Hi,<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
I recently read a very interesting quote: \u201cThe truth is that our finest moments are likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start earching<\/p>\n
for different ways or truer answers.\u201d \u2013 Unknown. That quote really stirred me, because to me it talks of overcoming obstacles. And I think, when it comes to bipolar disorder, sometimes it feels like that\u2019s all you do. Overcome obstacles. Because there are so many obstacles when you\u2019re<\/p>\n
trying to cope and deal with a loved one with bipolar disorder.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
There\u2019s obstacles like:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u2022 Mood swings<\/p>\n
\u2022 Unpredictability<\/p>\n
\u2022 Episodes<\/p>\n
\u2022 Risk-taking behavior<\/p>\n
\u2022 Impulsivity<\/p>\n
\u2022 Anger\/rage<\/p>\n
\u2022 Fighting<\/p>\n
\u2022 Lying<\/p>\n
\u2022 Manipulation<\/p>\n
\u2022 Excessive spending<\/p>\n
\u2022 Treatment issues<\/p>\n
\u2022 Financial issues<\/p>\n
\u2022 Sexual issues<\/p>\n
\u2022 Relationship issues<\/p>\n
\u2022 Family issues<\/p>\n
\u2022 Job issues<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
And other obstacles that come up, too. Other problems that arise as a result of your loved one<\/p>\n
having bipolar disorder. Like you may have medication issues, and I didn\u2019t even list that, because not everyone has that. But you may have a problem with getting your loved one to take their medication. Or they may go on and off their medication at will. That can be a big obstacle.<\/p>\n
Because it can mean that they go in and out of episodes. And that they are unpredictable and unstable. Another obstacle (their instability).<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
There are simply plain life obstacles in general that need to be overcome every day. There is a daily stress that comes just from living. Things that pop up. Even things that aren\u2019t necessarily related to bipolar disorder, but just to life in general. But they are still stressful. And they are issues and obstacles to overcome.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
We all face difficult and tough challenges in life. Especially those of us who have to deal with bipolar disorder. But those challenges, or obstacles, CAN be overcome. You don\u2019t have to just \u201croll over and play dead\u201d because they seem so difficult. To overcome challenges you will have to have a \u201cnever quit\u201d attitude about you. You have to be willing to do whatever it takes to overcome those challenges.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The first thing you have to do is to acknowledge the obstacle. It won\u2019t do you any good to ignore it, hoping it will go away, or to pretend that it doesn\u2019t exist. You need to meet the challenge head-on.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Then you need to motivate yourself by believing, \u201cI CAN do this!\u201d Keep repeating it to yourself like a mantra, and it will keep you going. Stay calm and cool-headed. Don\u2019t panic. This will help<\/p>\n
you to keep a positive and good perspective on the obstacle you\u2019re facing. Don\u2019t be afraid to fail. Just keep trying. It doesn\u2019t matter how many times you fall, as long as you keep getting up. If something you try doesn\u2019t work, just try something else. Eventually you will be successful.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Simplify the problem or obstacle that you\u2019re facing. Break it down into smaller steps or goals, and try to defeat it that way. If you do these things, before you know it, you will have overcome those obstacles!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Well, I have to go!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Your Friend,<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dave<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hi,<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
I recently read a very interesting quote: \u201cThe truth is that our finest moments are likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start earching<\/p>\n
for different ways or truer answers.\u201d \u2013 Unknown. That quote really stirred me, because to me it talks of overcoming obstacles.<\/p>\n