Hi, how are you today? I hope you’re doing fine.
My little goddaughter is just starting to learn her ABC’s, and (not that I’m prejudiced or anything, just because she’s my goddaughter) it’s so cute! But it made me think, “I wish everything in life could be as simple as ABC.” You know, like if life could come with a set of instructions (of course, the women would say that us men wouldn’t read them anyway LOL). Unfortunately, life just isn’t that way.
Neither is bipolar disorder.
BUT…
There is an ABC that comes with bipolar stability.
A = Acceptance and Attitude
B = Belief and Bettering Yourself
C = Commitment to Treatment and Confidence
Simple formula. I like simple, and I like formulas, systems, plans, etc.
So let’s talk about the ABC’s of stability. If your loved one follows them, they can achieve stability with their bipolar disorder.
Let’s talk about the A’s : ACCEPTANCE
Your loved one won’t get to first base without first accepting their disorder. They have to accept the fact that they have bipolar disorder and that it is incurable (but it is treatable). You have to accept some things as well. You have to accept your role as your loved one’s supporter. And sometimes that might take more patience than you have, but you have to keep going.
ATTITUDE: Attitude has a whole lot to do with bipolar stability. You have to have a positive
attitude, and try to look on the good side of things (because you know there will be a bad side).
Both you and your loved one have to be optimistic that it is possible for them to achieve stability.
Now let’s talk about the B’s : BELIEF
Your loved one will never reach stability unless they first have the belief that they will. They have to believe in themselves, as well as in their medical and mental health professionals that
they are all working for the same thing. They have to believe in your support as well. And you have to believe in them, and that they will someday be stable.
BETTERING YOURSELF: Striving toward bipolar stability means bettering yourself by doing
things like changing your lifestyle. Here I’m talking to both you and your loved one. You should both be doing things that keep you healthy and balanced – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
And now the C’s : COMMITMENT TO TREATMENT
Your loved one not only needs to take their medication religiously, but they also need to go to all their regularly scheduled appointments such as doctor, psychiatrist, and therapist. They have to be willing to do what it takes to make their treatment work for them. And so do you. Don’t let them get away with skipping medication or not going to appointments.
CONFIDENCE: If your loved one does all the above things, they should have confidence
that their treatment will work and that they will achieve stability. As you see your loved one making lifestyle changes, committed to their treatment, and trying to better themselves, you can have confidence as well – both in the process and the achievement of bipolar stability for them.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Of course, it’s not as easy as ABC, but if you do these things, stability is more than a possibility, it is a probability.
Well, I have to go!
Your Friend,
Dave
Post responses below
Hi,
We are not yet at A but not to worry. It is nice to have a plan or a path to start going.
I always like reading your letters,I look forward to them,but some poeple like me can not stay on med or doc appoints,I have been bipoler,as far as I know sences 2000 and have not worked sences 2001,I cant drive or aford to drive even if I could.If it wasent for 2 frinds I would not have made it this far,but how long will the frinds last?I can not get SSI because I have not worked 5 out of the last 10 years but am still trying,my totel income is 200.00 in foodstamp a month and that always failes because of not making appointments.I realy dont konw what to do when the last frind runs out,I guess I am homeless.
Your article, The ABC’s of BiPolar, really seemed to hit the mark to me. Good job once again. Keep up the good work.
I liked your “ABCs” of bipolar. When I was diagnosed with bipolar (after 3 hospitalizatinos for mania during my 20s), I was self-medicating (along with psychotropic meds), first, with alcohol (I was a “problem” drinker, a six-pack of beer every day, and at least 3 bourbon highballs a day); second, by abusing my morophine when I was taking it for pain relief; and then weed, which I stopped, because it’s not so good to smoke alone. I’ve always had CONFIDENCE that by some measure, I would have an upbeat attitude, even with the bipolar. I’ve only had 1 clinical depression, and that was in my 30s.
To CLEETUS: Have you thought about going to a “free” mental health clinic for diagnosis, medication, and cognitive therapy? These three things are DEFINITLY “required” for stability with bipolar disorder. I’m sorry to hear you only get $200 in food stamps; can you go to a Salvation Army for activities and/or food? I don’t know what region of the country you live in, but since you have computer access, try going to NAMI (National Institute of Mental Health) for their suggestions on how to treat bipolar. You shouldn’t have to deal with it alone, much less anticipate “homelessness.” There are resources out there for people who can’t afford the above “requirements.” I wish you luck in pursuing the aid and comfort they can give you.
BIG HUGS to all bipolar survivors and those who love us. May God bless you real good. I pray for my country.
To CLEETUS: Where do you live? Can you please let us know? There HAS to be help out there for you. The Sally Ann (Salvation Army) is a wonderful suggestion as they help out countless people. Being bipolar is bad enough, let alone homeless…you are in my thoughts and prayers.
thank you for being there. Even when I don’t want to read you. You’ve helped me a lot. I feel more stable knowing someone “Knows” about the mood swings, etc. Keep tje GOOD work. Your help is invaluable! Mary
Hi Dave, just wondering what’s wrong. I have not received any emails since this one (Monday). I know you sent out 2 more since then, but I have not received them. Please check for me.