Hi,

Do you remember when you were young and the fair would come to town? It was like everything would stop just for those few days of fun and excitement. Every kid would be great in school and on their best behavior at home…Because there was NO way they were going to miss being able to go to the fair. Do you remember what your favorite ride was back then? That may have changed over the years. But many people loved the merry-go-round when they were kids.

They have really good memories of the fair. For many people it was a happier time. Of course…

Because when you’re a kid you don’t have to deal with adult problems.

Like…in most cases, you don’t have to deal with bipolar disorder. Although many people have shared with me that they believe they’ve had bipolar disorder all their lives. And there is such a thing as pediatric bipolar disorder, where children can get it too. But I’m just talking in general here. Still…When you’re talking about bipolar disorder, you can be talking about a merry-go-round ride anyway. And it certainly isn’t fun like it was when you were a kid and rode it at the fair. Many times, I talk about the ups and downs of bipolar disorder. The mood swings themselves of bipolar disorder can be like a merry-go-round ride. Just ask your loved one.

One day they’re up. One day they’re down. And they don’t feel like they have any control over

it. It can be so frustrating for them. It can really get them down. It’s no fun at all.

But it can be no fun at all for you, either. You can feel like you’re on your own merry-go-

round ride yourself sometimes. You can go on their ups and downs right with them. As well as going on ups and downs yourself. It’s just normal that you might have moods that fluctuate, too.

After all…It certainly isn’t smooth sailing for you, either. There is quite a bit of stress that comes from trying to cope and deal with a loved one with bipolar disorder. And sometimes you aren’t exactly “up.” In fact…Sometimes you can feel pretty “down.” Sometimes it can really feel like a ride, with moods changing frequently.

So what can you do about it? The best thing you can do is: BE CONSISTENT. At least as consistent as you can. That’s the best thing for your loved one, and the best thing for yourself as well. You can’t always predict what’s going to happen, whether tomorrow or next week. But consistency is the next best thing. You need to be able to count on some things, anyway. If your loved one knows that you will act in a predictable manner, it will help them to cope better. And if you learn to react in a predictable manner…It will help you to cope better. You will have less stress. You will feel as if things are more stable. You will feel like you’re not as much on a merry-go-round.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave