Hi,

When you were learning to ride a bike, it took time, didn’t it? And when you were going

through school, that took time, too, didn’t it? It took time to get your first car… And your first home… And other things in your life, too, didn’t it? That’s because not everything happens overnight. Some things take time to happen.

Like getting better with bipolar disorder. Stability takes time.

Of course, there are things you can do to help the process along. You can do things like:

Take your medication; See your doctor, psychiatrist and therapist; Build a strong support network; Go to a support group; Keep a good sleep schedule; Eat a healthy diet; Exercise; Stay productive; Keep stress levels low; Stay balanced; Keep a mood chart or journal; Take care of yourself physically; Etc. And basically take care of yourself, meaning meeting all your needs – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

You should also do things that make you feel good. Like have hobbies, and do other things that you enjoy and make you feel good, such as: Reading; Listening to music; Watching TV; Going to the movies; Seeing friends; Visiting with family; Etc.

Having a To-Do list helps you to stay productive. It gives you something to do with your time, and at the end of the day, it makes you feel as if you have accomplished something. It keeps you from being idle, as being idle can lead to depression, and depression can lead to a bipolar depressive episode.

Work is important as well. If you can’t work a full-time job outside the home, maybe you can

work a part-time job or at least consider volunteering your time to a worthy cause. Some people with bipolar disorder have even found success starting a home-based business, where they can work within the limits of their bipolar symptoms.

All these things can lead to bipolar stability, but it takes time, too. The important thing is to know that stability can be achieved.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave