sake. Take care of them, AND you, until you’re strong enough to deal with HIS reality. I KNOW you’re sick with worry about him – where he’s at, what he’s doing, HOW he’s doing. But – here comes Dave’s word – ACCEPTANCE. There’s absolutely NOTHING you can do until and unless he comes back to you. LET IT GO. He’s got his own demons that he has to get rid of before he’s able to face you. Just put him in God’s hands, and take care of Number One (+ 2 + 3).

    Dave – I, for one, am very glad you do your daily emails. Though you have those who will disagree (and they’d probably disagree with the Lord at this stage), this is what you’ve been put on this Earth to do. AND – you DO help so many of us, with the blogs to “vent” if we must, and get some things out of our systems, and SHARE. Sometimes, just getting it down in black & white helps. Thanks 🙂

    BIG HUGS to all bipolar survivors and those who love us. May God bless you real good. I pray for my country.

  28. I can relate to this subject. I do have Parents that says I talk about my BP all the time, as I told my Mother, I am just trying to educate her, she tells me that she already knows about it, and comes back with “maybe I am BP”, my Brother that is living with them also is BP, but she talks about his. It is hard to get a supporter or supporters when they just do not want to hear it. So I just let it go, since it is something I can not change. Keep up the good work, I read all my e-mails from you and they really do help.

  29. To TROY: For once, I agree with you. ALL children are hyperactive, some more than others. But that DOESN’T mean they have to be medicated out of their gourd! Kids don’t get enough exercise as it is; have them run and play outside for hours on end (like I did as a child), and get all that pent-up energy out of their systems. I never agreed with the psych diagnosis of ADHD; a little girl who lived above me in my apartment house, was a “little demon.” I could tell you stories that would curl your hair. And what did her Mother do? Had her evaluated for ADHD!!

    I was a very peculiar child. I would invent fantasies and play on 3 acres in my backyard. In my teens, I never dated, so spent literally HOURS batting a tennis ball against the side of my garage! Looking back, I was probably early-diagnose “mental illness,” but I excelled in school (all AAs); was Senior Class President; VP of Drama Club; set up and developed TeenAge Republicans; and wrote for the school paper. For all intents and purposes, the world looked at me as “normal.” I do recall one time, however, overhearing my Mother tell her lady friend, that she was worried that I didn’t have a boyfriend in high school. This was because none of my classmates WANTED to date me, NOT because I didn’t WANT to date.

    It goes back to the accident, 50 years ago! – when I tripped over a warped mat at the bottom of the school steps, and ruptured ALL my internal organs, including the aorta, and “smashing” my duodenum. To make a long story short, I was in the hospital for 3 months, but was allowed to continue with my 6th grade class, with no penalty for being out so long. This made my classmates jealous and envious; plus, I didn’t look like myself – skinny, bad teeth, goofy hair, and probably they thought I was a nerd!

    The point I’m trying to make is: the Big Pharma is making “gazillions” off of unsuspecting parents of this day and age, when EVERY “abnormal” behavior can be treated with a “magic pill.” I DON’T approve of children taking antipsychotic medications; it stunts something in their creativity, and also gives them the stigma of “something’s wrong with him/her.” How can that generation grow up like ours, with ANY self-respect or self-confidence, if anything they do is scrutinized as “bizarre behavior?” Will they reach for another pill bottle to “make it all better?”

    Respectfully submitted,
    Suzanne

  30. Dear Dave,

    What you’re doing for people is priceless. No matter what anyone says, you’re information has been a great help to me and, I’m sure, many others. I recently did something that drew a lot of criticism from friends and family members. I found out that the University where I attend classes was throwing away 3 – 4 thousand books. So, I rented a huge truck, and picked up over 150 boxes of books. There are over 3 thousand non-fiction books on every topic under the sun. I have been able to donate about 500 books to a homeless shelter that was starting a library and offering classes in various subjects. I’ve been able to help several people find books that will allow them to study for exams to enhance their careers. The rest are being donated to a library in a small town which doesn’t have any funding to buy books of their own. It cost me money to do this and it took a lot of effort. I’ve had to rearrange my house to make room for all of these books. My living room furniture is in my kitchen. People think I’m crazy because I’m not getting anything in return for doing this. But, they’re wrong. If I can help just one peron improve their life by reading a self help book, or learn a new subject and become more marketable in the workplace, then all of the effort will be well worth my time. I feel good about being able to do this for people, and that’s far more valuable than money.

