Hi,

I was reading an article in the newspaper about a professor who was asked to give a lecture on what he would say to the world if he could – about what he thinks matters most.

I thought about that…

And you know how I always relate everything to bipolar disorder, so instead of thinking of it

so globally as, “What would you say to the world?” I thought about you:

Being a supporter of a loved one with bipolar disorder, what would you say to another supporter

of a newly diagnosed loved one with the disorder?

Think about your answer:

• Would you tell them about the importance of medications? Because that’s one of the first

things that you have to deal with, and a crucial part of proper treatment.

• Would you tell them about the importance of getting their loved one a good doctor?

Because, for sure, they’re going to need one.

• Would you tell them that they’re going to need to help their loved one to get a good therapist?

Because that’s an important part of a good support system.

• Would you refer them to www.bipolarcentral.com?

Because they will certainly need the information from this website, just like you do – but is only having the website enough?

• Or would you be more personal with them and share your own experiences as a supporter?

• Would you tell them the bad as well as the good?

• Would you tell them how difficult the road is ahead for them, or would you try to spare them from this?

• Would you just complain and tell them how hard it is to be a supporter?

(Trying to keep them realistic)

• Would you be encouraging and tell them that although it may be hard sometimes, that it’s worth it?

• Would you tell them that their loved one can get better?

• Would you share some of your “tips” or “secrets” on how you deal with being a supporter?

• Would you even answer them at all, or think that it’s none of their business (or none of your business)?

• Would you try to avoid them, thinking that you really have nothing share, or no good advice to give?

• Would you not answer them, because you’re struggling with the same questions

yourself?

• Would you refer them to someone else (more qualified than you), like a bipolar

support group or a therapist?

The point is, how do you feel about yourself as a supporter? Do you even feel like you could give another supporter advice about being one? Could you share any tips/secrets about how to

deal with living with a loved one who has bipolar disorder?

Are you even willing to open up to someone you don’t know (or barely know, like through a support group) and share what it’s really like to be a supporter? Or do you feel too private about it, or like it’s no one else’s business how you cope with it?

Do you feel like you’re barely hanging on yourself and wish someone else would give YOU advice?

So, back to my original question:

Being a supporter of a loved one with bipolar disorder, what would YOU say to another supporter of a newly diagnosed loved one who has the disorder?

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave