Hi,

How’s it going?

You know, anyone can easily get caught up in the hustle of the holiday season and become obsessed with finding each person on their list the perfect gift.

But what about the person with bipolar disorder who has had problems with manic spending sprees in the past?

What can you, as a supporter, do to stay in control of the shopping this season? Here are some suggestions for both of you:

· Keep your perspective. Don’t get so caught up with finding the perfect gift for everyone that you become obsessive. It isn’t worth the anxiety or the checkbook balance.

· Spread out your shopping. Shopping ahead will minimize your holiday anxiety. Starting after Thanksgiving is a good idea. Take advantage of pre-holiday sales.

· Pick a budget and stick to it. If you have had a problem with manic overspending in the past, come up with a specific budget well before the holidays, and stick to it. This way you can spread out your finances.

· Shop together. Especially if you have had problems with overspending in the past – by shopping together, you can sort of “police” each other, watching your spending so that it is easier to stick to your budget and avoid impulse buying.

· Shop online. For people who have access to the Internet, online shopping has become a holiday favorite way to shop. It is less stressful and will help you to avoid the hassles of the mall. Just make sure that the supporter knows what the survivor is buying, and that it is still within your budget, so there is no overspending, because there is a threat of impulse buying when using the Internet.

· Use gift cards or gift certificates. Almost everyone loves getting a gift card or gift certificate. And these days, gift cards and gift certificates have become more personal and specific to the person – their own needs and likes. You can easily choose one that fits the person and where they shop, eat, etc.

· Make home-made coupon books This is a great idea, especially if you are on a limited budget. It’s also something that the two of you can work on together. Think of that single mom, who would love to have some free babysitting. Or that older couple who would love their driveway shoveled for them for free. These coupon books are even great gifts to make for each other!

In my courses/systems, I talk about how important it is to avoid stressful experiences, whether at holiday time or any time:

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You don’t have to have a stressful shopping experience this holiday season.

Remember that holiday gifts are just a way to show the person that you care about them.

The gifts don’t have to be expensive.

They don’t have to be elaborate.

And remember to keep the other person in mind when you are shopping for them, and don’t stress yourself out looking for that “perfect” gift – they will appreciate any gift you give them.

The above are just some ideas.

I’m sure you can come up with more on your own.

Or if you have used some successfully in the past, I’d love to hear them.

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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.