Hi,

I hope you’re in one of the areas not affected by this recent hurricane. But if you are, you may be dealing with it like I am. See, I am in one of the areas affected by it. And it’s amazing to see how different people are reacting to it. Some people are actually even panicking, if you can imagine that! It’s terrible! So many people just were not expecting it to be this bad. Even with all the warnings we had. Even with all the time we had to get prepared. You should see the stores – All the shelves are bare! There’s no bread, milk or water to be found. And barely any other food, either. Those who were smart, stocked up when the hurricane warnings were first issued. Now there is: Massive flooding…Power outages…No gas…No food or water…And many people who were unprepared.

You need to be prepared, not just for hurricanes, but for “bipolar storms” as well. I always prepare even if it might not happen. Like I was prepared for this hurricane, getting food and water, gas, and extra candles ahead of time. The way I look at it, preparation and prevention are always cheaper than fixing stuff after the fact. Like with bipolar…If you watch for signs and symptoms of an oncoming bipolar episode, you can prevent it, and then you don’t have to deal with a full-blown episode after the fact. That’s so much easier, isn’t it? And after a while it becomes a pattern. Just the way you do things.

IF you aren’t prepared, you have to get creative. For example, like with this hurricane…Some people with limited food decided to walk to the store (since they couldn’t drive). Some decided to eat less (since they had limited food) so they could lose weight. You need to always look for the good, even in storms. It sounds crazy but I met several people excited that they had less food, because it was an excuse for them to start their diet. Others were excited that they didn’t have to go to work. Some were excited just to walk around all day. Others were happy to take advantage of the time to spend with their families, sharing intimate times, quiet time with family and local friends with no cell phones or TV or Internet to bother them.

When you’re dealing with bipolar disorder…You always need to be prepared ahead of time.

Like with medications. Always make sure that your loved one’s medication is refilled ahead of time. Like what if you were caught in this hurricane like I am, and couldn’t get to the store to get medication? You should always have an Emergency Plan in place of what to do also in case your loved one goes into a bipolar episode. This should be prepared together when your loved one is not in an episode. Then you’ll know what to do in case they do go into one.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave