Hi,
How’s it going?
I hope you’re doing well.
Today I want to talk about spirituality and bipolar disorder.
Now, I don’t mean any specific type of religion or anything (that could get me into trouble!)
But just spirituality in general.
Spirituality can be a big help to you when you’re dealing with a loved one who has bipolar disorder.
Sometimes, when you’ve exhausted all other means of dealing with your loved one’s bipolar disorder, the only left for you to do is pray (or do some other form of spiritual practice).
You can’t change your loved one.
You can’t change their behavior (as much as you would like to sometimes).
What has worked for many people in the same situation as you are in is some type of spirituality.
In my courses/systems, I talk about different coping techniques when dealing with a loved one with bipolar disorder:
NEW
LEARN THE SECRETS OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL WITH
BIPOLAR DISORDER?
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/bipolarmastersystem/
SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/report11
SUPPORTING A CHILD/TEEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarparenting.com
HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.survivebipolar.net
Spirituality is a coping technique for many supporters.
Many people don’t like to think that they’re alone in this fight against bipolar disorder.
So it might not be praying in the traditional sense, but like meditation may be a form of coping technique you might use.
This is considered a type of spirituality for some people.
And not religious, see what I’m talking about? (I’m not in trouble yet, am I? )
But, yes, some people who have bipolar disorder do practice some form of spirituality to keep themselves stable, even if it’s only to read something inspirational each day.
Supporters do the same thing as well.
You don’t necessarily have to go to a religious building to be spiritual.
But just some form of spirituality – whether it’s praying, meditating, tai chi, or whatever – can keep you balanced in your self, and make it easier to deal with your loved one.
Some people use candles to help them practice their way of meditating. Others use just a dim light. Either way, it helps them relax, and get in touch with their spiritual side.
Some people will meditate, or deeply relax, by using soft music, as a way of getting in touch with their spiritual side.
And, yes, some people do stick to the traditional ways of practicing spirituality.
The point is, however you or your loved one does it, you need to have balance in your life in order to be healthy in all ways.
You have to be as balanced emotionally as you are physically.
And you should be just as balanced spiritually, because it will help to keep your stress levels down.
This is just as important for a supporter as it is for someone with bipolar disorder.
You have to take care of your inner self so that you can cope with what’s happening in your outer world.
I don’t mean to get so deep on you, but this is just another way I would encourage you to take care of yourself.
You need to take care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, so you can be a good supporter to your loved one with bipolar disorder.
Do you agree with me?
Or do you believe that you can be balanced without spirituality in your life?
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.
Post responses below
I absolutely agree David! My husband was just diagnosed last Wednesday and is currently in a psychiatric hospital. I don’t know how I could have gotten through the last few days without my faith in God and knowing that he would take care of Jason.
Thank you so much for your newsletters…it is just nice to know there are other people out there going through the same things
I think spirituality is important with everything in a person’s life. During the toughest struggles and the best of times too. Sometimes in dealing with our teenage daughter (just recently determined has many characteristics of bipolar disorder)my spirituality is what gives me the peace and strength to get through some very difficult situations with her.I depend on it to lead me to the right decisions to best help my girl.
I HAVE BEEN A BIPOLAR SUPPORTER FOR OVER 42 YEARS,ONLY HAD THE NAME FOR IT 5YEARS,BUT KNOW MUST HAVE THE SPIRITUAL HELP TO SURVIVE !!! THANKS FOR YOUR HELP !!!I WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU ADDRESS BIPOLAR INFIDELITY ! MY RESEARCH FOR BIPOLAR 2 HELPS ME SEE THIS IS A VERY REAL ASPECT OF THIS ILLNESS !!!!
I have been a bipolar supporter for over 42 years,only have had the name for it 5 years,do know you have to have spiritual help to survive!!!Thanks for all your help!! I would like to see you address bipolar infidelity!! My research for bipolar 2, helps me see this is a very real aspect of this illness !!!!
It is my faith that has held us together thus far. I am thankful that I have come to the realization that it is a mis-diagnosed horomonal issue that has us where we are now. My wife takes Citalopram HBR which masks the symptoms of her horomonal imbalance and health issues (overweight and high blood pressure). It is a classic case of the magic bullet approach to the issues she had (irritability, panic attacks, multiple periods per month, cold sweats, etc…) to relieve the stress like conditions. However, now her symptoms of detachment have increased markidly. I am in the process of having her submit to a blood test and will be pursuing the issue with a little more clarity now that I’ve studied this very complex issue more in depth. There is a lot of information to digest and I’ve only touched the surface to date. The bottom line is that we should never give up even when it seems hopeless. Love covers a multitude of issues.
I have bipolar disorder and have recently started to find my spiritual self through meditation, this so far has helped me a great deal. I get to relax, my mind body and spirit and in the end feel like a heavy weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I become more at ease with things, things don’t seem to bother me as much, as before everything annoyed me. So I would agree with you, everyone, even people with out any disorders need to find themself spiritually.
David I’m Roman Catholic & have learned & experienced that our God is so good He can bring a greater good out of anything.
Yes David I agree that the spirituality does have a impotant part without that I would not be able to handle my x-spouse. But he is very angry at the world and especially me.
yes David, I absolutely agree that some kind of spirituality is definately necessary to deal with any illness or disease. I have bipolar 4. My bipolar disorder got me into so much trouble. Locked psych unit, jail, house arrest, 9 charges. The discharge report from the facility that I was in read that my prognosis is so poor. I had lost my job as a nurse, surrendered my nursing license, lost the love and respect of all of my family, my colleages. My marriage was in the ditch, my finances were gone. I had suffered a psychosis and addiction problem. They felt that with two life threatening illnesses that I would surely die soon. They didn’t know that I had GOD in my back pocket. I’ve been stable for two and a half years. I’m getting my nursing license back. My marriage is stronger than ever. My relationships are back on track. All of this happened because I believed that God will take care of me.
HI GUYS….
Spirituality yes a think it helps when you feel that you are alone, And you do,nt have to go to gods house he comes to you. He hears your crys for help, an gives you peace with inn yourself, or a form to take action when something is,nt right. He gides you your rightfull way.
Has anyone heard the saying “its not were you come from its were you going” So be well and most of all be good.
Amen
Take Care Linda x
I do agree that my spirituality has had a positive effect on my medical situation. Rose–do you mean that your ex-husband is mad at the world and you? If so, I am sorry. It is very difficult having partners who are not supportive in a relationship when one of the members of that relationship has a problem such as a mental illness. Take care, everybody and have a wonderful day!
yes,David, you are right.i have a husband and son with a dagnosis of bi-polar and a nine yr. old daughter with a mood disorder.With out God right at my side i would never have been able to deal with the stress associated
with a family of bi-polar people. i was told a long time ago you are like a cup, you can only give from the extra on the top. if you try to give on empty you poke holes in your cup. keep yourself full by taking care of yourself so you can care for others.
If it wasn’t for my spirituality as a Roman Catholic, I would not be where I am today. As a caretaker for my bipolar daughter, I would not be able to cope without my spirituality. Being able to “give it to God” when the going gets too tough or when it all seems so hope-less, is what gets me through many days.
As a survivor of 20 years (with varying degrees of success), I’ve weathered job losses due to my disorder and am now finding that self-employment is best for me as I am now in control of my hours, which leaves me room for spirituality. It may not be actually going to church, for me it’s mostly reading some passage every day and it seems to help. Just wish there were more clergy members out there who’ve read “Grace for the Afflicted” which is a hard book to come by. It took my bookstore three weeks to obtain it. I initially tried going to a priest when I was first diagnosed and was met with the “generational sin” idea, which totally turned me off to organized religion, but now after reading that book, I’m ready to try it again, but i’m going to insist that my mentor read that book first. Science and Christianity have always been at odds with one another. One only needs to read Dan Brown’s book “Angels & Demons” to see the struggle, even though it is a fictional book, it is based on facts. All I can do is hope for the best. I have been through every medication there is and still have tremendous bouts of suicidal ideation, usually with some trigger, and the only way I can cope with them is through spirituality. This is especially important when you consider that my spouse doesn’t believe that psychiatric disorders are real, and he’s a nurse, if you can believe that! While we both went to Catholic colleges to obtain our degree, only I am Catholic, he’s Lutheran, and I’m sure that has somethiing to do with it. It was all I could do to get him to get married in a church, his religion even. I figure that I’ll get my marriage sanctified sometime this year if I can convince him to go through the motions. But I digress. Spirituality is very important, even my P-doc agrees.
I have firmly believed, since my first breakdown in 1968, that EVERY breath I take is from God. Of course, the delusions I carried through THREE full-blown manic episodes, led me to believe some pretty bizzare things about spirituality. But – now I’m NOT in a mania or even hypomania, and am starting to believe that God’s spirit is within me, just as He is within YOU. You just have to relax, pray or meditate, and listen for that “still, small voice” to motivate you or calm you.
I have often been told that I have inerrant timing – always where/when I should be at the right time. But – it is God’s timing that runs my life. Being on Disability, and not having to work, leaves me plenty of time to “research” where He is in my life. No, I don’t attend a “brick and mortar” church. My spirituality is within. He also gives me the “words” when my mind is blank. I DO read certain verses in the Bible, not every day, but when I feel I need the comfort it gives me. Mostly Pslams and Proverbs, but sometimes some chapters in the Gospel. Somehow, reading spiritual phrases, I will recognize something that is going on in my life at that moment, and I feel a relief taking over.
However you worship, having a certain amount of REAL spirituality in your life, CAN and DOES help. Remember the Serenity Prayer – sometimes, that’s all it takes…
BIG HUGS to all bipolar survivors and those who love us. May God bless you real good. I pray for my country.
I agree with you totally. I have had a close relationship with a power greater than myself for most of my life. I have strayed but always returned to prayer and meditation and scripture. I am a supporter but grew up in a home where three of the close family members were and are suffering from bipolar disorder. Most did not medicate or self medicated with alcohol, excess drug use, and My dad helped me to stay spiritual because I learned from him how to stay strong in times of trial. He was my first source of strength and guidance toward a God of peace and understanding. I feel both the supporter and the person with bipolar disorder need a spiritual basis to remain stable and for the mentally ill to be allowed to find forgiveness and the supporters can find strength to whether the storms that bipolar disorder can bring. I thank my higher power for medication and for doctors who are trying to help. I am thankful for the knowledge that my bipolar child has someone in her spiritual world who loves her unconditionally and forgives her when she falls and gives her strength to try again to be stable. The world can be very unforgiving and understanding is among the few and far between. Inner strength is as important as medication, doctors, and the will to be stable. Forgiveness should be a lesson taught to any family member or person who is associated with mental illness of any sort. Both the supporter and the sufferer.
HI everyone!!!I am a supporter, and have been for 9 years…what helps me is my AA program and the wonderful women in my network ….my higher power is crucial in my recovery, and my daily readings…hope you all have a great day!!
Many years ago I was a member of a support group that would refer to the important things that affect our lives. The emotional,physical,spiritual parts of our lives are what makes us, us.
I would argue,tooth and nail,with the facilitor that spirituality didn’t play a part in my life. After a couple of years I got that spirituality doesn’t mean religion. It meant what made me part of my universe.
I could be listening to music,watching birds, or just walking along the river.
It was a long battle. I still can’t do the meditation thig. Sometimes I just sit, and listen.
I have been bipolar for 36 years (it was called manic depression back in 1973) but I have never heard that it has anything to do with infidelity. Only one person on this blog mentioned it, so I was just wondering if any one else had anything to say about the subject? Please reply if you have ever heard this before and anything you know about it, whether bipolar or a supporter. It will be greatly appreciated.
Apparently I am the solo nay sayer on today’s topic. No I do not believe that spirituality is necessary to live a stable bipolar life, although it’s all the rave to jump on the spirituality bandwagon these days. On behalf of all bipolar atheist & agnostics (although I really should only speak for myself) I’d like to say that a healthy dose of self worth and self belief is just as powerful as putting one’s fate into an unknown entity, sitting in front of a candle chanting ohm, or some other form of new Age bull****.
While I do acknowledge that life is miraculous and our world a fantastic mystery so is the human brain.
To each their own, if it gets you through the day then peace be with you.
I AGREE WITH YOU 100% ITS TOUGH EXSPECIALLY ALONE IF YOU GET INVOLVED WITH CHURCH OR SOMETHING ELSE YOU WON’T BE ALONE