Dealing with Bipolar? The New Year brings this

Hi, how’s it going for you today? I hope things are going well for you.

Well, it’s a new year, and each new year brings with it new beginnings. That’s when people make resolutions. A resolution is kind of a promise you make to yourself – usually that you will do something better this year than last. Like quitting smoking, or going on a diet. Those are probably the biggest, most common New Year’s resolutions that people make.

Unfortunately, too many of them are prone to break their New Year’s resolutions pretty quickly after making them, and they just give up instead of getting back on the horse and trying again.

The problem may be that their resolution isn’t realistic. For example, someone who’s been smoking for 20 years cannot expect that he can quit overnight, or do it without help. A more realistic way would be to cut down first, and stop gradually, or use the nicotine patch or gum

to help him.

An unrealistic resolution for someone dieting would be that they are going to lose 20 pounds

in one month. It would be more realistic to set the goal as 20 pounds, but achieve it in smaller goals, like a few pounds a month over a period of time. This way, they stand a better chance of sticking to it and reaching their goal.

And another point, whatever the resolution, is to not expect more from yourself than you can realistically do. That is a surefire way to be disappointed in yourself.

A resolution (especially like in the two examples I just cited) most of the time involves a change in behavior, but change in behavior does not happen overnight, and it certainly is not easy. For a change to become permanent, you must have consistency.

Do it one day at a time if you have to. It’s actually the best way, anyway. Like with smoking, just tell yourself “I’m not going to smoke today.” Then just concentrate on getting through that one day without a cigarette.

Weight loss can be approached the same way – one day at a time. But it also involves a lifestyle

change. You can’t expect that if you keep eating the way you were, that you will lose the weight you want to lose. You have to start eating differently. You can keep the big goal in mind, but if you think you can do it faster than generally possible, it just won’t happen. It’s just much easier if you take it one day at a time.

If you take care of the days, the weeks (and months) will take care of themselves. Whatever your goal is, only take it one day at a time, so you are not overwhelmed and tempted to stop your resolution altogether.

For example, someone with bipolar disorder may set a New Year’s resolution that they’re not going to have any bipolar episodes this year. But that isn’t realistic! They can’t know that.

But what they can do is vow to be more diligent in their maintenance of their bipolar disorder this year. Then they take it one day at a time, doing the things each day that they need to do to maintain their stability.

You see the difference?

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave

  1. hi dave
    the guy that i was getting this for and i are not seeing each other any more
    i need that money back please
    thanks gloria

  2. Thank you David your emails are very encouraging. One step at a time and one day at a time is the way to have
    better success at anything we set as a goal. My goal is to be a better support to my bipolar husband and my prayer is that he will recognize his need for professional attention, counseling and medication to learn to deal with his manic episodes. Again thank you.
    Natalie

  3. Dear Dave and reader family, Lynn here, ‘real’ alcoholic. Managed to stay SOBER One Day @ A Time, over the holidays, w/the help of A.A., sober friends, church, and Alcathon mtgs. In 2010, I’m gonna walk more consistently for exercise, and I’m gonna read more for pleasure. I pray that these are attainable goals, again, taking it ODAAT. May you have a prosperous New Year.

  4. A looong time ago, I read where, that if you’ve been smoking for decades AND have a mental illness, it’s better to CONTINUE smoking than going through the withdrawals that accompany trying to quit. I’ve been smoking for over 40 years, and have sincerely TRIED to quit. I usually get panic attacks, anxiety, and “nerves” without the “nicotine fix” that goes along with smoking. Not even changing an “addiction” to eating seemed to help (chocolate chip cookies anyone?). For me, the physical traits that go along with smoking are: having something to do with my hands; calming my nerves; smoking and drinking tea/coffee; and, believe it or not, thinking more clearly.

    Yes, I know, I’m making “excuses” for not attempting even to quit smoking. But I have gone down from a pack-and-a-half to a pack a day, which is something! Unlike other “bad habits” that make you feel good, smoking attacks the nicotine receptors in your brain, and it literally HAS to have that “drug.” I’ve even read that trying to quit smoking cigarettes is WORSE than getting off of heroin!!

    So, whatever New Year’s resolutions you make, don’t tell yourself it’s going to be easy…because it’s not. Smoking IS a “bad habit” and, yes, it contributes to lung and other forms of cancer. But, at my age (61), I’d rather “take my chances” than go through nicotine withdrawal.

    BIG HUGS to all bipolar survivors and those who love us. May God bless you real good. I pray for my country…and HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR!!

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