Raw Writing for the Real World of Bipolar

I'm Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Tue, 25 May 2010 13:11:00 +0000

Stay tuned to hear my story at Bipolar Vida.

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

Coping Mechanisms

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:02:00 +0000

My therapist recommended some stress coping strategies. Learn what they are and how the road is to bipolar recovery at my blog, Bipolar Vida.

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

Times-- they are a-changing

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:13:00 +0000

I can't believe it's been three weeks since my last post! Time is flying these days.

I'm heavily into my bipolar recovery phase. I'm doing things that I've never done before and it's working so far. I'm going into action mode and that's great. I feel like I'm actively working toward my goals. I'm feeling better and better every day.

Of course, life is testing me, but I feel able to cope with the negativity thrown my way. The positivity is taking over my life and I love it.

Please visit Bipolar Vida for more details on how I'm making these changes. I'd love to hear from you and see you there!

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

Still Fighting

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:50:00 +0000

I woke up this morning to find my bank account full thanks to the IRS! Thank god. We were running on empty. It feels so much better to have money again. At least that woe of mine is gone.

You know, it's so much easier to hold your head up high when things are going your way. I need to find a way to hold it up when things are pulling me down. I have to keep going and be stronger. I need to find a way to pull myself together when everything else around me is pulling me apart.

I'm still looking for answers, but until then I'll keep climbing.

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

HealthyPlace TV Show

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:39:00 +0000

Yesterday I was a guest on HealthyPlace's TV Show. We discussed stigma and how that effected me and how bipolar disorder effects me on a daily basis. I'll be posting the link to the show on Feb. 16th for those of you who want to see it. I haven't seen it yet myself, so I'm anxious to see how it came out.

I want to thank each and every one of you for your support. It's been nice to see some familiar faces over at Bipolar Vida.

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

Alphatudes by Michele Wahlder

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:33:00 +0000

Voice

In voicing our truth, we find the depth of our power.

-Michele Wahlder

I recently read Alphatudes by Michele Wahlder and I was pleasantly surprised. It was just what I needed in my journey to wellness. It gave me good insights into my journey. The quotes were inspirational.

One minor thing that I would note is that I'm 60/40 Agnostic/Atheist and the prayers that accompanied the notes were not for me. However, I found much to think about with the rest of the Alphatudes.

Check Amazon for a copy, it's worth a read!

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

Cravings

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:29:00 +0000

I'm having one of those kinds of days again. Not bad exactly, but not good. I feel lonely and anxious and today I wish I was normal. The sun didn't come out today and it won't come out tomorrow. I have to wait until Thursday.

I think I may have a major issue with light. I bought some full spectrum light bulbs yesterday and I've enjoyed them in my room, but it's still not enough brightness for me. I think that I need to get a light box prescribed for me. But I don't know if it will be enough. I just want spring to be here!

To feel the sunlight on my face, to bask in it's warmth, to feel my insides glow are the sensations that I'm aching to feel. I want the darkness to abate. I crave happiness. It's been so long since I felt true ecstasy during mundane daily life. I just want to be happy! Is that such a sin?

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

Anxietyville

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:26:00 +0000

I'm not sure what's causing my anxiety. I thought, last night, that it was because I had been feeling guilty over not purposely remembering my father every day, but now I don't think that's it. I cried and felt better, but today the anxiety's returned with a vengeance.

I took a Xanax and felt guilty. Why should I feel guilty? I'm not an addict. I just use it when the anxiety gets so bad. But the haters out there will point their finger at me and tell me that Xanax is as evil as heroin.

I've been trying to do our taxes without a tax man this year and it's hell. Language can be so obtrusive. A person can mean more than one thing with only one word. I consider myself a decently educated person, but I still don't get what they mean. I'm going to let my husband do the taxes. I'm through. I don't need one other thing sending me into anxietyville.

