Hi, how are you today? I hope this is a good day for you.<\/p>\n
As you know, I work out a lot, so I’m around guys who talk to me at the gym. I know why they work out. Some of them have told me they work out because they want to be “buff.” Others work out because they want to look good for their girlfriend. Others work out to compete in bodybuilding contests. But this one guy I know, he says he works out to get out his frustration.<\/p>\n
There is frustration that comes along with being a supporter of a loved one with bipolar disorder. It’s inevitable. I know, not only because of all the people who write to me and tell me about their frustration, but also because I went through a great deal of frustration with my mom.<\/p>\n
One of the problems that leads up to frustration is when you want your loved one to be better faster. The problem is that everyone is different, and it may take your loved one longer to master<\/p>\n
their bipolar disorder.<\/p>\n
It’s hard to sit back and to be patient, when you see the bad part of the disorder influencing them every day and you think to yourself, “I just wish I could make it better for them.” Although it is admirable that you want to make things better for your loved one, it just may not always be a reality. They may be struggling, but they may have to go through that struggle to get through to<\/p>\n
the other side of it.<\/p>\n
For example, with their medication. Not everyone gets stable on the first round of medications prescribed for them. It’s usually a trial and error to get on the right combination of meds, and in the meantime, your loved one might go through some side effects from it.<\/p>\n
This isn’t something you can help them with, and it might be frustrating for you to watch your loved one struggle. Especially when you can’t do anything about it.<\/p>\n
So you’re frustrated. What can you do about it?<\/p>\n
Well, for one thing, you could try to talk with your loved one about it. They should know how you’re feeling, and may even share your frustration. Then together you can work out a way to deal with that frustration. You can talk to a friend or family member about your frustration. You can write about your frustration in your journal. You can even see your own therapist to discuss your frustration.<\/p>\n
But the one thing you shouldn’t do\u2026Is to let your frustration fester without doing anything about it. If you do, you could even have physical consequences from it, like headaches, stomach aches,<\/p>\n
etc. And then you won’t be able to help your loved one.<\/p>\n
Well, I have to go!<\/p>\n
Your Friend,<\/p>\n
Dave<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hi, how are you today? I hope this is a good day for you.<\/p>\n
As you know, I work out a lot, so I’m around guys who talk to me at the gym. I know why they work out. Some of them have told me they work out because they want to be “buff.” Others work out because they want to look good for their girlfriend. Others work out to compete in bodybuilding contests.<\/p>\n