Hi,

I read a lot. I definitely read what’s going on in the news. Especially what’s going on in bipolar news, so I can pass it on to you. And of course, most of what you read in today’s news is bad

news. And a lot of the bad news reports are about people who were just pushed beyond their limits before they struck out and did something bad. I mean, they didn’t just decide to one day go out and commit murder or anything, stuff happened that led up to that point…Until they met their limit.

I know you have a limit, too, when it comes to dealing with your loved one with bipolar disorder.

And that sometimes they can push you almost to your breaking point. I know, because I was there many times myself when I was dealing with my mom. But I heard this saying: “When you get to the end of your rope…Tie a knot and hang on.” And hope that the next day will be better.

And it usually is. (Unless your loved one is in the grips of a bipolar episode, of course, in which case you need to get them to get some help.)

But I know that things can get to you sometimes. It sure is tough being a supporter to a loved one

with bipolar disorder. But before you reach your limit, there is something you can do. You need to set limits for your loved one. This will help you to cope with things better, and keep you from ever reaching that breaking point. Why do you need to set limits? Well, for one thing…What I just said – to keep you from getting to your breaking point. But for another thing…Many people with bipolar disorder tend to become manipulative. Especially if they get away with the things that they do when they’re in their bipolar episodes. They think that they can get away with things. That there are no consequences to their actions. So you need to set limits on them. You need to show them that, in fact, there ARE consequences for their actions.

Here’s an example: Say they have a problem with handling money. They spend money excessively when they’re in a manic episode. So you put a limit on how much money they have

access to, and tell them that when that amount of money is gone, there is no more, no matter what. Then, if they spend it all, you have to stick to your end of the bargain, and not give them any more money. That may be the hardest part for you, but in order for this to work, you have to stick to it. This way, they will learn to manage their money better. They will learn that there is a consequence for excessive spending, or not managing the money right. They will learn that there is a limit.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave