Don’t Assume Anything With Bipolar Or Else

Hi,

How’s it going?

I hate when people assume things, especially when they’re about me, don’t you?

Like when people just assume that just because my mother has bipolar disorder that I have it too.

Has that ever happened to you?

If it has, then you know what I mean.

Not much fun, is it?

Well, if you assume things when it comes to bipolar disorder, it not only is not fun, but it can even be dangerous as well.

For example, you can’t just assume that you know everything about the disorder, even if your
loved one has been diagnosed for a long time. Actually, especially if your loved one was diagnosed awhile ago.

Because knowledge about bipolar disorder changes all the time.

There has been new research and new studies done on the disorder, and there are new ones coming out all the time. You can’t just assume your knowledge is still accurate.

So you need to keep learning about bipolar.

That’s one of the main points I make in my courses/systems – that knowledge is power, and that the more knowledge you have about bipolar disorder, the more power you will have over it. In other words, the better you and your loved one will be able to manage it.

SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/report11

SUPPORTING A CHILD/TEEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarparenting.com

HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.survivebipolar.net
You can’t assume that your loved one’s bipolar won’t change, either, because it might.

Sometimes someone might be diagnosed with one type of bipolar disorder, but then after awhile, their disorder changes, and they are diagnosed with a different type of the disorder. It does happen to some people, so watch out that you don’t assume and fall into this trap.

Don’t assume that your loved one’s medications will never change, because they might.

They may need a dosage change, or there may come a time when one of their medications needs to be changed altogether.

Don’t assume that your loved one’s doctor, psychiatrist, and/or therapist will never change, either, because they might, too.

Things can happen, like:

• Moving away
• Starting own practice
• Changing practices
• Leaving practice
• Insurance will no longer cover
• No longer see bipolar clients
• Retiring
• Getting pregnant
• Going back to school
• Personal reasons
• Etc.

You can’t assume that what works for your loved one to keep them stable today will work tomorrow, either.

These things change, as well, and you need to adapt to these changes.

And don’t ever assume that your loved one will never go into another episode.

No matter how long they’ve been stable, it is dangerous to think like this.

Because then you let down your guard.

Because then you start to take things for granted, like your loved one’s stability.

Because then you stop planning for what to do in case they do go into an episode.

And all of this can be dangerous for both of you.

Can you see now why I think that assuming can lead to so many problems?

Has assuming something ever become a problem for you?

What happened?

David Oliver is the author of the shocking guide “Bipolar Disorder—The REAL Silent Killer.” Click Here to get FREE Information sent via email on how and why bipolar disorder kills.

  1. David,

    One of the most viable reasons that people may be concerned that you may have bipolar disorder is that the disease seems to have a strong genetic component.
    This is a concern that my wife and I have for my daughter who is very high functiioning autistic and ADD.
    All we can do is pray and keep an eye out for my daughter as she gets older.

  2. My question is the usual signs that I am going into an episode (loss of sleep, shopping, irritated, etc)were not the same this last time. (this time is still hard for me figure out because it wasn’t really “me” – the primary was extreme sexual drive, promiscuity, focus on one thing but can’t on anything else, hiding info, lying.)I really didn’t quite realize what was going on and went into a psychotic episode. It was months before I confided everything to my dr. My caregivers noticed nothing and I was just having fun. I am still working on coming out of this last episode (started in Jan). What is a way to watch for these upcoming episodes when none of the usual signs are there?

    My family/friends (that do not know everything) think I am using my illness as a crutch and I had a choice in this behaviour. That the fact it seems like it happened to someone else is me trying to justify. What do you think?

  3. I’m glad you mentioned that. I am a member of a support group for parents of bipolar teens. It’s amazing, (and horrifying) how many “professionals” assume that a BP kid was “made” that way by some traumatic event. In a past post you mentioned that a lot of the BP kids you knew came from upperclass, gentle homes (that whole white picket fence thing). Thats exactly what parents of BP’s discover. And yet, the therapists continue to try and “get to the root” of the problem. They go on about emotional baggage, and helping the loved one “heal”. In most of the families I know, it’s not the BP that needs healing. It’s their significant other, their parents, sibs, anyone else they’ve raged at.
    Anyway, just wanted to say thanks for “getting” the whole BP thing.
    Annie

  4. To KARRI: The symptoms of bipolar sometimes change over time. If you’ve seen your pDoc and he has tweaked your meds, perhaps you’ll come out of your current episode “intact.” Bipolar disorder is an insiduous dis-ease; it doesn’t always act in the way it did before. It sometimes “creeps” up on you when you least expect it, and thus, there is no way to “plan” or watch for, triggers. I’m sorry you had such a hard time, but – c’est la vie – that’s the way it IS with bipolar…

    I “assumed” (make an “ass” out of “U” and “me”) that switching antipsychotics was the answer to my problem. I asked my NP to put me on Seroquel and take me off of Zyprexa, because there was a lawsuit against the manufacturer. BIG mistake. I became WORSE instead of better, and the NP weaned me off the Seroquel and back ON the Zyprexa (Seroquel ALSO had a lawsuit). Seems the grass is NOT always greener on the other side.

    I just suggest you adhere to what your mental health professionals advise as far as meds are concerned. Sure, some of them make you feel worse in the beginning, but isn’t that better than spiraling out of control and maybe going back into a hospital/rehab environment? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I’ve learned my lesson.

    BIG HUGS to all bipolar survivors and those who love us. May God bless you real good. I pray for my country.

  5. HI ALL…..
    Just a quick comment to you SUZANNE about the last comment about “manic” I avent been diagnosed with bipolor, I just diagnose my self. DO you think i need to go and see a psychiatrist,am i over doing it. I just feel the need to lose some wait.So i will pownse about in the gym then roll in to the sauna. I dont think a psychiatrist is going to help me out on this one. If he straps me up in a strait jacket he may need two. And trebble the injection what ever they do with ye. E well am off i av had a hard slogging day toddle pips for now.
    Take Care Linda.

  6. I made the assumption of trusting and confiding in a person who I thought genuinely cared about me. I just discovered that this individual was not a friend at all. I feel hurt and betrayed. I am going through a very tough time right now. The last thing I needed was to have a person of trust turn on me. So, I have learned my lesson to not trust anyone and never share my thoughts or feelings with anyone ever again. I am really troubled because I have been writing to this person since August. I thought she was a friend and now I know she really does not care about anyone but herself.

  7. KYLE – Trust is a hard issue, it is something that is so hard to earn and so easy to lose…BUT just beacuse 1 person has misused your trust does not mean that everyone out there is the same way. Remember each person is different and there really are gems out there, we sometimes have to sift through a heck of a lot of sand to find them, but they DO exist.
    Many of us have trust issues, which have nothing to do with being bipolar, because we have been burned in the past one too many times…BUT we can’t give up on people, it would make for a very lonely and depressing life.
    I wish you all the luck in finding those that you CAN trust.

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