Bipolar Supporter Blog

Hi,

Have you ever watched someone try to put a jigsaw puzzle together? The concentration…The focus…How meticulous they can be…All those parts? Some people can’t do it. But those that can…Those who can take all those parts…And put them together just right…Can make a beautiful picture out of what seemed to be nothing!

Well, music is the same way. It doesn’t matter what kind of music you like the best, all music still has the same parts:

• Melody

• Notes

• Rhythm

• Tone

• Timing

• Composition

• Instruments

• Songwriter

• Song

• Lyrics

• Band

• Singer

All that concentration…All that focus…All those parts! And that’s just for ONE SONG! Now, these days, they usually add a video and some dancing to it as well. So now you’ve got even more parts –

• Choreographer

• Dance steps

• Choreography

• Lighting

• Direction

• Outfit designer

• Outfits

• Etc.

Now with bipolar disorder, we have parts, too – Like the parts to the stability equation I talk about. Many people still complain about the parts to stability for bipolar disorder, but when you compare it to the parts to music (especially one with a video) it doesn’t seem so bad, does it? If you want just music, you can skip some of the parts. I’m not saying it would be the best music, but it could still be music. But if you want QUALITY music you have to make sure that you have all the parts, and that every part is attended to. Same thing with bipolar disorder.

Some people just tend to the minimum of the parts to stability with bipolar disorder. They just take their pills and go to therapy, for example. But if you want QUALITY management of your bipolar disorder, you have to make sure every part of it is attended to as well.

You’ve got such things as:

• Medications

• Therapy

• Strong support system

• Sleep

• Exercise

• Diet

• Self-care

• Productivity

• Reduced stress

• Balance

• Watch for triggers

• Look for signs/symptoms

of episodes

• Etc.

In other words, like putting that puzzle together, your loved one has to put all the pieces together, too, to make one bigger complete picture of their stability.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

 

Dave

 

 

Hi,

What’s new? Hope you are doing well.

To read this week’s news visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarnews645/

Advantages in Bipolar — No Longer If, but Why and How
DO> Some good information for you.

VIDEO: ‘I’ve bought cars I couldn’t afford and demolished my own house …
DO> You’ll find this video very interesting.

Garey Jones appears in court on multiple stabbing charges
DO> This is frightening, don’t you think?

Birth Defects Of The Nervous System Linked To Later Development Of …
DO> Important information that you should know.

Is iron deficiency causing psychiatric disorders in kids?
DO> Interesting study, don’t you agree?

Oxytocin Helps Ease Social Rejection, Suggesting Therapeutic Treatment For …
DO> Don’t you think that this is important?

Why bipolar sufferer Jocelyn Duncan is having the last laugh
DO> You’ll find this woman’s story inspiring.

Cardiovascular Mortality Twice As High for People with Bipolar
DO> Some good information for you to know.

Wrongful death lawsuit filed in fatal police shooting of Samuel Cruz in New …
DO> You’ll be very interested in this video.

Older, Cheap Drug May Cut Suicide Risk for People With Mood Disorders
DO> A very important discovery, don’t you agree?

For these stories and more, please visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarnews645/

Check out all my resources, programs and information for all aspects of bipolar disorder by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentralcatalog.com

Your Friend,

 

Dave

Hi,

I have this guy who works for me, and I’d have nothing to complain about, EXCEPT…Working with him is like trying to negotiate a battlefield. I feel like I’m always walking through a mine field whenever I talk to him, because sometimes he just explodes in anger at me! And he isn’t consistent. So what made him mad last time is not necessarily what he’s mad at me for this time!

It’s really a problem working with him, since he is so unpredictable in his mood swings and anger. I probably wouldn’t keep him on staff, except that he is a genius at what he does. So I’ve learned to take the good with the bad whenever I need some work from him.

It’s the same way I look at bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a battlefield. There are mines everywhere you look, if that’s what you look for. But if you think of those mines as episodic behavior, there’s a chance you can get around them. Of course, it means monitoring your loved one’s behavior and moods, and having a plan of action in place to battle them.

In any battle, you need to have ammunition. Your ammunition is knowledge. And, hopefully, a close relationship with your loved one’s doctor, psychiatrist and therapist, as well. That way, they’re on your side. So let’s look at those land mines. And compare them with your ammunition.

Many people with bipolar disorder don’t want to take their medication, or put up a fuss about taking it, or some even just forget to take it. Many supporters have reported to me that they struggle with getting their loved one to take their meds.

So what ammunition do you have? You have the doctor on your side – the one who prescribed your loved one’s medication and hopefully is following their progress on it. Don’t feel embarrassed if you have to ask for help from your loved one’s doctor or nurse to get your loved one to take their medication. You should have their therapist on your side as well, and maybe they can talk to your loved one and get through to them the importance of taking it.

If your loved one is not sticking to their treatment, that can be a big problem. And a big area to fight, according to supporters that have talked to me. The problem is, you can’t force your loved one to WANT to adhere to their treatment. But you DO have to deal with the consequences of their episodic behavior, so you should have a say in the matter. That’s one thing you should try to get across to your loved one, in the least threatening way possible. Show them the statistics on bipolar disorder. Tell them you don’t want them to be a statistic (20% of people with bipolar disorder will kill themselves), so you want them to adhere to their treatment. Tell them in a loving way that you want them to get better.

The more people you have behind you, the more ammunition you have to fight this bipolar disorder. Get your loved one’s family involved if you have to. If you go to church, get your pastor or minister or priest involved. Or your loved one’s friends. Just someone your loved one will listen to if they won’t listen to you.

The good news is – Bipolar disorder is a battlefield upon which you can emerge the winner.

NOTE: Always remember that it is the bipolar disorder that you’re fighting and NOT your loved one!

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

 

Dave

 

Hi,

You know the most important part of any movie, right? It’s not the title. It’s not the director. It’s not the actors (even if they are the biggest stars in Hollywood). It’s the PLOT. Without a good plot (a good story), it doesn’t matter how good the director is, or even how good the actors (stars) are. The only way a movie is going to be good is if it has a good plot. Well, in a way we can compare our lives with a movie in that we are living out a sort of plot as well. But what if we want to change the end of our movie? Well…

The only way to change the end of a movie is to change the plot of that movie! That suggests that we have some control over our lives, doesn’t it? Many people with bipolar disorder and their supporters don’t believe that, unfortunately. But I have talked to many, many people who HAVE changed the plots of their lives so that they WILL have a happy ending! These people have bipolar disorder, but have learned to manage their disorder. Even some of the most hopeless cases have been able to turn their lives around so that they have become bipolar success stories!

For some, stability was just a dream – something that seemed unattainable. But with concentrated effort and a lot of hope, they finally reached it – they changed the end of their movie by changing the plot of their movie.

How does this happen? Well, when your loved one is first diagnosed, they will be put on a treatment plan. That treatment plan should include medication and therapy. Those are just the basics, though – the foundation of their treatment plan. They also need to do some work themselves for them to get better. During their “movie,” both of you will have “parts” for you to play. So will other people, as your loved one develops a good, strong support system.

They cannot get better by themselves.

Your part is the role of the supporter. You need to be patient and understanding. You need to be supportive, without enabling your loved one (doing things for them that allow them to continue unacceptable behaviors). If you are living with your loved one, then you need to keep as stress-free an environment for them as possible. But you also need to remember to take care of yourself first, because if you’re not healthy (physically, emotionally and spiritually), how can you take care of your loved one?

Your loved one has a role in this “movie” as well.

Their “role” consists of:

• taking their medication

• seeing a doctor, psychiatrist and therapist

• sticking to a good sleep schedule

• eating a healthy diet

• exercising

• being productive

• working or volunteering

• etc.

Taken all together, it is a recipe for stability, which is the happy ending of the movie for anyone with bipolar disorder.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

 

Dave

 

 

Hi,

What’s new? Hope you are doing well.

To read this week’s news visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarnews644/

YOUR MONEY-When bipolar disorder leads to extreme shopping
DO> Important information for you to know.

Calif. Case Raises Issue of Employee Privacy in Yum! Brands Employment Lawsuit
DO> Do you agree with the court’s ruling?

My Bipolar Disorder Wrecked My Finances
DO> You’ll find this woman’s story very interesting.

Elisa Lam’s Strange Death Ruled an Accidental Drowning; She Was Bipolar
DO> You’ll find this video very interesting.

Ex-patient died in Chippenham rail tragedy
DO> This was a tragedy, don’t you think?

Strike a Chord: Broadway Actress Puts Struggle With Bipolar Disorder in the …
DO> This play sounds interesting, what do you think?

Jury Deliberates Weisheit Sentence
DO> Do you agree with this?

Why This Memoir On Bipolar Disorder Should Definitely Be On Your Summer …
DO> Her story will inspire you.

For these stories and more, please visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarnews644/

Check out all my resources, programs and information for all aspects of bipolar disorder by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentralcatalog.com

Your Friend,

 

Dave

Hi,

You know, there are some things we can afford to lose in life. In recovery programs, for example, as well as in church, you can afford to lose your pride and ego. (In fact, it may happen whether you like it or not.) You can afford to lose your car if there are too many repairs needed for it, and buy another one. In other words, it’s not a life or death thing. At worst, you may have to get rides from people until your car is fixed, if you keep it. But still, you could afford to lose it. You can afford to lose some of your possessions, like if you have a yard sale, or donate to Goodwill or a church or other worthy organization.

But there are some things that you can’t afford to lose. For example, you can’t afford to lose your home, or else where would you live? You can’t afford to lose your job (unless you have another one lined up), because you need that income to live off. You can’t afford to wreck your credit, although too many people with bipolar disorder do. Then it’s a mess trying to establish your credit back again.

Your loved one can’t afford to lose your support. Your support is invaluable to them, as it helps them to deal with their bipolar disorder. Your loved one can’t afford to lose their commitment to take their medication. If they lose that commitment, it could lead to going into a bipolar episode, or worse, it could take their life! So they definitely cannot afford to stop taking their medication. They can’t afford to lose their doctor, psychiatrist, therapist and any other member of their treatment team, either. Because these people help them as much as you do. Your loved one cannot afford to lose sleep, either. Because loss of sleep is one of the biggest triggers to a bipolar episode.

And what about you? You can’t afford to NOT take care of yourself, because your loved one and family need you. You can’t afford to lose your self-esteem and self-respect. These are very important to anyone to have, whether they are dealing with bipolar disorder or not. Your self-esteem and self-respect are how you feel about yourself. And you need to feel good about yourself. Some supporters suffer in this area, because they believe that their support is directly related to their loved one’s bipolar disorder.

In other words…If their loved one isn’t doing well, or goes into an episode, they blame themselves. They think negatively. They believe that since their loved one isn’t doing well, that it means that they’re not a good supporter. But that isn’t true. The struggle for bipolar stability falls outside your responsibility as a supporter. You can be the best supporter in the world, and your loved one will still go into episodes. Going into episodes is just part of their bipolar disorder, and is no reflection on you as a supporter. You also can’t afford to lose your peace of mind. You need to stay as stress-free as possible.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

 

Dave

 

 

Hi,

What’s new? Hope you are doing well.

To read this week’s news visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarnews643/

Infections linked to mood disorders
DO> Important study, don’t you agree?

Would you hire someone with a mental illness?
DO> Do you agree with this man?

Antidepressants: Ineffective, but Harmful?
DO> Interesting study, don’t you think?

Jesse lawyers link crime to disorder
DO> Do you think this is fair?

Bipolar at 17, and speaking bravely
DO> Don’t you think she is brave for doing this?

Normal or Not ? When Temper Tantrums Become a Di . . .
DO> What do you think of this controversy?

Richard Dreyfuss talks movies, mental health at fundraiser
DO> Don’t you find his comments interesting?

Austin’s Myriad RBM at Work on Molecular Tests for Mental Ailments
DO> They are doing important work, don’t you agree?

For these stories and more, please visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarnews643/

Check out all my resources, programs and information for all aspects of bipolar disorder by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentralcatalog.com

 

Your Friend,

 

Dave

Hi,

You know, I sorta talk a lot about communication – good communication – and how important that is. Well, a key component to getting along with others is: COMPROMISE. Let me share about this guy I knew who was always fighting with his girlfriend. It’s because he HAD to be right! He didn’t realize that compromise was the key. So they kept fighting. But when I talked to him and explained about the AGREE TO DISAGREE concept, which IS compromise, I think he really listened, because I haven’t heard about any more fights!

Whether it is a relationship with your loved one or whoever, you need to learn the art of compromise. Whatever the situation, you may be called upon to compromise, and the more willing you are to do that, the less disagreements or uncomfortable situations you will have to face.

So the first thing is: WILLINGNESS. You have to be willing to compromise. Now, that’s hard for some people to do – Like the guy I told you about who had to be right all the time. At least until he became willing to compromise. Then he started getting along more not just with his girlfriend, but in other situations and with other people, too. If you are willing to compromise, you will get along a lot better with your loved one who has bipolar disorder. Hopefully, you can teach your loved one about the AGREE TO DISAGREE concept, or even show them the blog posts (that one and this one). Then, as long as they are WILLING to compromise, especially if they agree with the concept, your communication will improve. So, the first step is WILLINGNESS.

Then you have to have the DESIRE to have effective communication. Like this guy I had told you about, it was either learn how to compromise, or to have to break up with his girlfriend, because they couldn’t just keep going along fighting all the time. If you have willingness and desire to have good communication, you will be more apt to have it.

You also have to have a GIVE-TAKE attitude. Like that guy who learned in the end that it was ok not to be right all the time! Having a give-take attitude means that you will have a more positive attitude, not shutting the other person out.

You also need to have an OPEN MIND. Understand that it’s ok for your loved one to feel the way they do. If you keep an open mind, it will be easier to separate them from their disorder.
It will also be easier to see where they are coming from. If you do that, it will help to explain why they do the things they do. In turn, if they keep an open mind, they will be able to see where you are coming from as well. And why you do the things you do.

If the two of you can do these things, you CAN have good communication, in spite of the fact that your loved one has bipolar disorder. Good communication is crucial to any relationship.
Even one in which one of the people in it has bipolar disorder. But the key is really all about compromise.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave

 

Hi,

I saw this post on my blog and wanted to share it with you, because I thought it was a very important topic:

“Hi Dave There is something I have not read about in your emails. I wonder if there have ever been studies done about the effects of tobacco use or nicotine with bipolar disorder. My father was a mile mannered gentleman who was liked and respected by most people.

He was a heavy smoker. He quit smoking about age 50. Ather he quit smoking, his personality changed. He began using a lot of profanity, he physically attracted the mailman, and when a local church burned down, he tried to take credit for that. I thought he needed some kind of mental help. I planned to consult with an attorney.

The day I was going to see an attoryney, I heard a newscast announcing the the govorner of the statr (Missouri) had sighned a bill the prevoius day forbidding involuntary detainment of persons with a mental disorder. this was in the 1970s before people had heard of bipolar disorder. the rest of his life, he put me and my mother through a lot of verbal abuse. My mother said she wished he would start smoking again.

I have heard that nicotine has some effects on the brain and may have something to do with delaying the onset of alzheimer’s disease. I sonder if you have heard of any studies having to do with bipolar disorder. I would appreciate any news about this in your email.

Regards

Fred

 

=====================================================================

I have been asked about this before. Smoking does have an effect on the brain because it affects the dopamine receptors, which are the pleasure centers in your brain. That’s what makes it so difficult to quit. And it can have some effect on medications taken for things like bipolar disorder. That’s why doctors always ask you if you smoke and how much you smoke (and for how long), and because smoking does have an effect on you.

As far as research on studies for bipolar disorder, it’s best to take an entire day or two to go to a university library. That’s what I always have to do. You basically go to a big university and then spend the day researching for the study you are looking for. I believe there are also studies on bipolar disorder and smoking but I don’t remember the details.

I do know this, though – That several people who I know who quit smoking and had bipolar disorder went into episodes. Does this mean that you can’t quit smoking when you have bipolar disorder? NO. But if you do, in my opinion, you need a plan if you are going to do so. Talk to your doctor and therapist. Tell them you want to quit smoking. Talk with your supporters. Make a plan with all of them. Check out all the programs that are for quitting smoking. There are a ton of them, everything from meditation to some kind of therapy programs to tapes and CDs to hypnosis (NOTE: I am not endorsing any one or which one.) Whatever you are doing, make sure that you are monitored and if something goes wrong you have a plan B in place as well.

Michele who works for me once quit smoking and went into a mini bipolar episode.

According to her, here are the mistakes she made:

1. She didn’t do any research.

2. She didn’t have a plan.

3. She didn’t talk to anyone about it.

4. She didn’t tell her doctor.

5. She didn’t explore options.

6. She took medication she hadn’t

checked out thoroughly to see

if it would affect her bipolar disorder.

The biggest mistake she made, though, was when she started having side effects, she didn’t stop using the medication, because she wanted to quit smoking so bad. That’s what ended her up in the hospital in a bipolar episode. So, even though quitting smoking is important, you also have to have a plan and not make the mistakes that Michele made.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

 

Dave

 

 

Hi,

What’s new? Hope you are doing well.

To read this week’s news visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarnews642/

Research and Markets: Global Bipolar Disorder Pipeline Capsule – 2013
DO> This will be an important report, don’t you think?

Does Fame Make You More Suicidal?
DO> These studies make a good point, don’t you agree?

British Actor Stephen Fry Reveals Suicide Attempt To Stunned Live Audience
DO> His revealing story will interest you.

mHealth prize goes to bipolar management app at Datapalooza
DO> Don’t you think this is an important app?

NICE backs Abilify for teenagers with bipolar disorder
DO> A bold move on their part, don’t you agree?

Most people with mental disorders ‘not getting care they need’
DO> Some startling statistics, don’t you think?

For these stories and more, please visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarnews642/

Check out all my resources, programs and information for all aspects of bipolar disorder by visiting: http://www.bipolarcentralcatalog.com

Your Friend,

 

Dave