    My point is, you’ve helped people improve their lives and learn how to manage their disorder. You’ve been providing valuable information for supporters. Because of an article that you wrote, I now keep a daily journal. You’ve helped motivate me to go back to school. Your insights have allowed me to adopt new views about my bipolar disorder. You aren’t doing it because you have to. You’re doing it because you believe we can become better people in spite of our disorder, and you want to help. For this, you have earned my respect, admiration and gratitude. I can’t thank you enough.

    Sincerely,

    Yvonne

  31. thank you for the good infor. it has help me understand what my grand dautheris going though thank you again

  32. SUZANNE;
    Yes ALL Children should play for houre enjoy life etc. If they do not they are uwell, No play leads to REAL problems.
    I was like you, in I mearly attended School, and got always over 80% in Tests. Thrice 100%.
    It is a BP trait, we are said to scoreon average 20 Points or is it 20% higher on IQ tests, also we make great Athleats…
    I have read ALL who where anybody where BP. Who treated Da-Vinci?
    GREAT to have a Friendly comment for a Change.
    Most think I’m Crackers. I have told 7 psychs.: “If your sane I want to be called Highly Insane, so sane I am Insane.”
    I don’t mind, people should be ALLOWED to express themselves,have feelings, emotions, hell we are Whole Humans pre psych.
    it is said we have 150% or so the emotional range of the mere mortals.
    Hence we make top councilers, psychs…
    Somebody I will never meet telling me I am “Too mad to see…” Fine.
    If I where that thin skinned I would be Dead.
    As a Child I had a lot of friends, I was never home, always running wild.
    Later I had 3 Best Friends, we called ourselves “The Vex.”
    Where we Vexatious? maybe.
    LETTER 9:
    ALL Articulate….. NORMAL 12 Year olds could be “diagnosed” Bi-Polar.
    What do they call those who are withdrawn, inactive…?
    Dead?
    Notice I did NOT add “Disorder” That I believe comes after “medication” & B4 “Diagnosis.”
    As I have lived it, and known it happen to others.
    Iatrogenic via Polypharmacy. ALL to do with a Huge Lust for Money.
    Last year or B4 your son would have been LABELED ADD, ADDD, ADHD.
    BP is the “new” “Diagnostic trend.” Worse still Children with it.
    BP is getting ALL the mentions, in TV shows advertisements…
    Same as you go to the “dr” what’s on his pen, he prescribes, odd that?
    No I do not need Viagra.
    If MY children did not act as though he is ADHD, BP… NORMAL CHILDREN. I will have to talk to them, NO: NO psych..
    I know Women who had their Children “diagnosed with ADD etc so as they could Inject the Dex-amphetimene. Heard it’s 3 Times as strong as Cocaine. Tried 4 Caps of Coke, snorted in 30 Minutes, it did nothing. Worked on my friend she had only 2.
    People also sell the Dex. Here you with a prescription can get 200 Pills for $5.
    By the way the Kid is FINE,dosen’t take Dex. “dr” said NOT? ADHD.
    Seen on You Tube a “dr” at a “drs” forum, he is a psych. He was asked by the CCHR to describe the symptoms of ADHD etc.
    He did not mention 1 symptom, he was LOST for words.
    Then he said:
    “THE DSM IS CONTINUALY CHANGING.” THE DSM GROWS MONTHLY NEW DISORDERS ARE VOTED IN.
    Do we all know you are said by the DSM to have a disorder if you are bad at Math?
    Yes Pills. I can’t Read on Meds. What does that mean?
    A while ago Homosexuality was a disorder, Now it’s NOT?
    OH it is if you are high enough up in US Politics.
    All sounds like BS to me. Fancy was BAD, then NOT?
    FACTS DO NOT CHANGE.
    CAROL;
    I also believe The Loards Prayer, is The Our Father.
    That which dave Quoted is just that, a Quote, I read it on a Dr.s Desk.
    They would not be allowed to show religious belief in this World of shrinking Freedom.
    Though I accidently went to see a “dr” who wore a full Burka (Ninja Assassin suit). She screamed at me and was going to call the Police, as I asked her to look at my Varicose Veins.
    Why did secretary send me in? Their was NO sign on the door stating “Women only.”
    “Freedom is so precious, Valuable & scarse. It must be Rationed. John Lennon.
    “A Ship is safe in a Harbour, Though Ships where not made for Harbours.” William Shed.
    Dave;
    You seem to mean well. You do seem to be having a go. Also you bring some of us together.
    However all you ever do is tell us to take the Vile Drugs, and see the quack.
    How about we try something New, as the quack cannot cure us, that they will admit, hey if we where Cured, where does their Ca$h come from?
    How about we learn Meditation & Yoga & consume say 4 -9000mg of Fish Oil a day.
    Fish oil I like.
    Oderless is best, as the other will have your bits smelling like Fish.
    Yoga & Meditation used for over 7000 Years.
    I can’t see you ever knowing much about BP from a psych. or psych. Book.
    As they have Never been “treated”
    “drs” know so little they constantly tell me the drugs do the exact oppisite they actualy do to me.
    The Drugs, if you did the Drugs, you would know where I am comming from.
    PLEASE Dave do not be a “Hero” & take the Drugs, as they cause Massive & as far as I have found irepairable Brain Damage.
    This Brain Damage is the disorder.
    Brain Damage is Mental Illness.
    Though No Blood Test, MRI….. Cannot be found on a Cadiver. Is it nonexistant then?
    Must go Feed Pussy.She is being very friendly, obviously Hungry.
    I feed her, she leaves.
    My Dog doesn’t, yet their both “Normal” Why they are quite the oppisite?
    HMMMMM a wide range of “Normal” on the Planet…
    1 more thing. If you see a psych. alone as a “consumer” Not a Carer, you would know how they treat us…

  33. DAVE;
    Will you PLEASE resend me the: “How to find a Dr.” Link. I had it in December, I went to it today, it is no longer available.
    Did not look in December I was Pissed off due a CTO, Force “Medicated.” “Yeah dr what dr…. “antipsycotic meds” & mood stabilisers” amoung other BAD things give me the Shits badly.
    I want to find a top Knotch psycholigist (NO Drugs, just deal with the problem). In NSW Australia.
    I would love to do something about my Anger problem.
    My new years resolution was to not be so angry.
    Hard to do with my Medicaly Induced Brain Damage.
    Many Thanks Troy.

  34. Dave,
    I really appreciate your daily letters, they help me so much, and make me realize so much. The hardest thing for me IS to accept what is wrong and what I can not change, it upsets me so much at work when things happen. Of course you are right, I have had 2 episodes in the last 2 weeks, NOT good on a job.
    I don’t know if you ever answer any of these individually, but I am curious, Does anyone bipolar (or the majority) are they able to hold down jobs? I’ve had it for years and did not know what or why the things were happening to me, was recently diagnosed and seem to only be getting worse and worse. I am beginning to wonder if I am going to be able to hold on to my job. I don’t really have a choice, but I am so scare if I get fired that I won’t be able to get another one.
    Back to your letters, there is usually something in every letter you right that helps me and makes me really think, and to try a different way. I thank God you are on here and that I came across your website.
    You are doing a great job, you are my therapist, I can’t afford to go to one, and what you say always helps.
    Thanks for caring and keep up the good work.
    Pam

  35. Dear Dave,
    Indeed, what y ou posted was the ‘Serenity Prayer,’ and what you quoted was from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. And the ‘Our Father’ starts: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven’, etc. Just thot you’d wanna know.

  36. Thanks for all your hard work Dave. I agree with the one person 3 times a week would be OK. I’ve ordered several of your books and I’m waiting on them now. You have educated me greatly on this disorder. My one son has BP and I think my older one has too. My one just got into big trouble with the police and was off meds. We are going through alot of emotional problems not to even mention the money. I pray everyday and I read everything that comes from you. Please know you are making a difference. I just joined NAMI which has been a big help also. Take care and keep up the good work.
    debby

  37. DEAR DAVE,I THINK YOU HAVE THE RIGHT IDEA,THE SERENITY PRAYER WORKS!I WISH I COULD TELL YOU HOW MUCH I ADMIRE YOU & YOUR WORK!MY DAUGHTER IS 16,BIPOLAR&PREGNANT.I WAS HURT AT WORK IN 1990,I DIDN’T EVEN GET MY DISABILITY,I ONLY GET SSI-DISABILITY.SO I REALLY LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR E-MAILS.I CAN’T AFFORD THE MATERALS,THAT YOU HAVE,SO POOR MOTHERS LIKE ME REALLY APPRECIATE YOU!I PRAY THAT PEOPLE WILL QUIT SENDING YOU MEAN COMMENTS.DON’T LET THE FEW BAD SEED RUIN THE WHOLE CROP!WHEN YOU’RE DOING GOOD FOR PEOPLE,GOD WILL BE THERE,ANY-TIME,YOU NEED HIM!SINCERELY KATHY[SOMEONE WHO NEEDS YOU&YOUR INFO ABOUT BIPOLAR!

