Bipolar: You Can’t Assume

Hi,

Somebody told me that I should never assume anything. But I said that there are certain things that we naturally assume when it comes to nature and physics. I mean…When we turn on the light switch…We assume that the light is going to turn on. When we see the branches moving on the trees…We assume the wind is blowing. When we see lightning…We assume thunder is going to follow. When we turn the key in the ignition of our car…We assume the car is going to start. We assume when we go to bed tonight, that when we open our eyes again, it’s going to be morning. If we’re sick and the doctor prescribes a pill and we take that pill, we assume we’re going to get better. So, see? There are certain things we can assume with certainty. Why?

Because our experience has shown us these things to be true in the past. So we can “assume” they will be true now as well.

BUT…I know what this person was trying to say. We cannot assume the outcome of things. We can only hope for it. Like if we have goals…We can hope that when we achieve those goals… We will have a positive outcome. Like when you’re dealing with bipolar disorder. If your loved one does certain things…Like adhere to their treatment plan…They can hope for stability with their bipolar disorder.

On the other hand…Getting back to assuming…Our past experiences have also taught us certain

things to be true. For example: If we don’t brush our teeth every day, we’re going to have rotten teeth! Or…If we don’t take care of our cars, they’re going to break down! In other words… It’s not a matter of assuming. It’s a matter of CONSEQUENCES to bad choices. That’s what your loved one has to learn. That they can’t just assume they’re going to get better from their bipolar disorder if they don’t do anything to help themselves. That there are consequences to their bad choices. They can’t just blame everything on their bipolar disorder…And expect to get away with everything. They have to take responsibility for their choices. And their behavior. Even for what they do when they’re in bipolar episodes. Even though the bipolar disorder may have caused them to do certain things, they still have to pay the consequences. That’s part of being responsible. That’s one of the things they should be learning to deal with in their therapy. But they also have to learn it with you, as you set down boundaries and limits to what you will and will not tolerate from them.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave

  1. I am hoping to Win the Lottery, Live Large and Healthy and Have a romance that’s definitely envy worthy — yes I’m currently doing all the right things (in my estimation) to assume that this will be a certainty but one never does know the outcome.

    What if it was just a Boss, you can always change that – get a new job – why settle for abuse? or if it’s your job and You are the Boss and your authority is being “disrespected” by subordinates, switch to one to suit your personal style. Don’t Stay anywhere you don’t need to – this ties hand in hand

    on that note, i’d like to wish one of my favorite Branches (Jeanne Marie)a Happy and Peaceful Life from this point on. This person has taught me lots about Consequences to BAD CHOICES – her personal style is similar to Feng Shui. Rearrange what you dont’ like or wont tolerate within an environment to suit your personal style — it’s your choice!

    The Vine

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *