Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Healthy, Wealthy and Wise

I wonder what it would be like if everyone in the world worked at being healthy, wealthy and wise! I know what it would look like for me.

Healthy: Lose weight slowly and keep it off forever! Stop chewing ice! Work on my posture- ( as I wrote this I noticed I was totally bent over my computer!) Avoid situations that cause mood swings. Get plenty of sleep.  (As I reread this I noticed I was bent over my computer!)

Wealthy: Stop behaviors that create debt. Use cash. Think before I spend. Remember that there is PLENTY of money in the world. Help others. Save my money for a rainy day. Never let the government affect my money situation. Read wealth creating books.

Wise: Listen as much as I talk! Admit that I’m human when I’m cruel, mean or petty. Remind myself that ‘it’s an illness!” Lose weight, use cash, stop chewing ice. Say, “I’m sorry” and mean it.

What a great exercise. This comes from the rhyme:

Early to Bed, Early to Rise
Makes a Person Healthy, Wealthy and Wise.

I would add that a relentlessly positive attitude helps in all of these areas. I’ve certainly experienced a lot of setbacks in all of them due to this illness. That is really the main challenge. I’d be interested to see your healthy, wealthy and wise list!

Julie

PS: Here is what I think when I read this. HAHAHAHAHA!  Well,  I stopped chewing ice a long time ago. That is a good thing. I do work on everything else. 😉

PSS: I know it’s hard to tell, but that is not me in the picture.

Mania is so hard for a family to deal with because it’s so selfish. People in a manic episode can’t see the needs of others- or even to care about the needs of others.  Awareness just doesn’t exist.

There is also such a lack of insight the person can’t listen to reason.  This is why the manic person becomes the center of attention and takes so much family energy.

– Mania makes you think of how the world relates to you and only you.

– Depression can be very selfish- but it’s different. Depression can make you whiny, agitated and lonely- mania makes you noisy and bossy.

Bipolar disorder is a tough illness to deal with in any family.  I believe that families as a whole need a treatment plan. It has to be a family affair.

Julie

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