  38. “Find a good dr.”
    Should they NOT be ALL the same?
    Honerable, Just Trustworthy….
    If not I say Lock them up!
    Quite simple, NOT a Dr. No ticket, Treatment.
    We would need treat VERY few.
    Same as Paedifile, & the “Law: & gov. who protecte them.
    Yes ALL these unmentionable organisms are Protected Species.
    WHY?
    “What is Justice I think I forgot.” Ice T.

  39. Thank you Amy, I couldn’t agree more! I was going to comment myself but as I was reading yours it said exactly what I would’ve said. So, thank you very much! You said it so well.

  40. Dave;
    Did I NOT have my thanks Posted so as Suzanne could see my recognition.
    Does not seem to be here?
    It was.
    Somehow not passed.
    Now I will go for a Walk (Dave always tells me when he’s going for a Stroll). Like we want to know?
    I may go up the Road, their are 2 sometimes 3 Very Nice Young Women there.
    Very Friendly, one Loves Friendship.
    No I will not ever go into a Shed to Move great Weights all Day for NO Pay.
    Also I walk for reward.
    Shure looking at Nature is Great, I go Fishing.
    Rivitting Stuff I know.
    Dave you oft draw Conclusions “BP advice” from seemingly odd things.(Can’t recall what its called, due to Deceribration).
    Be careful, for those with Minds, are those they want to remove the Minds from.
    My Cat is the opisite of my Dog.
    My Vet (She’s Georgous). Tells me their BOTH NORMAL.
    If only I could get more Dog in my Pussy.
    The Cat Black Puss is his Name. Is only friendly or seen when he’s hungry.
    Goes away sometimes for Months Shagging.(Making Kittens, very Naughty Pussy). Lucky Bugger.
    NO Loyalty…
    He’s a Cat.
    Poor thing, perhaps if only my Dog Had more Pussy in Him?
    ie he ate the Pussy. Problem of stray Pussy solved.
    They get along well though.
    Must go, it’s a great time for a Stroll.

  41. I see I am so Stupid, it’s there.
    I will go see the Women, then my Nurse.
    This is twice today, I missed my Post.
    Perhaps some Meditation & Yoga, With the Women & Nurse?
    My Nurse She’s Georgous a Hippy type.
    Only one that Washes. LOL.

  42. Dear Dave, it is obvious that you have given all your time to helping other people with an illness that is incredibly hard to understand and I appreciate every word you write. I am a supporter and often do not know how to feel, I get confused frustrated and angry and then realize because of you that I need to look at things differently and it always brings me back to a peaceful place. For those ungrateful people who are complaining that you do not write enough just remember that there are those like myself who could not thank you enough for your daily sacrifice.
    Loren Forsythe
    Toronto, Canada

  43. Hello David –
    I am responding to one of the many e-mails that you sent that caught my eye…..
    The one that said you do not put enough information on your web site?!!! Your web site is so full of great information!!!! it is one of the best sites out here, you are VERY informative! I have recommened your site to lots of people I know with Bi-polar.
    I have learned so much off your site, and I share it with my partner who has to survive me some days, I love your site and I feel it is full of great, awesome information, tips and stories, it is great to hear or read other peole with simular problems and experiences, this is truly a great site, and you truly do provide a lot of great information, so they do not know what they are talking about, obviously they have not gone through your whole site…so tell them to read again!!!!

