Hi,<\/p>\n
Do you know about the war in Syria? About what\u2019s going on over there right now? It\u2019s not good, let me tell you, any way you look at it. But let me ask you: Do you agree with it? What do you think we should do? Do you think we should get involved with it? Why or why not? Some people think we shouldn\u2019t get involved because it\u2019s none of our business. Now, I\u2019m not a general or anything\u2026And I don\u2019t even profess to know a great deal about military strategy. But I think we shouldn\u2019t get involved because it would just open up a whole can of worms. And we don\u2019t want to do that. It just wouldn\u2019t make sense. And that\u2019s what it\u2019s all about \u2013 Doing what makes sense. Like with bipolar disorder. You just shouldn\u2019t do what doesn\u2019t make sense.<\/p>\n
Just like I don\u2019t have to be a great general to figure out that we could get ourselves into trouble if we go bombing Syria\u2026You don\u2019t have to be a great psychiatrist to figure out that if you or your loved one does things that don\u2019t make sense, they are not going to get better.<\/p>\n
First, let\u2019s talk about your loved one. The absolute main thing to talk about is that it makes no sense at all for them not to take their medication. If they don\u2019t take their medication, they will surely go into a bipolar episode, and that will just make them worse, not better. So it makes the most sense for them to take their medication.<\/p>\n
It also makes sense for them to follow a treatment plan. That means going to see a doctor, psychiatrist, and therapist. They will have to see a doctor not just for their general physical well-being, but also because there are some bipolar medications that require blood tests to check for levels of the medication in the patient\u2019s bloodstream. They will have to see a psychiatrist not just for follow-up of their bipolar disorder, but also for medication prescriptions. Although the general practitioner could also write prescriptions, he generally leaves it up to the psychiatrist to write prescriptions for diagnoses of mental disorders.<\/p>\n
They will have to see a therapist for treatment of the ongoing issues surrounding their bipolar disorder. The therapist helps them deal with the day-to-day stress, for example, and can teach them stress management techniques. They may even see other mental health professionals,
\naccording to their individual treatment plan. Some people with bipolar disorder have a social worker who helps them. Some have a case manager. Some who are married go to a marriage counselor, or a family therapist for counseling.<\/p>\n
It also makes sense for your loved one to develop a strong support system. Some of these people may even be in their support system, if they choose. Their support system can also include family, friends, coworkers, support group members, church members, clergy, and anyone else they think might be able to help and support them when they need it. But it also makes sense that they tell the people in their support system what they need from them, as these people are not mind-readers. They want to help, but they may not know how, so they will need to be given direction from your loved one or yourself.<\/p>\n
Secondly, let\u2019s talk about you as the supporter. You need to do things that make sense as well.
\nIf what you\u2019re doing for your loved one is not working, or no longer working, you need to try something else. Try doing something that you\u2019ve never done before. If that doesn\u2019t work, then try something else. But do something that makes sense.<\/p>\n
Well, I have to go!<\/p>\n
Your Friend,<\/p>\n
Dave<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hi,<\/p>\n
Do you know about the war in Syria? About what\u2019s going on over there right now? It\u2019s not good, let me tell you, any way you look at it. But let me ask you: Do you agree with it? What do you think we should do? Do you think we should get involved with it? Why or why not? Some people think we shouldn\u2019t get involved because it\u2019s none of our business.<\/p>\n