Hi,

You know I’m always thinking about things. Sometimes I have crazy thoughts, but sometimes I actually have revelations. Here’s my latest revelation: Bipolar disorder is not a DISorder, it’s a problem with disORDER.

You know how I’m always talking about systems, right? In fact, I’m usually talking about the systems needed to manage bipolar disorder.

But here’s what I’m talking about: For example, you have a system for doing your laundry, right?

If you didn’t, you’d always be walking around in dirty clothes, and there would be disORDER!

Another thing – you have a system for eating. If you didn’t eat, you’d go hungry, and there

would be disORDER.

Your whole body has a bunch of systems that run it: Your respiratory system, your circulatory system, your endocrine system… just to name a few. And if any of these systems go wrong, there is disORDER in your whole body!

You must have/had a system for disciplining your children or else there would be chaos – there would be disORDER.

And think about work – plenty of systems there. In fact, each department at work probably has its own system. And each system needs to work together, or there is disORDER.

What about our government? That’s probably the best example of all. We have one big system led by our President that runs the whole country. But under him you’ve got lots of other systems, like the Congress…The House of Representatives…The Senate, etc., that are all systems of their own. And even under them are other separate systems like the CIA, FBI, etc.… All the way down to your own local law enforcement. ALL SYSTEMS. Just think what would happen without these systems. Complete disORDER!

Now…Think about your loved one with bipolar disorder. Think about it with this perspective.

If your loved one doesn’t have systems in place, there will be disORDER in their life!

If the government even has systems to keep from having disORDER, shouldn’t your loved one?

And shouldn’t YOU?

You are just as important a part of your loved one’s treatment team as any of the medical

and mental health professionals that are on it. If even they have to watch against disORDER,

shouldn’t you? Your own life should be one of order, or you may suffer from supporter burnout, like many supporters do. Or at least a higher amount of stress than you should be subject to.

It’s up to you whether your own life is in order or disORDER. Just like it is for your loved one.

You should have your own systems, too, that keep your own life in balance.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave