Hi,

You know, we hear a lot about creativity. Especially in relation to the arts. They say that artists are very creative. That’s a given, right? But other people are creative, too. People that you wouldn’t necessarily associate with creativity.

Like a teacher has to be creative these days in order to reach her students, as the old ways just don’t work any more – the students just get too bored. And researchers have to get creative in looking for new ways to look at answers to old problems… to try to find a different approach that no one has tried before. Parents definitely have to get creative with their children, in order to spark their development. Just look at all the new toys that are out these days – more of them are designed for this than ever before!

And…people with bipolar disorder are still some of the most creative people in the world.

All that means is that you, as a bipolar supporter, need to be creative as well, if you’re not already. If you are, you may need to just spark that creativity. You may just need a new approach to things. It may just be a matter of if your way isn’t working, try something new.

For example… There’s a couple I know, where both of them have bipolar disorder. Now you know that, in our economy, and especially if you are trying to cope and deal with bipolar disorder in your loved one, that finances can be tough. But you also have to deal with the problem of not wanting to let the disorder rule your lives. Part of your role as a supporter is to try to keep things as “normal” as possible for your loved one. And also to try to keep things as stress-free as possible.

Well, one of the ways that this couple does that is that they have Date Nights (even though they are married). But, like I was saying, with the economy and with their bipolar disorder, they like many people fighting this disorder, have to watch their finances, so they have to do it using some creativity.

Here’s what they did one time: They got a couple of cheap subs… Packed a thermos of iced tea… Grabbed their backgammon set… Took a blanket… And their CD player and some CD’s they liked… Got in their car… Drove up to a hill near their house… And had a picnic and played backgammon on the ground outside their car, using their CD’s for background music. They had a great time! And all it cost them was for the subs!

So that’s what a little creativity can do, in spite of the bipolar disorder.

Another time for Date Night they just stayed in, ordered a pizza, lit some candles, listened to some music, and talked. Sometimes you can get so caught up in fighting the bipolar disorder, that you can lose each other in the battle. Just talking can get you back to “yourselves,” and

get you back to a sense of “normal.” And talking doesn’t cost you anything, either.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave