Bipolar? Working for Recovery?
Published: Sun, 10/03/10
Hi ,
How's it going?
Hope you are doing well.
In California there is a big debate going on.
Should people who are in the welfare
system have to "work" for their welfare?
Many people think they should, but a few
disagree.
I'm not about to get into that debate, but
I think it brings up an interesting point.
How often do we think about the fact that
people who have bipolar disorder have to
work for their recovery?
Sometimes this is as literal as it sounds.
That is to say, for some people a major
part of their recovery is to have a job and
to do their best at it.
For others, this takes on a more symbolic
meaning, referring more to the fact that
recovery doesn't come easily, and that you
have to strive for it.
So what are some of the ways that many
people have to work towards their
recovery?
And what are the ways that we, their
supporters, can help them out?
There are many ways that people who
have bipolar disorder need to work towards
their recovery.
Most of them should be outlined in their
treatment plan.
Some examples are taking their medication
as prescribed, keeping a routine, and going
to therapy.
It can also include things like meditation,
exercising, and anger management
techniques.
Or even paying attention to their overall
health, participating in a hobby, and
socializing.
It always needs to include learning new
coping skills and practicing them.
It always needs to include symptom
management and prevention.
And it always needs to include talking
over things with their recovery team.
Sometimes all of this can seem
overwhelming for a person who is already
dealing with a mental disorder.
That is where we, the supporters, come into
play.
We can encourage them along, and "hold
their hand" through it, so to speak.
We can help them monitor their symptoms
and remind them of the things they need
to be doing.
We can handle a crisis situation by getting
outside help for them.
We can, ultimately, sit back and let them
take charge of their recovery.
This last part may seem harsh at times, but
sometimes it is exactly what they need.
That depends on the time, though, and you
are the best person to determine which
time is which.
Just keep in mind that they are working
towards something that is not just
challenging, but is also against their very
nature.
Try to have some compassion on them for
this, but at the same time do not over-
sympathize with them to the point that you
take over and keep them from recovering.
A healthy balance is needed.
Remember that you also have to work
towards what you want in your life,
including the goal of being the best
supporter you can be.
Now, the best supporter is one that has
good balance both in the way that they
handle their loved one and in their own
life.
This is not an easy goal to meet, but it,
like recovery from bipolar disorder, is a
goal worth working towards.
Both you and your loved one need to
set your eyes on the goal but your feet on
the one step at a time.
It will pay off in the end.
What are your thoughts on all this?
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Well, I have to go!
Your Friend,
Dave
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