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

Anxiety is a Volcano

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:00:00 +0000

Anxiety hit me like a ton of bricks today. It's here now lurking inside my chest. I asked and pleaded for it to go away, but it will not listen. I'm having a bad week. It started with all the stress of trying to write my other blog, but it eased up this past weekend. And then it started again, slowly bubbling up inside me like a volcano. I find it hard to breathe. And I feel like crying.

Anxiety is usually a sign that an episode is coming. I don't want another episode. I want to feel normal. I want this bipolar to melt away. I want it eradicated, but that's never going to happen.

So, instead I will put on my classical music, turn off all the lights and sit in the dark until I feel like contributing to the world again.

What do you do when you feel anxiety pulling you down?

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

Loving HealthyPlace

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:00:00 +0000

My first blog (http://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/bipolarvida) came out this Monday and the response was great! I totally feel valued and it was nice to hear I was relate-able from some new readers. A couple of Bipolar Chica readers stopped in and I was excited!

However, it is an adjustment to working for somebody besides myself. There are deadlines and I freaked out a bit this past week. The fear that I wouldn't be up to snuff caught up with me.

I want this opportunity to be rewarding, not anxiety ridden. So, my plan is to stay ahead of the game and create, write, and edit at least a week before my deadline. If I'm more prepared then maybe I won't be so anxious. If you haven't checked my new blog, Bipolar Vida, yet, please do! I'd love to hear from you!

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness one blog at a time.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

Link to Bipolar Vida

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 03:08:00 +0000

Here's the link to my new blog, Bipolar Vida: http://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/bipolarvida

Please follow and comment! Can't wait to see you there!

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

Follow Me!

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:21:00 +0000

My new blog, Bipolar Vida, is out.

I need your help to make it successful. Please visit me and comment!

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

REALLY BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:30:00 +0000

I'm pleased and honored to announce that I've been asked to be the bipolar blogger for HealthyPlace.com, America's Health Channel!

I'm excited and nervous. I will be consistently blogging for HealthyPlace two times a week and doing audio and video blogs for them as well.

I hope you will be patient with me during the first few weeks. I'm quickly becoming engrossed with this new and wonderful project, but I will not forget my faithful readers here.

The blog, entitled Bipolar Vida, will be available beginning next week. As soon as it's live I'll post the URL. I hope you all will follow me in my attempt to find hope in the darkness of bipolar.

With much love,

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

You Gotta Love Bourdain

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:30:00 +0000

I've been sick as a dog with asthmatic bronchitis. So, today I've been ordered to take it easy and stay in bed. I'm watching Anthony Bourdain. He makes me laugh and hungry all at the same time. He's in Beijing in this episode and he decides to go to the chinese acupuncturist. The doctor tells him that is yang is too low and he eats too much rich food. His response? Yada, yada, tell me something I don't know. And then he promptly lights up a cigarette.

You got to love Bourdain. He doesn't apologize for his decadent ways. He doesn't apologize for drinking too much lighter fluid and waking up with a hangover. However, he does have the pleasure of traveling the world and trying it's delicacies.

I think I like Bourdain because I can live vicariously through him. I can live a life of exploration without having to worry that a bipolar episode will bring me down. I can camp out on my bed and watch cocaine burn and imagine the highness that that brings without fearing that a manic episode is around the corner. And if I see something on TV that makes me want sushi then I can indulge because sushi won't bring me down, it will make me happy. When Bourdain lights up a cigarette, as he so often does, I do feel a slight fit of anxiety that I will not be sharing in that delight, but I also feel a happiness that someone is experiencing what I can not.

So, Bourdain, if you're out there, thank you for the great experiences that I can revel in.

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

Guest Blogger | George Denslow's Divine Depression

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:30:00 +0000

One of my favorite things about being bipolar is when an empathy or “depression” phase finally passes and I am happy and functional again.

Today, I feel like I am back in the saddle of my life and not on impulse power only to take body through the motions of fulfilling obligations be it for social or job.

And the best part of the “depression”(I’ve currently misplaced my definition of depression in my mind, thank you for standing by while I explore my new awakenings on the subject), was that it was, I gotta say it, enjoyable.

I enjoyed my depression, so I can’t use the traditional definition any more.

Yep. I went private with my thoughts, took care of what I needed to physically, then instead of forcing myself to do or be more, I just cuddled up in whatever kind of nest or cocoon was available to me and enjoyed the food, distraction, and entertainment I could come up with(thank the distraction potato blob Gods for Netflicks Instant watch, OMG it’s AWESOME)

Anyway, where was I?

Oh yes, depressed in a cocoon, lovin it. Not all of it of course but more then I have ever enjoyed a bipolar down cycle before.

I didn’t detect any shame or judgment of me from me for not being “up” and highly connected.

I didn’t waste any energy trying to figure out why or what I did wrong this time to be so down so low for so long.

I felt completely safe. Dark thoughts yes, but comfort, calls to trusted friends, writing privately in my old fashioned paper journal, reading my favorite daily inspiration books, exercise I enjoyed when I felt like it, etc.

And when tears or overwhelm or what ever showed up, guess what???, I let it happen freely and fully for as long or short as it needed to. Sometimes I had to delay till my next break, so I could find a place(many tears have dried on my steering wheel). I also spent more time outdoors in nature then I ever have with a low, and deeply, deeply, appreciated this gift.

Did I stay in contact with everyone that I felt I had/should/supposed to? NOPE.

I just let it be, and figured when it passed I would pick up the pieces and move on. I am.

I listened and allowed, fears, insights, bugaboos, intuitions surface, be sorted out, explored, and many let go of.

Now I find myself not running from or pushing in front of me a wall of doubts.

I am grounded, assured, sorted, and much ready to tackle this New Year’s gifts.

Thank you God, for bipolar depression, and my ability to take excellent care of myself as I received the insights from a deep inward journey,

George

George Denslow, author of Living Out of Darkness: A personal journey of embracing the bipolar opportunity. Born and brewed in Alaska. Diagnosed with bipolar at 17. Discovered metaphysics while attending college, deliciously devouring life ever since.

I was interviewed for a Magazine and I liked it!

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Friends,

Take a look at the online magazine I was interviewed for: http://www.camhcrosscurrents.net/archives/winter2009/bloggers.html

It turned out well!

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

Medications or Life?

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Don't you ever just want to get off your medication? Sometimes I feel like it just isn't working and I've tried so many combinations. I try and try, but I just can't get it right. I'm tired of trying.

I remember my life before medications and I don't think it was so bad. Maybe I'm just discontented with the way my life is going. It seems like I'm on a road to nowhere and I should be on the road to somewhere.

I wonder if I should just get off my meds. I spend six months out of my year in depression. Of course, this year had extenuating circumstances since I experienced the death of my father.

I remember wanting to have an affair when I was manic. I wouldn't want to do that normally. I wouldn't want to wreck my family. Plus, my anger was out of control. I yelled at my children and I don't want to be that person.

So, I will stay on meds and try to work out a different combination. I think that I need to get off Pristiq and get back on Prozac. It always worked for me. The Pristiq makes me go too high and I can't sleep. I haven't had a decent night's sleep since my father died in late August. I just want to be able to sleep! I want the feeling of exhaustion that I feel every day to ease up. I'm so tired.

I just want to feel better. I'm due for a visit to the psychiatrist. I guess I'll have a good talk with her. Life has to get easier. It just has to.

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

A Life Wanted

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:30:00 +0000

My tears dry on their own. I've spent the last few days reflecting on my life. It needs improving. Only I can do it. I spend my days doing things that don't reflect on the changes that I need.

I need to be more responsible for my life instead of waiting for it to happen to me. I need to make it happen. I need to get out of my house and into the world. I find that my days are filled with fatigue and unhappiness. I don't want this out of my life. I want sunshine and vigor.

I know that I have to be careful not to do too much or I will be stressed out and that will trigger a Bipolar episode, but I'm so tired of being careful not to upset the balance. I'm unhappy with the way my life is going, so I have to try and find a new balance.

I don't know what's right and what's real anymore. I'm always tediously balanced on the edge of my Bipolar. Would I still be unhappy even if I got out more? There's only one way to find out. I don't want to live my life worried I'll be taken over by the Bipolar Monster. I just want inner peace.

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:30:00 +0000

I made it through the New Year! Last year was the hardest year of my life, but I made it! I grieved for my father and his loss was felt, but it was manageable. I must be stronger than I thought.

We had a quiet, but memorable New Year's Eve. We fried some shrimp, had some champagne. My husband and I snuggled in bed and watched Ryan Seacrest's Rockin' Eve and then Kathy Griffin on CNN before we succumbed to sleep. I awoke the next day ready for the New Year.

I made a couple of resolutions. One is to be a better mother and wife. The other is to take better care of myself this year. To get out of my rut and get out of the house more. I've always wanted to go to a writer's group. This year I vow to get there instead of making excuses. I need to have something that is mine alone so I feel like I'm contributing more of myself in other areas of my life.

What are your New Year's Resolutions? Share with us.

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question. Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

Holiday Break

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:30:00 +0000

I'll be taking a holiday break from posting until after the New Year.

Thanks to all my readers for all you've gifted me this year! I wish you happiness and peace this holiday season!

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

DBSA for the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:30:00 +0000

As the holidays approach, many are thinking about holiday traveling and last-minute Christmas presents. However, those with depression are faced with figuring out one day at a time how to get through the holidays without feeling down and alone. Depression Bipolar Support Alliance is a free non-profit peer-led support group for those living with mood disorders. Those who receive support from the group have depression, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress and anxiety. Family members or friends wanting to support their relatives or friends with the disorders also are encouraged to join the group.

For more information, click here. To find a chapter in your area, click here.

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

New Year's is Around the Corner

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:30:00 +0000

I'm trying to make it through the holidays. I just need to make it past New Year's then I'll attempt to get off my antidepressant. I keep thinking of my dad and how much I'll miss his visit this year.

The holidays are usually hard for me, but this year they'll be even harder because I don't have my dad's visit to look forward to. I'm thankful that I'll have family to spend it with. I'm sure they'll get me through this.

I've been thinking about my dad a lot lately. He always brought a bustle of energy into my house when he visited. We always had places to go, things to do when he was here. Last year was the best holiday we spent with him. He thought carefully about presents to the girls and to my husband and I. My husband got a guitar and the kids got a V-Tech Computer. I got a new watch. It was a beautiful holiday. We went to eat Chinese (his favorite) and then toasted the New Year at midnight with a nice bottle of champagne from Central Market (a gourmet grocery store). We toasted to brand new beginnings.

This year we'll stay in and make fried shrimp and toast in a quiet New Year. I'll miss my father's laughter and his boisterousness. But, I know he'd want me to enjoy it anyway and toast to life and the twists and turns it brings. Life is not easy, but it brings with it laughter and joy, too.

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

How to Beat the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:00:00 +0000

The holidays can be a difficult time. All the stress of finding the perfect present, enduring larger crowds than normal, spending time with loved ones are just some of the stressors tied into the holidays.

The best way to cope is to know your limits. Here are some helpful hints to making it through the holidays:

Keep it simple. Shop online to avoid long lines and crowds. A lot of places are offering free shipping right now. Take advantage of it and keep your stress under control by shopping at home, at your own leisure. If you're having family at your home for the holidays, make it a potluck. There's no need to stress yourself out by making the full meal. Get a pre-made turkey or ham at your local grocery store. All you have to do is heat it.
Take breaks. When your family is gathered and you need a moment, escape to the bathroom. Breathe. Take your time to gather yourself. You can spend as much time as you need in the bathroom. Nobody knows what you're doing in there.
Don't travel. If at all possible, have your holiday at your own home. You'll feel less stressed if you don't have to travel. The familiarity of your home will make you feel comforted and secure.
Listen to music. Christmas music puts you in the mood for the holidays. I highly recommend the AOL Radio app for iPhone or iTouch. There's a good variety of music available. Everything from old childhood favorites to the classics. Music always soothes the soul.
Turn on your Christmas lights. At night turn off all other lights in your house. Light some candles. Listen to Christmas music and focus on the soothing sounds. Sometimes one needs to relax and remember what's important in life.

The holidays don't have to be a burden. Take some time for yourself and breathe. The holidays are about family and friends and enjoying yourself. Everything else is secondary.

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

I Feel It All

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:00:00 +0000

I'll never go so far as to say that Bipolar is a blessing, but it's not as awful as I first imagined it to be.

Bipolar allows me to feel it all. All my feelings are intensified. I live life feeling all the happiness and sadness that surrounds my life. I don't get time to rest, but at least my life isn't numb.

Bipolar is a test of my strength. I may not always win the battle, but I can testify that I'm still here, my heart is still beating. I live with my heart on my sleeve. I live.

My appreciation of life is intensified during times of happiness. I appreciate my family because they keep me centered and fill my life with purpose. There might be snow on the path sometimes, but I know the sun will always come out to warm it.

In times of sorrow I appreciate my family even more. They keep me going, reaching for the sun. It may rain now and again, but the clouds will always be replaced by the sun eventually. My family reminds me of this in their smiles and laughter. I'm so thankful I have them. I would be lost without them.

I'm determined to win this war. I will battle every day, though I grow weary, just to know that I can do it. I can and will win this war. Everything and everyone depends on me to be a fighter. So, fight I shall.

A girl. Exploring the world of Bipolar Disorder one day at a time. Informing and educating the public about mental illness.

About the Author. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Share Your Own Bipolar Story. Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.

Guest Blogger | Angela Peterson's How to Cope When a Loved One Has Bipolar Disorder

noreply@blogger.com (Cristina C. Fender) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Disease is not good in any form, and when it’s mental illness that we’re talking about, it gets worse because we have no way to know exactly what is going on and if things will ever get back to normal again. We have a plethora of names for the various mental afflictions that beset us because of chemical imbalances and failing neuron connections in our brain. What we earlier thought was senility because of the natural process of growing old has now been relabeled with the terms Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. And we know now that people are not mad; rather, they are affected by schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or some other illness and so need to be helped and supported instead of despised and neglected. But unless we learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental disorders and get help immediately for our loved ones, we are at risk of losing them and our relationship with them.

Bipolar disorder is hard enough to live with, but when your loved one does not understand why you behave the way you do and that you have no control over your actions and words, life becomes worse than a living hell. So if you live in close proximity to someone who suffers from this mental illness, here’s how you can cope, with yourself and the affected person:

· Understand the disease: Unless you know all there is to know about this disorder, you’re never going to be able to understand why those affected behave the way they do. Learn what you can from doctors, books and the Internet and talk to others who are in similar situations. This is the only way you can be prepared for the mood swings because you never know when they may come on.

· Ensure that your loved one has medical help: If your loved one is already seeing a psychiatrist, ensure that they take their medication regularly because that is the only way they’re going to be able to lead a normal life. If they haven’t seen a doctor and if you suspect they may be acting out of character or subject to erratic moods, get them to talk to a doctor or psychiatrist. Sometimes, the symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder may overlap, so ensure that you talk to qualified experts and also get a second opinion before you begin treatment.

· Be patient: This is probably the most important virtue you need to cultivate when living with someone who is not in the best of health. You need to have enormous patience when dealing with someone who is prone to mood swings, who appears to be lazy and lethargic and who is unpredictable at best. When you live with them long enough, you begin to get adept at reading their moods and knowing how they will react. So be patient and let time do its job and be the natural healer that it is.

This guest post is written by Angela Peterson, who writes on the topic of online psychology degrees . She can be reached at her email id: apeterson8098@gmail.com