This is going to sound utterly selfish, but the number one thing you can do to help someone you care about who has bipolar disorder is to make sure that you are healthy yourself. Loving someone with bipolar often comes with extreme highs and lows, and their roller coaster of emotions often carry you along for the ride whether you want to go or not….
While depression is often the worst part of bipolar disorder for the sufferer, the mania is often the most damaging to his relationships. One twitter follower described the mania she experiences as feeling unhinged with overwhelming thoughts and ideas. The racing thoughts often lead to grandiose and unrealistic beliefs. The National Institute of Mental Health describes mania as · A long period of…
People who are depressed often feel like they are drowning, and wonder if they’ll ever be able to breathe again. Several years ago I asked a group of people who were struggling with depression what advice they would give to someone who has a depressed love one. This post is a combination of those responses. Before I share some practical suggestions on how to show…
When someone you love has bipolar disorder, it influences your life as well. I’ve had several people ask me to write about how loved ones can cope with their loved ones excessive mood swings. First let me say that there is no easy answer. Each individual and each situation is unique, but I will share some things I’ve learned along the way. This post is…
As a kid, I was always fascinated by jugglers. How in the world could they balance and keep so much in the air moving at once was beyond me. I’ve tried so many times to learn to juggle, but have never got the hang of it (maybe because I am clumsy and uncoordinated). Why is it then, that I continue to try and juggle so much…
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:7-9. Jogging with my golden retriever is always an adventure. Today we were running along, and just as I was finding my stride, WHOOSH! Off she went. You see, my dog is a great running buddy until she gets distracted and then she has a mind of…