  44. i have been so busy with work and family visiting from the frozen chosen MI. time to read email. i haven’t been able to attend on sunday due to schedule but i did yesterday and a word was given before the preacher started. alot of us said this is for me and it was for the flock and it hit at home. my husband had stopped about two years ago as he wasn’t copeing well on the death of our daughter in 2001. the blame game and why me.i just need to have someone to share the same lose to get him thru this. he just retired after forth years at the post office. i am the one with bipolar. and i get support from dave and his crew a support group from church and friends that been their done that and share hope as i say if HE wasn’t on the throne i would have been put away in the padded room twenty-five years ago. the pastor shares on not acting childish in getting our way even we want to be an adult. it says we are suppose to be as having a childs believe on what GOD says and not question as we do. like i want it done now and not god’s time. i have the 3 different skills hands on child, read by the direction child, and easily distracted. on a class for reaction on a child no two are alike. for me good is not having idle time and busy with the hands relaxes me mellow out. when people get on my last nerve i hold my tongue and pray and mostly call them special. my friends know my code at work. i just do my job as i am told and correctly.i hope this is something to shed light on for someone. enjoy chattycindy

  45. Thank you for taking the time to share your frustration. I don’t see how anyone can say you don’t give out enough information. I find I have to save them up and read them when I have time. Your daily letters have been a great encouragement to me. I have two daughters with Bipolar disorder and one son-in-law with it. We are keeping a close watch for symptoms of their 4 year old son since both parents have the illness. They have worked very hard to deal with the symptoms and I am very proud of how the family has come together and are creating a loving environment for their child. They have been married less than a year. But the child is theirs. They were not together for the firt 3 1/2 years of his life, but dad was very involved with the child all his life. At this time both parents are attending jr college. My daughter will be completing Dental Assisting program this spring. Her husband is working on becoming a drug and alcohol councelor. The disease still effects their lives, but they have been given many tools to deal with it and have a lot of family support. I live across the street and try to be supportive while giving them their independence.

    My other daughter has a long way to go. She has a son almost 5 and this past year we had to take steps to have him removed from her care. He is now with his father and she seems to be making good progress working with Mental health and she got rid of a man who was living with her causing problems. I have finally been able to learn how to set my boundries and not let her daily crisies become mine. She is not one that I can help at this point other than loving her from a distance.

    Your daily letter have encouraged me many times when I have felt overwhelmed by my girls problems and worrying about my grandsons. Keep up the good work.

    By the way, that prayer is called the “serinity prayer” The Lord’s prayer starts of “Our Father who art in heaven….” but that is not really important.

  46. Dave,

    Your news and information are amazing and helpfull. Not everyone is going to agree with you or like what you say. Its nice to be able to disagree and differ. If no one bothered with your emails, then you would not be making a road through. The fact that they do, is all good. Dont be so sensitive silly. I think alot of what you say is all one sided and one point of view. For example you push meds hard. I think its not so, but I read your emails and they give mea slant I had not got before. I thank you for this. Bipolar is a huge wide world, and everyone is different, so is every supporter. Its a trying and wonderful, yes I just said that!! state of mind. But communication with others in the same place is very much needed and so is the news and points of views. Thank you, from someone who loves someone who has bipolar.

  47. I really like your articles, and I can tell you spend quite a bit of time and are thoughtful in your findings and you share, i like that! Keep up the good work

  48. Dear Dave:
    I am happy to receive your daily e-mails. They are a welcome addition to my daily routine. I know that you spend a lot of time going over each of your articles, and ANYBODY can be excused for an occasional typo, misspelled word, etc., so I think that the people who berate you over little things like this should just get over themselves and move on. Keep up the good work for all of us. Thanks!

  49. Hi David
    This particular email really hit home for me as the “Serenity Prayer” (that is the actual name for it) has and will always be one of my favorites. I have bipolar/personality disorder and, although I like this prayer, I have been fighting everything ever since my diagnosis with this disease. I just can not come to terms with the things I “can’t change…” I have problems accepting that I cannot do the career I had once loved so much and that I no longer have the energy and stamina to do what I used to, due to medications. Coping and patience is another problem when dealing with my young son and everyday affairs. Although I have a supporter, I think the supporter is now becoming “tired” of all of it and is slowly disconnecting from me and the situation. Realistically, I think that if I would disappear that person would feel relief. However, getting an email like this one was, if even for the moment, was comforting.

  50. Hi Dave

    I MUST agree with Amy (post #11) – getting a mail EVERY single day (and sometimes two a day) is a bit much – and i find myself not reading them, while my inbox gets fuller. And when (if) i do get round to reading them, there are often little gems of advice. Why not mail every second day – it will be easier for you and us.

    thanks again.

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