Bipolar? Creative Ways to Cope
Published: Sun, 06/21/09
Hi ,
How's it going?
I have had a bunch of problems recently.
It's hard saying on top of this organization
that is growing really fast.
Everybody has problems however.
Some people see their problems
as big ones, and some see
them as small ones.
Some people see problems as
an everyday thing we just need
to deal with.
I heard a negative person say
that problems are "a reality that
ruins my day."
Yet a positive person said,
"Problems are opportunities in
disguise."
Some people just complain about
their problems, while other people
do something about their problems.
The point is, we all have problems.
We just differ in the way we
approach them and in the way we
solve them.
Like take bipolar disorder, for
example.
People with the disorder tell me
their biggest problem is not with
taking their medications.
It's not with going to all their
appointments.
It's not with sleeping right,
exercising, or eating a healthy diet.
It's not even with dealing with
the stigma associated with bipolar
disorder.
The biggest problem that people
with bipolar disorder tell me that
they have is coping with having
the disorder itself.
Sometimes it feels like the disorder
has taken over their whole lives.
Even when they're not in an episode
they live in fear of when the next
episode is going to come.
In my courses/systems, I talk about this,
but I also say that if you're prepared for
it in advance, you don't have to live
with this fear.
SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/report11
SUPPORTING A CHILD/TEEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarparenting.com
HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.survivebipolar.net
But I asked some people to give me
suggestions on creative ways to cope
with bipolar disorder, and here are a
few suggestions:
1. Have a pet
A dog or cat gives you unconditional
love. even just petting them can
soothe your nerves when you feel
stressed out. And they're always
so happy to see you when you get
home (whether you've been gone
5 days or only 5 minutes!). How
can you be depressed when you've
got a pet?
2. Crossword Puzzles
Doing Crossword Puzzles or
Word Find Puzzles help you to
focus and keep those distracting
thoughts to a minimum. You also
feel a sense of accomplishment
when you've finished one. It's
best to do the easy ones (at least
at first) so you don't feel
overwhelmed or get too
frustrated, which would be
defeating the purpose. Be
careful, though, because these
can be addicting!
3. Coloring
I know this sounds like "baby
stuff" and yes, this is the same
coloring we did as kids, but many
people with bipolar disorder
have found coloring to be very
therapeutic. It keeps stress
levels to a minimum, helps you
focus and concentrate, and brings
out your creativity at the same
time.
4. Doing Puzzles
This is very good for focus and
concentration for people with
racing thoughts. You may want
to start with a fewer piece puzzle
at first, however, so that you don't
get frustrated or overwhelmed.
Remember to work the outside
pieces first (and the corners)!
5. Music or Art
If you have talent in either of
these two areas (or even if
you don't!), many people have
found it to be helpful to them
to do this - if for nothing else
than just to keep their fingers
busy. Some people find that
just listening to some quiet
music to be soothing and
calm their stress as well.
These are just some suggestions to
help with coping with bipolar
disorder.
Can you think of some more?
What are some creative things that
you do to cope?
I'd love to hear them.
PLEASE POST RESPONSES TO THIS EMAIL BELOW
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarsupporterblog/index.php/bipolar-creative-ways-to-cope-2/1886/comment-page-1/#comment-12307
FIND OUT WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT ME
Visit: http://www.bipolarcentral.com/testimonials
Well, I have to go!
Your Friend,
Dave
===>> Great Resources For You <===
Get Your Own Subscription To This Newsletter
Want your own copy of these daily bipolar
emails sent to you for F.ree? If so, visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/register3
Get More Help On Bipolar Disorder
Don't forget to take a look through the
different programs I've put together... each
one is designed to help you with a different
area of bipolar disorder whether you have it or
you are supporting someone with it.
You can see them all and get the details by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentralcatalog.com
View Past Daily Bipolar Emails For F.REE
Check out my F.ree blog with copies of emails
that I have sent in the past and lots of great
information for you:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/supporterblog/
Get Audio Information On Bipolar Disorder For F.REE
Check out my F.ree podcast. Hear me give
mini seminars designed to teach you information
you can't learn anywhere else.
http://bipolarcentral.libsyn.com