Hi,<\/p>\n
You\u2019ve heard the expression, \u201cIf at first you don\u2019t succeed, try, try, try again,\u201d right? Most people have. It means to not give up after the first time you try something and fail at it.<\/p>\n
Sometimes we don\u2019t get what we want out of life. Or sometimes we don\u2019t get it the first time we try for it. Sometimes it\u2019s because we need to wait for it. Sometimes it\u2019s because we need to try harder. Sometimes it\u2019s because we need to try a different way to get it. Sometimes it\u2019s because we need to change our approach. Sometimes it\u2019s because we need to change ourselves. Sometimes it\u2019s because we need to change our outlook. Sometimes it\u2019s because we weren\u2019t realistic to start with. And sometimes it\u2019s because it just wasn\u2019t meant to be. Sometimes you just have to compromise. No matter how hard you wanted something to begin with, you may have to compromise and settle for something less.<\/p>\n
In science and in math, the saying goes that the shortest distance between two points is a straight<\/p>\n
line. But sometimes you can\u2019t just go from point A to point B directly. Just like when I go hiking, sometimes the path meanders and takes you around curves and bends that you didn\u2019t expect in the beginning of your journey.<\/p>\n
So what does this have to do with bipolar disorder, you\u2019re probably asking yourself by now, wondering if I\u2019ve meandered off the path myself (LOL)? I\u2019ll tell you\u2026 It has to do with your loved one trying and failing.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s right. What do you do when you see that your loved one is trying as hard as they can to cope with their bipolar disorder, but they still keep having problems with it, like getting depressed?<\/p>\n
Well, first of all, you have to remember that you can\u2019t change your loved one or make them do anything they don\u2019t want to do (as that is enabling). But you can help them change how they cope with their bipolar disorder.<\/p>\n
How? Well, first of all, being a good supporter means being a good example. So you first have to show them that you cope with your own problems well, which hopefully you do. And, hopefully, that you handle stress well, as that can be one of your loved one\u2019s triggers to a bipolar episode. So if they can learn from you how to handle stress, it will help them to avoid it. And of course, you need to be loving and supportive, that goes without saying. The way to do that is to act as you would with any other friend. In other words, be your loved one\u2019s best friend.<\/p>\n
Be kind, be a good listener, be there for them if\/when they need you, and don\u2019t be judgmental.<\/p>\n
They need you. They may act like they don\u2019t need you, but they do. Just being there for them is very important. Don\u2019t dismiss this.<\/p>\n
They do need to keep trying, though, no matter how hard it is, no matter how many times they fail. So you need to continually offer encouragement to your loved one. Reminding them that bipolar disorder is NOT a death sentence and that although there is no cure, there is treatment and hope for recovery (stability) might help.<\/p>\n
Well, I have to go!<\/p>\n
Your Friend,<\/p>\n
Dave<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hi,<\/p>\n
You\u2019ve heard the expression, \u201cIf at first you don\u2019t succeed, try, try, try again,\u201d right? Most people have. It means to not give up after the first time you try something and fail at it.<\/p>\n
Sometimes we don\u2019t get what we want out of life. Or sometimes we don\u2019t get it the first time we try for it. Sometimes it\u2019s because we need to wait for it. Sometimes it\u2019s because we need to try harder.<\/p>\n