Hi,<\/p>\n
I was reading an article in the newspaper about a professor who was asked to give a lecture on what he would say to the world if he could \u2013 about what he thinks matters most.<\/p>\n
I thought about that\u2026<\/p>\n
And you know how I always relate everything to bipolar disorder, so instead of thinking of it<\/p>\n
so globally as, “What would you say to the world?” I thought about you:<\/p>\n
Being a supporter of a loved one with bipolar disorder, what would you say to another supporter<\/p>\n
of a newly diagnosed loved one with the disorder?<\/p>\n
Think about your answer:<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWould you tell them about the importance of medications? Because that’s one of the first<\/p>\n
things that you have to deal with, and a crucial part of proper treatment.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWould you tell them about the importance of getting their loved one a good doctor?<\/p>\n
Because, for sure, they’re going to need one.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWould you tell them that they’re going to need to help their loved one to get a good therapist?<\/p>\n
Because that’s an important part of a good support system.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWould you refer them to www.bipolarcentral.com?<\/p>\n
Because they will certainly need the information from this website, just like you do \u2013 but is only having the website enough?<\/p>\n
\u2022\tOr would you be more personal with them and share your own experiences as a supporter?<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWould you tell them the bad as well as the good?<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWould you tell them how difficult the road is ahead for them, or would you try to spare them from this?<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWould you just complain and tell them how hard it is to be a supporter?<\/p>\n
(Trying to keep them realistic)<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWould you be encouraging and tell them that although it may be hard sometimes, that it’s worth it?<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWould you tell them that their loved one can get better?<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWould you share some of your “tips” or “secrets” on how you deal with being a supporter?<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWould you even answer them at all, or think that it’s none of their business (or none of your business)?<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWould you try to avoid them, thinking that you really have nothing share, or no good advice to give?<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWould you not answer them, because you’re struggling with the same questions<\/p>\n
yourself?<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWould you refer them to someone else (more qualified than you), like a bipolar<\/p>\n
support group or a therapist?<\/p>\n
The point is, how do you feel about yourself as a supporter? Do you even feel like you could give another supporter advice about being one? Could you share any tips\/secrets about how to<\/p>\n
deal with living with a loved one who has bipolar disorder?<\/p>\n
Are you even willing to open up to someone you don’t know (or barely know, like through a support group) and share what it’s really like to be a supporter? Or do you feel too private about it, or like it’s no one else’s business how you cope with it?<\/p>\n
Do you feel like you’re barely hanging on yourself and wish someone else would give YOU advice?<\/p>\n
So, back to my original question:<\/p>\n
Being a supporter of a loved one with bipolar disorder, what would YOU say to another supporter of a newly diagnosed loved one who has the disorder?<\/p>\n
Well, I have to go!<\/p>\n
Your Friend,<\/p>\n
Dave<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hi,<\/p>\n
I was reading an article in the newspaper about a professor who was asked to give a lecture on what he would say to the world if he could \u2013 about what he thinks matters most.<\/p>\n
I thought about that\u2026<\/p>\n
And you know how I always relate everything to bipolar disorder, so instead of thinking of it<\/p>\n
so globally as, “What would you say to the world?”<\/p>\n