Hi, how’s it going?

You know, I think we live in the best country in the world. Our country is based on FREEDOM. Unfortunately, sometimes we take it for granted. But we should be very grateful

for it. Many other people do not enjoy the same freedom that we enjoy.

We have the Constitution. We have the Bill of Rights. These things guarantee our freedom.

We are free to go where we want. We are free to do what we want (as long as it doesn’t break the law). But most importantly, we are free to be who we are. And to live the way we want to live.

Sometimes, though, there are things that restrict that freedom. Like your loved one’s bipolar disorder. They can’t always do what they want to do because of it. They can’t always go where they want to go because of it. And they can’t always be who they want to be because of it.

Unfortunately, bipolar disorder is an illness involving extreme mood swings. And many times your loved one won’t be able to predict their moods. It’s not that they want to be depressed – they would rather be who they really are inside all the time. It’s not that they want to be manic – they would rather be who they really are inside all the time. But sometimes these moods get in

the way.

It’s not their fault. It’s their bipolar disorder. You know how your loved one is between episodes. That’s who they really are. It really helps if you can remember that person. The person that your loved one is deep inside. It will help you to handle their episodes better.

Remember who it is you care for, what they are like, how they normally act between bipolar episodes. It will make the episodes a little easier, because you will be able to separate your loved one from the bipolar disorder and its effect on them.

Not being able to be your real self all the time cannot be a pleasant thing. What if you were in your loved one’s shoes? Think about how you might feel. You might feel frustrated. You might get angry at times. You might suffer disappointments. You might even doubt your own judgment at times. You might feel insecure. And yes, sometimes you might get depressed over these things.

Wanting to be yourself, but being restricted from it by your bipolar disorder has got to be one of the hardest things your loved one has to deal with. They should enjoy the same freedom as anyone else. But sometimes their bipolar disorder gets in the way. At those times, your loved one needs you to be even more understanding.

Hopefully, by getting this inside view of some of your loved one’s feelings, you will be able to do that.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave