Bipolar: How Would You Answer This Question?
Published: Sat, 03/30/13
Hi ,
How are things going?
I hope you're doing well today.
So, let me ask you:
Now that things are back to "normal," how
are you doing?
I mean, how are you really doing?
Too many people, when asked that question,
will simply answer, "Fine," when that isn't the
truth.
It could be because they are a private person...
Or they don't want to be honest for whatever
reason...
Or they are afraid of the other person's response...
Or they just tell people what they think they
want to hear...
Or they want to believe it themselves...
Or they just don't want to go into it...
Or they don't think it's anybody else's business...
Or they are trying to believe it themselves.
There are many reasons for an inaccurate or
incomplete answer to the question, "How are
you?"
Supporters have told me that it's just easier to
answer "Fine," instead of telling the truth if things
aren't fine, because of one of the previously
stated answers.
Survivors as well.
If you ask your loved one how they are really doing
and they answer, "Fine..."
Yet you've noticed some symptoms in them and
know that they are actually not fine, you may
have to press them for an honest answer.
They could be in denial that anything is really
wrong, or be in denial of symptomatic behavior.
I talk all about denial in my courses/systems below:
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Your loved one, if they are still thinking rationally,
might not want you to know that they're struggling
because they don't want to make a big deal out of
it.
If they have crossed over into irrationality, say,
into a manic episode, they may actually believe
that they are "Fine."
Then it's up to you to tell if they really are or not.
The key is to have good communication with your
loved one, paying attention not only to what they
say, but also to what they don't say.
How are they behaving?
Is it their normal behavior?
Or is it bipolar behavior?
You know them better than anybody else, and you
should be able to tell the difference.
Even if they try to hide something, like the fact
that they're depressed, you might still be able to
tell by their mannerisms, or just the fact that they
are quieter than usual, or sleeping more.
You need to be as familiar with the signs and symptoms
of bipolar disorder as you are with your loved one.
This way you can tell the difference between when
they are in an episode and when they are not.
Be very vigilant, never letting down your guard...
Or before you know it...
You've stopped watching for signs and symptoms
of a bipolar episode...
And your loved one could be in one, which could
have been avoided if you had noticed their off-behavior
earlier.
I'm not saying to overprotect them or to smother
them...
I'm just saying to stay vigilant, or you might miss
something.
If you ask your loved one how they are really doing,
and they answer, "Fine..."
Yet you know they aren't, try to get them to agree
to see one of their professionals.
This way they might not have to go into the hospital
if the episode becomes worse.
What do you think?
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Well, I have to go!
Your Friend,
Dave
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