Hi,

There are some things in life that are worth waiting for… Your high school diploma… Your first car… That special someone… Your first home… Your first child… Retirement… Grandchildren… And many other things.

Some things in life come easy to us… But other things we have to wait for… And it’s usually those things that are worth waiting for.

When it comes to bipolar disorder, stability is one of those things that is worth waiting for.

Sometimes it can be really frustrating as a supporter to wait for your loved one to reach stability.

Sometimes it can seem as if they have always been sick. But it might help you if you picture them as well. Picture them as they will be when they are stable. Try to think of some of the

things you will be able to do together that you aren’t able to do right now. For example, maybe you’ll be able to take that cruise you want to take… Or travel the world… Or just go across the states… Or visit the children (or grandchildren) without fear of an episode…

Maybe things are rough for you right now. Maybe your loved one is sick more often than they

are well. And maybe you’re finding yourself stressed because of it. If that is the case, remember

to take care of yourself first. Make sure to keep your stress levels as low as you can. It also helps to keep your loved one separate from their bipolar disorder. Remember, they are NOT their

disorder.

Take out an old photograph from before they got sick and look at it. Remind yourself of what they are like when they are not symptomatic. The real person they are outside of their bipolar disorder. Remember who it is that you love. Keep that person in mind when you think of them.

As one supporter said, “I love my wife, but I hate her bipolar disorder.” This man always keeps the two separate. You need to do the same thing.

I know things are hard sometimes, but some things are worth waiting for. Like stability.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave