Bipolar Disorder? Fixing What Is Wrong
Published: Wed, 09/16/09
Hi ,
How's it going for you today?
I hope you're having a good day.
You know, we go along our lives
expecting things to go right, don't
we?
We hope for the best.
There's an expression that says,
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Makes sense, doesn't it?
But what about when something
does go wrong?
Like if you feel sick.
You can't just ignore that.
So you go to the doctor to "get fixed."
Well, some supporters think that
if their loved one could just "get fixed,"
life would be much easier.
And it might be.
But you can't fix your loved one.
They aren't broken!
They are just a person who has a mental
illness.
So, call it a "broken brain," if you want.
They are still not broken as a person.
In my courses/systems, I talk about
separating your loved one from their
bipolar disorder.
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
It's important that you don't try to
fix your loved one.
It's important that you see them as
a person first, and a person with
bipolar disorder second.
They have the same needs as you
do.
Like kindness, understanding, and
support.
That's how you can be a good
supporter.
What if someone treated you like
you were sick all the time?
You wouldn't like that very much,
would you?
Well, neither does your loved one.
I think they would rather be treated
with respect and dignity.
They struggle with their disorder all
the time.
But if you concentrate on that struggle
all the time, too, you may just make
things worse.
What if your loved one has a bad day?
Just a bad day.
It happens to people who don't have
bipolar disorder too.
But if you are concentrating on their
disorder instead of them, you might
jump to conclusions and assume that
they're going into a bipolar episode.
Or if they seem to have more energy
than usual one day, or be in an "extra"
happy mood.
If you're concentrating on their disorder
instead of them, you might jump to
conclusions and assume that they're
going into a manic episode.
The emphasis needs to be on your loved
one and not their disorder.
Your loved one doesn't need to "be fixed."
They just need you to be a good supporter
while they are on their way to stability
with their bipolar disorder.
The best way you can do that is by treating
them as you would any other person.
Or how you yourself would like to be
treated.
You should know your loved one's signs
and symptoms of a bipolar episode by
now.
As long as they are not exhibiting them,
just treat them like normal.
This will encourage them to continue
striving for stability.
What do you think?
Can you separate your loved one from
their bipolar disorder?
Can you treat them with dignity and
respect in spite of the disorder?
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Well, I have to go!
Your Friend,
Dave
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