Hi,<\/p>\n
There are many types of art: Among them being paintings and sculptures. Have you ever seen a beautiful sculpture? Perhaps even the famous sculpture of David? Have you ever seen a sculpture in stone? Then you know how permanent it can be.<\/p>\n
What about Mount Rushmore? Have you ever seen it? Many people think it should be one of the 7 Wonders of the World because it is so grand! It, too, is made of stone. And it is as permanent as it can be.<\/p>\n
We even have an expression: We say things are \u201cset in stone.\u201d That\u2019s when we\u2019re saying they are fixed, or immovable.<\/p>\n
But when it comes to bipolar disorder, you can\u2019t be fixed or immovable. You can\u2019t be \u201cset in stone.\u201d You need to be flexible when you\u2019re dealing with a loved one with bipolar disorder. If you are too fixed in stone, you really won\u2019t get anywhere with your loved one.<\/p>\n
They won\u2019t do anything you say. They won\u2019t respect you (or your wishes). They will probably just resent you. They may become belligerent. They may even become hostile toward you. They may fight with you. They may say things that hurt you.<\/p>\n
What I\u2019m saying is: If you are fixed in stone, it can be a very negative thing when you\u2019re dealing
\nwith a loved one with bipolar disorder. Again, you need to be flexible.<\/p>\n
Their doctor or psychiatrist needs to be flexible as well. For example: Say your loved one is having a problem with their bipolar disorder. They may even be headed toward an episode.<\/p>\n
But luckily, you are catching it in time (because you are a good supporter and you have noticed the signs and symptoms early). If they are set in stone about medications, they won\u2019t consider changing them. Even if that\u2019s exactly what is needed. They need to be flexible. Because in many cases, just a temporary increase in medication can help avoid a full-blown episode.<\/p>\n
Or your loved one\u2019s medication may need to be changed, or another medication added. So your loved one\u2019s doctor or psychiatrist needs to be flexible about medications. And your loved one definitely needs to be flexible.<\/p>\n
For example: They need to be flexible about having an open mind to new suggestions. Like for things that their therapist might suggest in a therapy session. They need to be flexible enough to try what the therapist says to do to help them with their bipolar disorder (or, say, their relationship with you).<\/p>\n
They even need to be flexible about suggestions from me about things that will help them get stable with their bipolar disorder. Things like changing their sleep schedule or their diet.<\/p>\n
But you do need to be flexible when you\u2019re dealing with your loved one. Say you\u2019re doing something with your loved one that just doesn\u2019t seem to be working any more. You have to be willing to try something new.<\/p>\n
Well, I have to go!<\/p>\n
Your Friend,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hi,<\/p>\n
There are many types of art: Among them being paintings and sculptures. Have you ever seen a beautiful sculpture? Perhaps even the famous sculpture of David? Have you ever seen a sculpture in stone? Then you know how permanent it can be.<\/p>\n
What about Mount Rushmore? Have you ever seen it? Many people think it should be one of the 7 Wonders of the World because it is so grand!<\/p>\n