Hi,

You know, too many people think that bipolar supporters of loved ones with bipolar disorder are weak, but I think they are some of the strongest people I know. Think about it…To watch your loved one go to hell and back when they’re in a bipolar episode…To see them feel so bad, so sad, so helpless and hopeless, and you not be able to do anything about it or to help them when they’re feeling depressed…To know that you can’t control what they do when they’re in a manic episode, to have to live with the idea that they’re out there somewhere, doing all kinds of risky

behavior, possibly leaving you in financial ruin…

That’s not weakness…That’s STRENGTH. A quiet strength. The kind of strength that other people don’t see and can’t understand. Being a supporter takes strength. Other people don’t know you or your loved one – they don’t have any idea what you go through on a day-to-day basis, so how can they judge? They can only imagine how they’d feel, so if they’re thinking you’re weak, well, it’s only because they’re looking at a mirror and that they’d be weak if they were in the same situation, so what does that say for them? They’re only thinking about how they’d feel in the same situation.

You have a quiet strength that others don’t see – it’s not a weakness. Not any more than that just because your loved one has a “hidden disorder” makes it any less of a disorder! It takes strength to hold up your head when other people are looking at you and your loved one with judgment in

their eyes, and to fight the tendency to defend yourself against that stigma. Especially when it’s coming from family and friends. They just don’t understand – they don’t have to live with bipolar disorder like you do. I’d say that THEY are the weak ones, not you!

Because it takes strength to fight this disorder on a daily basis, never knowing if your loved one is going to go into an episode or not. It takes a LOT of strength to be a supporter, as you know.

But people fear what they don’t understand, and they won’t take the time to read about bipolar disorder so that they will understand your strength in the midst of a powerful illness. So they continue to think you’re weak, when really you’re very strong. Most people only respect the strength they see reflected on the outside of a person. But the strength that you have is on the inside. That doesn’t make it any less strong, however. So give yourself credit. All the credit you deserve. Rise above the stigma, especially when it comes from family and friends. You have the stamina to maintain that strength! Both for you and your loved one. So keep up the good work! You’re much stronger than you think you are!

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave