Hi,

Did you ever notice that, given the same circumstances, two people can turn out totally differently? Like…Well, you’ve heard of cases where two people both raised in the ghetto of a city…Where one will turn to drugs and gangs…The other will rise above it and become a doctor? I wonder what makes the difference? Some people say it’s strength of character. I’m not sure. I do know that will has something to do with it, though. Meaning how much you WANT it. In other words, how bad you want something can determine whether you get it, at least to some degree. Like with bipolar disorder. I mean, you can want stability as bad as you want it, but without medication, it’s just not going to happen. But with medication…I think if you want it bad enough…Stability CAN happen for you.

So…two people faced with the same circumstances can have two different outcomes. I see this in the bipolar support groups I attend (I attend several). There are those people who are getting better, but then there are those people who don’t seem to be getting better at all. So what’s the difference? Both people can be on medication. Both people can even be in therapy. I think it’s that the person who isn’t getting better isn’t trying as hard as the person who is getting better.

There are things like medication and therapy that come as part of your loved one’s treatment regimen. That’s a given. Then there are things that you do for them as a bipolar supporter.

Like, for example: You try to provide a stress-free home environment for them (assuming they live with you). And…You try to be a good listener for them to be able to share their thoughts and feelings with you. You keep the lines of communication open for them so that things don’t build up. That’s something you do for them.

But then there are things they need to do for themselves that go toward their own stability with their bipolar disorder. Things that you can’t do for them. Like…They need to be productive and busy. They need to have a reason to get out of bed each morning, or else they run the risk of getting depressed, which can easily lead to a bipolar depressive episode if they’re not careful. This can mean working at a job if they’re able…Even if it’s only part-time. Or doing volunteer work…Or even just doing things around the house. But they need to stay busy. They need to have a source of self-esteem.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave