Hi,
Hope you’re doing ok.
Happy New Year.
I was thinking of what my plans for the organization is for the new year.
Then I got to thinking about this email I got:
“Dave,
I hope you’re not forgetting the bipolar mission. It’s kind of like in AA. They say their message is to pass along their experience, strength and hope to other suffering alcoholics. Well, don’t you think that should be our message too, only with bipolar? Especially you, Dave.
You have the greatest bipolar mission of all, what with your website and emails and all. You can reach a lot more people thn any of us can. And you should take that seriously. God bless you and your work. Anna.”
Wow. That’s pretty strong.
I guess sometimes I have to be reminded why I do what I do. I’ve been doing it so long, you know?
And sometimes I get so caught up in people complaining, and problems at work, it’s not so easy keeping everything running so smoothly and all…
So yea, I guess sometimes I do forget the bipolar mission, like Anna said.
I’m guilty.
But we can’t ever forget the bipolar mission. It’s way too important.
We have to keep spreading the word that you’re not the only one with bipolar disorder.
Or you’re not the only supporter of a loved one with bipolar disorder.
Because sometimes it can feel that way, can’t it?
And sometimes the feelings that you have about it, well, if you feel like you’re the only one who feels the way you do, if I’m not here to tell you that it’s normal to feel that way, you might wonder about that.
That is part of the bipolar mission. That’s one of the reasons why I started my courses and systems:
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
So people would know that they aren’t alone.
Then I started out sending out the daily emails, too.
And I get sooooo many responses, and there are over 2000,000 people who have signed up to my mailing list!
So there are a lot of people who are listening.
There are a lot of people who need to hear what I’m telling them.
And I try my best to be encouraging, because that’s the thing I think you need to hear the most.
There’s enough bad stuff out there. All you have to do is turn on the TV or read the newspaper or listen to the news.
All kinds of bad stuff. You don’t need it from me, too.
I mean, I need to inform you, I do.
But I do want to encourage you, too.
Most of all, I want you to know that you CAN be a good supporter, and that your loved one CAN get better from bipolar disorder.
If I’ve done that, then I’ve done my job.
If I’ve done that, then I have NOT forgotten the bipolar mission.
What about you? Do you think I’m doing a good job?
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.
Dave,
You do an awesome job helping others .You have really helped me to cope with my son who is sixteen and bipolar everyday is a challenge but when i read your newslaetter i know iam not alone there are others out there struggling just as iam.You provide me with support i get no where else
so for this i thank you.
HAPPY NEW YEAR DAVID AND FELLOW BP’S!!
Hi David I have gained a lot of insight out of your emails… my father has been bi-polar for 20yrs and i have never found any comfort or reassurance for being his supporter. All the information i found was about people suffering bi-polar. I have realised I have a right to have respect and boundaries as a supporter…. something i have never had in the past. I have put the stratedgies you have given me in place and although it isstill hard, i feel i am stronger for it.
I think your dedication to this mission is amazing… you have truly helped me and i know you will gain much in your life as a reward for your hard work and effort.
Thank you David from the bottom of my heart xx
YES I DO
I hope that was a typo… 2million? I hope you meant to type 200,000 people right? It scares me a little to think that how you view the so-called ‘mentally ill’ is reaching 2 million people. It scares me how much harm I think you’re doing.
To any of David’s CUSTOMERS – have you ever asked yourself or him why you can’t read any of his ‘books’ in the library?
I meant ‘find’ them in a library… you can obviously READ whatever he has SOLD you anywhere you want to. You just can’t READ it before you have to PAY for it.
think about it… it doesn’t take a genius to figure out why…
David,
Happy New Year!
I wanted to respond to todays email. I think you do a great job. I wish I had known you 38 years ago. My life could have been so different. You have helped me take many steps forward. When your 52 it is like someone opened a window and said “hey it is OK this is not your fault.” I had always thought what did I do to have Bipolar and Borderline Personality Disorders. Since I taken both your mini courses I have done some research on my own. You pass on information in language I can understand. Your not a textbook. Anyway Thank You for how you have helped me in my life. The world is a better place because of you!
David I have family who is bipolar, including my self,along with lung cancer,and I get realy depressed. I realey like your e mails. I can’t afford the courses you have out, but the other things you put out helps. God Bless you,and the good job you do.
Happy New Year David,
Thank you so much for all you do,
You make a big difference in many lives,
May God Bless you for all you do
Sincerely, Darlene
A favorite Bible verse of mine is
Proverbs 3, 5,6
ilook forward to your emails,I hhpope you get this,and no you are appriceated
I have left 2 mess. I dont understand what else you want.
Happy New Year!!
David,go on with your emails that have supported so many people, because they manifest your kindeness, compassion and strenght.Who has light shall shine for all. God bless ,and a very good 2009 Lilian P.
YES Dave, you’re doing a great job and I hope you can keep up the good work. Thanks for all that you do. Best wishes to you in 2009.
Dear Friend,
I have commented many times to you my appreciation for you and how wonderful I think it is that you are giving so much of your time and love to those who suffer from Bipolar and those of us who love and support them. I want to say it again — you are truly a gift from God for all of us! I still struggle greatly as a supporter, but your daily inspirational, inspiring and informational emails mean so much to me, I truly look forward to them. It irritates me to no end to hear of those who say negative things to or about you, and I will continue to be supportive of you and your wonderful work, and encourage you to never give up — there are so many of us out here who think you are the greatest! Those who say hateful things are either very sick themselves, or so insecure within themselves that they just like to be mean and put others down. Pay no attention to those – just bask in the warmth and love that you receive from those of us who appreciate you and all that you do.
I wish that I had enough money that I could order all of your materials,
but my husband and I are elderly, and our Social Security income barely covers our necessities of life – there never seems to be anything left when we pay or monthly bills. I wish that I could get some kind of work that I could do on the computer here at home, and possibly get our son involved in it so he would have something to do that would give him a sense of being worthwhile. He is constantly saying that he is worthless because he can’t work. He has painted some beautiful pieces of contemporary art, but we haven’t marketed any of it. I wrote you about this previously, but never got any response from you.
I hope that you are having a really great New Years Day – and again thanks for everything you do.
You are by far doing a great job and do not ever think otherwise. Like everyone human, you need to hear it too, you are doing a wonderous job and it is a job that really needs to be done. i have to say that the mission is being fulfilled by you and i must say as well, that i for one and glad you are doing it. I have gotten so much from your emails and know there is so much more to come, i look forward to each and every one. You give hope where there was none, THANK YOU, DAVID!!
Happy New Year, Dave. Thanks for your dedication. I haven’t ordered your materials, but appreciate your daily check in, stories of your personal experiences, and of course the wisdom of what you have to say. I don’t care if you reach 2 million or if I’m the only one on your list. Here’s what I appreciate: Your exercise routine reminds me of that working out at the gym isn’t just a theoretical benefit, it needs to be a habit. Your random frustrations – with computers, people you depend on that let you down, bad stuff that happens – remind me that you are a guy who is dealing with the same stuff we all are. And you keep going and always offer that gem of insight and reminders that being a supporter takes endurance and love, without being an enabler, a victim or a martyr. I have grown more confident, better able to cope with my family situation, and often nodded in recognition or just smiled at your emails. I don’t know how you do it, but I hope you will be able to continue for a long time. Have a wonderful 2009!
Happy New Year Dave,
I would say you are very good at sharing experience, strength and hope with us. I did feel alone with Bipolar before I found your site. My therapist recommended your sight to me and I am soooo glad I she did. You changed my life for the better. Thanks-a-million!
Bob
¡Happy New Year for you to, Dave!
From Paris (France) I wish to thank you for your work, it helps me a lot for understanding my Man’s behavior (who has never been diagnosed but I’m pretty sure is bipolar) Yesterday (for the first time) he concents to come to my Doctor with me, to see what can be wrong on him. It’s not much, but it means a first step and “that” can be great in the future… I guess.
Living in another continent, speaking other language, may be there are things than I can’t apply, but anyway it’s a great help to received yours e-mail every day. Thank you
Hi Dave,
Many thanks to you for the reports you send us daily. I try to read it first thing in the morning and find it is a great way to start my day.
I ame very greatfull to have found you.
Your friend…Jacques Allaire
Happy New Year Dave and to all. Everyone last one of us needs encouragement and you should not be left out. Everyone is on here for information and you give it. You give us a chance to put our thoughts on this blog, you don’t have to do that, but you do, good feedback or not. My theory is, if you don’t like it here, move on to a site (if you can find a better one, tried, can’t) that would fit your needs. You do a great service for us. For the ones who appreciate you, thankyou very much. I myself would be disappointed if this site just disappeared. Have a wonderful 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR, Dave & All on this blog!! Let’s just HOPE that all will be FINE in 2009!!
Like others on this blog, I felt alone in my bipolar disorder. Until I found BipolarCentral, I didn’t realize that there were soooo many in the same boat! Of course, I had a Lithium Group in my community mental health center, but that was only 11 people; some of us were worse than others, some better. But – it didn’t open me UP as much as being able to SHARE on this blog my feelings when I read Dave’s emails and the posts from others on here. I realized I’m NOT the only one who feels “different” and has “mood swings” daily; these emails tell me I’m a highly-functioning person with bipolar – and, if I can help others going through the same experiences – as they have helped ME – then all of Dave’s hard work has NOT gone for nothing.
So – To DAVE: Keep on keepin’ on; keep doin’ what you do best, which is to enlighten all 2000,000 (your estimate!) of us on a daily basis, and allow us to respond in our own ways, either to vent or instruct. Your emails are a constant reminder that we are NOT alone in our struggles, either as bipolar survivors or supporters; and we have the RIGHT to express our feelings without being judged.
BIG HUGS to all bipolar survivors and those who love us. May God bless you real good. I pray for my country.
Hello,Dave,
My daughter was just in the hospital for bipolar simtoms but she had a bad shrink so she wasnt diagnosed. I called and latter in january she meets with a new one and Im told she will be diagnosed! I hope so cause I do have bipolar and It took doctors till I was 25 to tll me that was what was wrong with me and I see it in my daughter so I cant help her if a doctor doesnt say she is! I thank you for your info on the web cause my daughter hhas been reading the e-mails I get from you and she looked at me and said “mom that is what I have help me understand it.” see info is power and you gave me the power to not have her doubt me for saying she has the same illness as me. So, THANK YOU! noe by vallentines day she will know forsure and she can be treated!
All I can say is Thank U I really enjoy reading your E-Mails it has helped alot I wish I could get my daughter
David,
You are my other rock. I have 3 of my family with bi-polar, my husband and 2 sons and every email you send is my inspiration to keep on hanging in there. I cannot get them to see a doctor about it they are stubborn so its me who keeps on encouraging them to do things. Every problem they encounter they either get angry about it or very depressed and hide away. Your invaluable information helps me to cope with the ups and downs. Yes I do things for myself. I work fulltime and support my husband who hasnt worked since he was 40. I have my craft hobby and my Saturday afternoons with friends.
I suppose I have given up trying to get them to get help because they get angry at me.
hey,happy new year. i dont know how long dave has been doing this. i am very new to this site, but from what i can see dave has alot of encouraging info. i have been a supporter to my husb, for 18 yrs now and i identify with all i seen from dave and never ordered his book, i have been living it. happy new year dave and may it be blessed… debbie
A very HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU.
Your e-mails have been a great source of encouragement for me.Iam really grateful to you for being so supportive.
All the best.
Nabila.
DAVE, ALL I WANT TO SAY IS…. WHEN I’M HAVING ONE OF THOSE DAYS WHEN I’M THINKING “TODAY JUST MIGHT BE MY LAST DAY ALIVE” YOUR LETTER IS IN MY BOX WAITING TO REMIND ME I’M NOT PSYCHO OR ALONE. WORDS CAN’T EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE. YOU HAVE TRULY SAVED MY LIFE MORE THAN ONCE. I AM THANKFUL THAT YOU CARED ENOUGH TO HELP MORE THAN ONE PERSON. BEFORE YOU, THERE WAS NO ONE AND EVERYONE INCLUDING MYSELF THOUGHT I WAS GOING MENTALLY INSANE. YOU DESERVE AN AWARD FOR GIVING A CRAP WHEN NO ONE ELSE DID. I NOW HAVE HOPES AND DREAMS I NEVER THOUGHT I COULD HAVE BEFORE. THANK YOU DAVE. YOU ARE TRULY AN ANGEL. XOXOXOXOXOXOXO 🙂
hi
dave u r doing very encouraging job .well i got too much informaton about this illness from U.may God bless U and give U more enthusathism to do this work .
Thank you so much for all you do and all you say it helps me to now what to look for when there is no one else to give the time of day so for that i am glad to have you.
PS
Keep up the good work
Thanks for doing this every day. Its almost like reading one of those devotional/inspirational books, but its online. It reminds me daily that I need to do my part to keep my bipolar under control and be a survivor.
Sincerely,
Chris
Hi Dave,
All the best for 2009. May God Bless you. Job well done. I think its great to get people engaged to add value where ever possible.
I now have the task to handover my support role to my inlaws as my wife having BPD, filed for devorce and wants nothing to do or hear from me. I need them to understand the complexities and dangers of BPD and your courses and systems would be the starting point for them.
Thank you and keep up the good work
hello David:
Thanks for all you do for people with bipolar. I got your email from a friend. You are awesome. Thanks, again.
Happy new year to everyone xx I have felt a lot of support from reading what everyone writes. But nobody seems to be able have answers or words to my expereince. But I will keep trying and seek further comfort in what you all write.
THANK YOU DAVE FOR ALL YOU DO< IT HAS HELPED TREMENDOUSLY
I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT 2009, GOD BLESS YOU
Brenda
HEY DAVE!!! you are an inspiration to me.. i never get a round to tellin u this, but its unfortunate, because I DO feel it and wish i could let u know … everytime i read an email u send me. well, now my chance. i thought it was only fair.. since u asked.. and its the new year, what a better way to start it off.. than to show appreciation. you give and give EVERY. SINGLE. day, so its only fair that i do it this once. well I signed up for your list one day a year and a half ago, bcuz a friend of time suggested i might have Bipolar. and a year ago, i learned thru psychatrists that i am borderline. Oh well. didnt change a thing, ur emails STILL were a BIG help in hundreds of dark days. well im in the recovery zone now and NEVER stopped believing or being lifted up through your emails, its been an exiting year and very fulfilling. Im living my dream right now, moved down to Costa Rica, where i was born but havent been in 16 years. So i needed this. its MORE than i ever dreamed of… i recommend to anybody. Ok, so thats me. Just wanted to let u know How much ur letters mean to me, even though im not Bipolar. theres a chance my dad IS though.. or borderline.. we,ll never know though… You have Not forgotten your mission, forgetting would mean refusing! or FORGETTING to send out these daily or weekly emails. i needed a new folder to add these emails to i call it [DaveMail]. lol. FRANK YOU ARE A DUMBASS AND ASSHOLE. cuz daves letter are FREE, and tHEY CLEARLY help SOoo many ppl, number dont lie.. juss look at all these comments!! they made me cry some…. well i HAD to throw that in Dave, im sorry.. cuz WOW, some ppl real negative, and you just cant help those who cant help themselves. WHY IS THIS GUY EVEN ON HERE GET A LIFE: if you hate dave so much then why are u here. WOW. Ok sorry, this is ridiculous, this was suppose to lift u Up Dave, not confuse you.. lol. THANK YOU!!! FOR YOUR EMAILS.. MUCH LOVE TO U; UR MOM AND UR WHOLE FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU, and give you the strength each new day. You will be rewarded greatly in heaven, my whole family know how much u mean to me, and my boyfriend too. THey love and respect what you do.
Thankyou every day Dave
your emails help me feel as if I have a good friend
who understands what I am going through being a supporter
My kids are reading them too and it is helping us all cope
Hi Dave
Thanks a lot for your daily emails. Well, I really think you’re doing a very good job.
Honestly I don’t understand what Anna really means when she says you shouldn’t forget the bipolar mission. Her criticism is really tough. And not fair either, I am sorry, Anna, but you are not being fair enough. However, if you are so critical of Dave’s job, you must have your reasons to doing so.
Happy New Year, Dave. Go on helping so many people as you have already done. God bless you.
All the best
Fátima
I rather recommend what I have found to be useful, so for 6 months I have been reading the emails expecting them to dry up. They make a lot of sense and align with my 10 + year experience.
One of my Bipolar traits is to look for a daily source of reassurance. I am able to work a 40 hour work week, I notice individuals who can live off of a thimble of reassurance given monthly. Unbelievably your emails are like the waves of the sea. I’ve decide to go to a group where I can identify as having a disability, not just working for others who have.
How much energy and metaphors could you recycle if you wrote 1 less email a day? I’d hate for you to burn out.
Christi
Hi Dave, I think that you are doing a great job teaching us supporters how to deal with our loved ones. You are a true inspiration to me and I always look forward every single day when I wake up to read your email. Hope 2009 will be a very good year for you and that you will continue to help me. God bless you always.
I have been on your list since the beginning, I think (it has been several years anyway), and I have always found you to be one of the main support systems for bipolar illness along with N.A.M.I., and our local mental health program. You have always been there for us, and I have recommended your program to many people who are looking for help. You are a rock!! Thanks for not getting discouraged and keepin’ on. Wavy Gravy’s mantra was “Show Up,” and you have truly always shown up! Thank you.
Happy New Year Dave and to all
I think you have an amazing gift and am so glad that I found you. Sometimes just knowing others are out there makes the world less frightening. My son was diagnosed back when he was 9. He is almost 21 now and up until about a year ago maybe 2 now when I stumbled across you I delt with everything on my own. I still do. Now I just don’t feel alone. I took my son off meds when he was 11 and gave him other coping skills and he is an amazing adult. We actually live in separate states now but he calls me at least 4 times a week. Depending on how bad the situation is that call might last 4-6 hours. I know his level of severity with BP is not as high as some, but sometimes it is so difficult when I know my words aren’t reaching him. I’ve had to learn when to just listen and let him vent and when to tell him “it will get better.” Often times he can’t hear those words.
Your letters have given me a great deal of support and a wealth of ideas and knowledge. I wish somehow I could find a way to help in your cause. What you do is so needed and I refer people to your site all the time. Thank you for all you do and I hope you will be able to contiue for a long time. I hope you will always feel the support and gratitude of those around you.
God Bless
Trish