Hi,
I hope you’re having a good day.
Lots of doom and gloom these days in the news. Just don’t watch it.
Anyway, let’s jump into today’s topic.
Have you ever heard of a bipolar checklist?
Well, I hadn’t, until someone told me about it.
I think it’s a good idea, though.
I’ll tell you where she got it from.
She attends Alcoholics Anonymous, and she as telling me about one of the steps where you’re supposed to take a daily inventory of yourself – you know, kind of look back at your day and see how you did, the good and the bad.
Well, she has bipolar disorder and she sort of does the same thing with her disorder – she kind of does a daily checklist with it.
I thought that was kind of a good idea, so I wanted to share it with you.
Even for supporters, who don’t have bipolar disorder, you could still do this in general for yourselves – it’s still a good idea – you can just adapt it for your own life.
Anyway, in my courses/systems I sort of talk about the same idea of a checklist, only I call it a bipolar toolbox:
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
Ok, so back to what I was saying.
So this woman does a daily mental checklist at the end of her day about her bipolar disorder.
For example, she makes sure she remembered to take her medication.
But she goes the extra mile. She also “checklists” that she has her next morning medication ready for her to take when she wakes up the next day. I think that’s a good idea. (If you’re not already using a pillbox, that is, which is another thing I recommend in my courses/systems.)
So I was thinking.
Here’s some other things you should remember to “checklist” for your bipolar disorder every day:
Make sure you check your calendar for any doctor or therapist appointments.
Make sure you do what you can on your To-Do List (and anything you don’t get done, make a new one for the next day and make sure you put those things on it).
Make sure you keep the lines of communication open with your supporter. (You should be doing this anyway, but this idea came from the woman I told you about from AA, who has to call her sponsor every day.) Make sure you set your alarm for the next morning to wake up at a good time, keeping in mind that you get 8-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep that night.
Make sure you do some type of exercise each day. It might be working out at a gym, or it may just be doing a little walking. Maybe even swimming at the local Y. Just something to keep you active.
Make sure that you eat healthy meals. Some people eat 3 meals a day, while others do better eating 6 smaller meals a day, like a diabetic does. You can find some good, low fat, low calorie recipes on the Internet.
If you keep a mood chart or journal, before you go to bed might be a good time to do this. It would help to think about the day that has passed, and to record your thoughts and feelings, as well as any events that may have triggered any mood changes or affected the way you felt.
Got the idea?
I’m sure you can think of other “Checklist” items. If so, I’d love to hear about them.
Share them with us.
PLEASE POST RESPONSES TO THIS EMAIL BELOW FIND OUT WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT ME
Visit: http://www.bipolarcentral.com/testimonials
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.
Post responses below
Since I don’t sleep well, I maintain a sleep journal; recording when I go to sleep, wake up etc. This way my pdoc and I can look back and see patterns and he can give me the appropriate medication to help me sleep. We are still working on that…
Also, if you have conditions in addition to bipolar, keep a record/journal – condensed to keep track. For example, I have to watch my blood sugar levels, and have ADD issues, so I have consolidated these lists so I just have two, so I can track how well a med is working how I am progressing.
Dave: The idea of writing a check list is an excellent idea. That is something that I have planned to do for a long time but never seem to get around to doing. I do meals on wheels up the leelanau peninsula here in northern Michigan. I kept a check list for some time because I forgot some of the meals a few times. A check list is a good idea for many different reasons. Thanks again for the good ideas. I am on my way up the peninsula. Keep up the good work. Chuck L.
I am Marshall who THINKS my wife has bipolor. 2 years ago my Doctor told me to look into bipolar after I described some picular behavior that my wife was exibitiing. I am new to this, and I have a picular situation. My wife left me back in 2006. I filed for leagal separation due to the finacial debt my wife ran up. She has her own apartment. I did research out bipolar it alittle at first but did not keep up with it. When my wife found out that I was checking into it she went through the roof in maddness. I love my wife and would like to get back together. I am not devorsed and my wife aggreed to got to counciling with me. We have been seeing this councilor for over a year now. My Dr. reminded me that I NEED look into biploar so I am checking into it agian with more resolve. I am almost convinced that it is what I am dealing with. My marriage councilor is also looking into it as well.
Lots more in me to say, mostly pain and and emotional scares due to the severe things my wife has said or put me through. More than I can bear at times. Not sure your reading me but trying to find my way through this has been and is tough. I am seek out a support group right now just so I can find someone who can help me rule this out and how I might learn how to walk in it.
Marshall
My name is marshall and I am new at this. My Dr. wanted me to check into bipolar in referance to my wifes behavior. Trying to navigate through all this information is kinda hard. My wife went throught the roof when she heard that the Dr. talk to me about it. She now has switched Dr’. She has since then left me and I have filed for permanent separtation. She has run herself into the ground financialy and is living alone. We are in marriage counciling together and I have asked my Councilor to check into having us both tested. He is gather information as I write this so as to make an informed discion. Im willing to be tested so my wife might go as well.
Not sure wheather this is the write place to leave a note like this. But it is a start for me.
Marshall
oops. I left two of the same blogs. I didn’t think my first one went through. I am new at blogging as well. sorry.
Marshall
Hi Dave,
This check list is a great idea for anybody with low self esteem as well as someone with bipolar. If at the end of the day you see how many things you accomplished you will eventually say “WOW I did all that today”. There are days when I don’t think I can get out of bed but if I force myself to and then take a shower and get dressed and take my meds that is a big thing for me. I see that I am not as bad off as I feel. I may not get it all done like you say but I do what I can and say at the end of the day “Tomorrow is another day and I am going to do better.” Usually I do believe it or not.
Any suggestions on how to motivate a young person to keep a checklist.
Also, is there a template for the comprehensive checklist that is suggested, I have only found one for moods.
My “check list” is usually my “to-do” list, that I make out almost every day, especially when I go grocery shopping. That way, I don’t IMPULSE buy and drive up my expenditure for that day. Occasionally, I WILL forget SOMETHING, and have to go back another day and get it. My boyfriend thinks I shop too often, but he doesn’t understand my disorder; “forgetfulness” is my middle name. lol.
I think for those who have the time to go over their day, it’s a good idea. I used to have the so-called “mood checklist,” but as I am often in a “higher” mood every day, it seems nothing gets me down to the point where I have to mention it. This changes, too, with the bipolar; I just don’t feel motivated to write it down.
Right now, I’m discouraged because 1) my loan hasn’t closed; 2) I haven’t rented my room; 3) I HAVE to go to the City Courthouse and apply for Real Estate Tax Relief for the permanently disabled (I hope to do this tomorrow); and 4) the tax debt I have looming over my head. BUT – I try NOT to let these things get me “depressed;” I have too much to lose if I go in that direction.
OH! I forgot 2 good things that DID happen to me today. I got a birthday card from my boyfriend with $20 in it, and a rebate check from Readers’ Digest for $115!!! So – it wasn’t a complete waste!!
BIG HUGS to all bipolar survivors and those who love us. May God bless you real good. I pray for my country.
Dave;
Why would anybody believe I or anyone else with Experience if the Disorder; FORCE MEDICATED FOR OVER 8 YEARS WOULD Buy a Book from you titled: “The truth about BP medication.”
Firstly, how long have you been FORCED to take the “medication?”
HAVE YOU EVER TRIED ANY, THEIR ARE WO KINDS, ANTIPSYCH, & ANTI CONVULSE, AS I NEVER CONVULSE, WHY WAS I ON BOTH?
ANSWER, TO HIDE THE MASSIVE TREMMOR WHICH IS A SIDE EFFECT OF Li2CO3. 2000mg DAILY.
I WAS TOLD: “tAKE THIS IT WILL STOP THE SHAKES, THEN YOU’LL GET USED TO IT.
WHEN I AM DEAD! NON ADDICTIVE SO EACH DAY THE SAME.
YOU HAVE NEVER USED! SO you can Merely BELIEVE the Quack & the propagander, SPIN.THE BS.
I READ ‘BOUT A COW THAT JUMPED OVER THE MOON.
SAME AMOUNT OF SCIENCE AS A PSYCH. HAS TO BACK ALL IT SAYS & DOES.
I’ll tell ALL this for FREE: THE “MEDICINE” DOES THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF WHAT THE PQUACK TELLS YOU THEY DO.THEY ARE THE DISORDER.WHO TREATED DA-VINCI, AND ALL OTHER GREAT PEOPLE?
IF YOU Do NOT believe us, take them yourself, at the “therupudic” Dose or 2 or 10 Times higher. You will see. First hand, a few days or Weeks in you to will be BROKEN feelinge of lonleness, emptyness, depression scuicide,mindlessness, being unplugged…
All that is stated in the dsm to be the disorder symptoms.You too will suffer. If you take the Meds,AT HIGH ENOUGH DOSE, & LONG ENOUGH. SEE A PQUACK, IT WILL WRITE YOU UP FOR LIFE. ‘TIS WHAT THEY DO, PERHAPS GIVE YOU MANY DRUGS, THEIRFORE MANY LABLLES. AS YOU WILL HAVE MANY DRUGS/DISORDERS.
HowEver that is a BAD idea, as the Meds Kill the Mind. This is their Sole Purpose. THOUGH IF YOU BELIEVE PQUACK FRAUDS, YOU HAVE AN IQ BELOW 15!
Chemical Deceribration,(Kills ALL Organs with it). also used STILL is Lobotomy, & Electroshock “Therapy.”(AGAINST THE GENEVA CONVENTION, AND ALSO I THOUGHT OUTLAWED!)
Professors of psych tell me they know the “THERAPIES” Cause Brain Damage, which causes the SAME “Symtoms.” Of the so called “Disorder.”
They believe it is PURELY IATROGENIC (Caused by & for the Dr.) Via Polypharmacy, & over prescription.
Hence Profs’ cannot find “Diagnosed”: “DRUG VIRGINS.”
YES NO DRUG VIRGINS TO COMPARE THE “TREATED” TO???
THEIRFOR ALL MUST BE AS I, I WAS RENDERED COMATOSE ON UNKNOWN INJECTIONS, & OLANZAPINE (ZYPREXA) FOR A WEEK. THEN TOLD I HAD BP. YES I GOT MYSELF IN, TOLD I HAD DEPRESSION. NO MANIA EVER BEFORE, FIRST PQUACK?
I WAS REARLY SCARED, AND WANTED THE “SAFETY” OF HOSPITAL.
SO I GOT TO ENTER AS A ‘VOULENTEER” VICTIUM, “CONSUMER.”
I WAS FORCE “MRDICATED” LIED TO, FOR 8 YEARS & COUNTION.
IF I REFUSE MEDS, I GET BASHED & INJECTED WITH MORE!
NO WIN SITUATION!
WHY DO THEY NOT BE HUMAINE & JUST KILL ME?
LESS SADISTIC PLEASURE, ALSO NO CA$H!
I also use that same theory, because in my early years before I realized I had Bipolar, I tried everthing and read everything I could to be the best person I could be. I attended a treatment center of THC use. The treatement was focused on Alcoholism but the theory helped me. The checklist is called Daily Inventory. It consisted of the items you talked about, however they also taught you to take assesment of your attitude and to make sure you did not Hurt anyone including yourself. That is how I began the “To thine own self be true” For me this means that if I see something that needs attention. Be it my attitude, wrong doings, bad judgement, expectations of other, serenity. etc. I discovered that serenity is directly proportional to your expectations. This helps me alot. If I find that I have done wrong then I make amends and make positive effort to correct that thing. This christmas I spoke to a man that said his mother told him to alway analyze your expectations and that makes great sense this is a proactive approach so I’ve added this to my checklist. I’m not here to impress anyone so I focus on my presentation to myself and others. Hope some of this helps someone become a self-aware person and ontop of their behavior and personal inventory.
Hi Dave,
I think the check list is a very good idea. I was doing that before when I was in therapy and it helped to see what I have accomplished. Writing thoughts and feelings in a journal is what i do too. Asking for god’s guidiance and love to get through each day. Oprah calls it a gratitude journal where one can write down everything your thankful for. When we are depressed, it’s hard to think possitive but writing down how we feel and being compassionate to ourselves is important. Replace negative talk with possitive talk.