Hi,

Today I want to talk to you about: APPRECIATION

We hear a lot about appreciating things in life, big and small.

We hear about appreciating the small things in life – like the air we breathe… Or the butterflies… Or to take time to stop and smell the roses… Or to hear the laughter of little children…

But the big things we should appreciate a lot – Like the fact that we are even alive, that counts

for a lot. Being healthy. Our spouses or significant others… Our families… And our children… And their health and well-being. Our homes. Our cars (and the fact that they are running). Our jobs, and the financial security they bring.

But where does bipolar disorder fit into all that?

Those are all GOOD things, you’re probably thinking. But how can you possibly appreciate something like bipolar disorder? You probably think I’m crazy. I’m not saying having bipolar disorder is something to appreciate (that WOULD be crazy of me! )

But there are both episodic times and non-episode times when it comes to bipolar disorder. What I’m saying is to appreciate the NON-episode times.

Many people think that bipolar disorder consists of episode after episode, but that’s not true. In the normal course of the disorder, people can go months and even years between episodes. That’s why I’m telling you to appreciate the NON-episode times. Yes, you do still need to be prepared for episodes when they do come, I’m not saying that you don’t. And you do still need to be vigilant and watch for signs and symptoms of episodes so that you can catch them before they happen. And you should still be careful of triggers that may signal an impending episode so that you can head it off at the pass. But there are longer periods of normalcy than there are periods of episodes, and I’m saying to appreciate THOSE times.

During periods of NON-episodes, you can do so much more than you can during episodic periods. You can even get to the point where you may be able to PLAN some things! Take advantage of those NON-symptomatic periods. Imagine doing things in between mood swings.

Imagine NOT having mood swings to deal with! Much less the other symptoms of bipolar disorder and bipolar episodes. You really need to appreciate these times. Especially because the struggle is less during these times. It becomes easier to deal with your loved one and their disorder during their NON-episodic times as well. They are much easier to be around, too. They even find themselves easier to be around! Both of you find their bipolar disorder easier to deal

with during NON-episodic periods, so you should appreciate these times.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave