Hi,

I had someone tell me that at their bipolar support group the topic for discussion one night was “Fun with Bipolar Disorder.” At first I thought that was crazy! How can you have fun with bipolar disorder? I guess I thought that because I’m usually dealing with the seriousness of it most of the time. Supporters as well as survivors are always telling me the worst of it.

So naturally at first it was hard for me to think of fun associated with bipolar disorder. But she started telling me a little about what had happened at her support group, and I thought I would share it with you.

Yes, bipolar disorder is a serious disorder, as we both know. But if you don’t have any fun in your life, the disorder can overwhelm you and the stress of it can take over your life. Everybody has to have some fun in their lives to have a healthy life.

So here are some suggestions on how to have fun despite dealing with bipolar disorder in your life:

1. Go out to eat

You may be on a budget because bipolar disorder is an expensive disorder, or your loved one may be on disability, but if you’re creative financially, you can still afford to go out for dinner here and there. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just a way to enjoy the

experience together.

2. Play games or cards

Just staying in and playing board games (the old fashioned ones) or cards can be enjoyable sometimes. Games like Monopoly, backgammon, chess, checkers, and even Battleship can be fun if you like them.

3. Get together with friends

Just because your loved one has bipolar disorder doesn’t mean that you can’t still get together with friends and have a good time. It doesn’t matter what you do – just visiting and talking can be fun as long as it’s with friends!

4. Get together with family

Getting together with family can be fun because they don’t expect you to be anyone other than who you are – they accept you just the way you are, so you can relax and just be yourself! That in itself can be relaxing and fun, no matter what you choose to do!

5. Go to a museum or art gallery

If you haven’t been for a long time, going to a museum or art gallery can be an especially enjoyable thing to do. There is so much to see, and exhibits change all the time! And

usually they are low-cost as well.

6. Go to a park

Pretend you’re a kid again, and go to the park! You can even have a good, old-fashioned picnic if you want. Watching the children play is always an enjoyable activity as well, and if you’re daring, you can always go on the swings for fun!

7. Go to a movie

Yes, in this age of DVD’s, they still have movies in the theater that you can go to, some even in 3-D! Pick one that you would both like to see, get some gooey buttered popcorn and a soda, sit back, and enjoy!

Whatever you decide to do is limited only by your imagination. Anything you do can be fun if you put your mind to it!

Different people enjoy different things. Just make sure that what you choose is enjoyable for the both of you, and you’ll be sure to have fun!

Your Friend,

Dave