Saying NO with Bipolar Disorder
Published: Sun, 05/09/10
Hi ,
How are you today?
I hope you're doing well.
Today's message is going to be for
both bipolar supporters and bipolar
survivors.
I heard a saying the other day which
I thought was really neat:
"NO is a complete sentence."
Too many people do not even have the
word "No" in their vocabulary, so they
get over-committed, stressed out, and
overwhelmed.
For someone with bipolar disorder,
this can even lead to a bipolar
episode.
It's hard to get your priorities right if
you don't know how to say no to
people.
It can lead to so many commitments
that you just can't do everything.
Then you have to let someone down
and you can even feel guilty.
One of the things I talk about in my
courses/systems is learning how to
set priorities:
SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
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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
This is important, especially when it
comes to bipolar disorder.
For many people, there isn't enough
time in the day to get everything done
that they want to accomplish.
These people are just TOO busy!
Being too busy can lead to too much
stress in their lives.
For someone with bipolar disorder,
too much stress can lead to a bipolar
episode.
It's very important to keep their stress
levels down.
As a supporter, it's just as important
to keep your stress levels down, so
you can be the best help you can be
for your loved one, and so that you
don't face supporter burnout.
Ok, so as far as setting priorities, goes...
The most important priority is
yourself.
Supporter, if you don't take care of
yourself first, you will not be able to
take care of your loved one.
That means that if your life is too
full of "stuff," you need to get rid of
some things.
You may have too many obligations.
If that's true, consider getting rid of
some of them, and keeping only those
that matter the most.
There may be too many constraints on
your time, and you may be rushing
around all the time, trying to get everything
done, which could be stressing you out.
If so, you may need to consider some
time management skill training.
You may be wasting a lot of precious
time just running around needlessly.
For the bipolar survivor, if you are
feeling stressed, consider that it may
be because you have too many
obligations in your life.
If you are still working a full-time
job outside the home, you may have
to consider leaving it.
It may be too hard for you to handle,
considering your bipolar disorder.
It is more important for you to have
less stress in your life.
You also, like your supporter, need
to prioritize your obligations and
responsibilities.
Keep those that are most important
and consider getting rid of some of
the others.
Remember that "No" is a complete
sentence.
Say "No" to new commitments.
Don't take on more than you can
handle.
The stress just isn't worth it.
Keep in mind that stability with your
bipolar disorder is the most important
thing for you.
And remember, both of you, to make
sure to leave time for each other.
What are some ways that you can
restructure your obligations and
responsibilities to take some of the
stress and pressure off your time and
yourselves?
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Well, I have to go!
Your Friend,
Dave
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