Today I am going to tell you a little known concept that I
guess I kind of invented. It comes from math. I am
really good at math. I am NOT really good at editing
stuff :). But the bottom line is the content is what
is important right?
Oh, don’t worry, you’re on the right list and I am not going
to start teaching you advanced math concepts.
I am going to teach you a secret that VERY few people know.
Not even doctors or therapists. And if they kind of know
it, they don’t really fully understand it.
This is a secret to helping a loved one stay stable
when he/she has bipolar disorder. It’s called, or I call it…
The Bipolar Stability Equation.
Stability is like a mathematical equation. Here are SOME
of the things that can make up the equation. NOTE- I am
NOT a doctor and this is NOT legal advice. Run this past
your doctor, therapist, etc. etc.
Anyway, here are some of the parts I found with my mom:
· Medication
· Therapy
· Sleep
· Eating right
· Exercise
· Reducing stress/low anxiety
· The right job (or Disability)
· A good Support System
· Hobbies
· Relaxation/Meditation
· Watching for triggers
· Etc.
Everyone has to figure out what their own stability equation is,
because everyone is different (so their own stability equation is
going to be different). One person may be able to keep their job,
while another person may have to go on Disability. One person
may be a “morning person,” while another person may go to bed at
midnight every night.
The things listed above are only examples
of what may be in your stability equation – other examples are
Light Therapy, reading, watching a video, sitting and
watching a sunset, walking on the beach/taking long walks,
Aromatherapy, Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Biofeedback, etc.
The point is, you AND your loved one will have to make your
own list! AND work with your doctor and therapist. I have
found that everyone’s equation is different.
One main thing about people with Bipolar Disorder is that they
need structure and routine to maintain stability. With my mom, I
have found that is just as important to her “stability equation” as medication.
Watching out for your loved one’s known episode triggers is also
very important and try to avoid these triggers.
The thing is, you have to work hard to figure out the equation,
and what to do if something goes wrong in the equation. I teach
this fully in my courses and systems:
SUPPORTING AN ADULT?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/report11
SUPPORTING A CHILD/TEEN?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarparenting.com
HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.survivebipolar.net
Your Friend,
Dave
I have an aquaintence that has a roommate (female) that has Bipolar disorder. He feels she has not been taking her medication for over 6 months or a year because her actions etc have deteriated over that time. When confroned she swears she is taking the meds and the doctor is adjusting the dose. No one has seen her bottles of meds and she has not said the name of her doctor. She says that is all her business. She is paranoid that someone is out to get her etc.. like steal her car, get into her bank account. tap her phone. She cancelled her cell phone and will not answer the house phone. She acts nasty to everyone. She was seen bringing a baseball bat in the the house and into her room. My acquintence is afraid that she may flip out and attack him. He has asked her to move out and is afraid to go home.
What is your take on this? What do you think could be done to get her help?
Thanks
I must admit you mails these past few days have really been helpful.
I am gearing up to buy your course but first i have to dig myself out of the debt I caused while being in a episode that prevented me from getting a job for one year.
I am so determined not to ever let myself get that way again. I have been pushing my self to do more even when all i want is to stay in bed. I know that this is my self destruct phase and i will not let it consume me and no this is not easy. Alot of work and alot of flack from me myself and I.
David,
You are absolutely right!
Gayle
I couldn’t agree with you more, Dave! I have had bipolar disorder my whole life, and my son has it as well. I was never told by ANY of the many professionals that I have seen over the years about these necessary things to practice and keep control of to maintain your stability. The only way I learned them was from my son’s doctor who outlined these things to him when he was a teenager to help him remain stable. It has worked well for him and I find that they also work very well for me, taking me from too sick to work and looking at disability to be very high-functioning and attending school fulltime, pursuing a doctorate in veterinary medicine.
Thats such good information, but how do you know your triggers?
I think one big thing is stability. I do have to agree with your equation because it is true. Medication, sleeping, and having a routine are the biggies. Also, don’t let him have the check book and bills. That is a stresser. thanks.