Maintaining and building relationships can be a struggle for those of us living with bipolar disorder. Check out these articles for personal stories, practical advice and tips on relationships.
While mood-stabilizing medications have long been the centerpiece for treatment, education and therapy that includes family support are essential for lifelong success. For years, many in the mental health field believed that treating bipolar disorder came only in the form of medications, and that therapy, family support, and education about the condition were far...
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If you are a friend of someone living with bipolar disorder, you can play the important role of vigilantly helping them watch for symptoms of depression or mania. By Martin Baker In a recent article I mentioned “red flags” that can alert you when your friend may be slipping into depression or mania....
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If you are having trouble forming new lasting friendships, improving your listening skills may be a new tactic to try. I’ve often wondered if I’m going to be a loner for life or it I can finally have a circle of friends. Making friends has always been hard for me. One of the reasons...
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It’s hard when your loved one living with bipolar disorder is ill or in crisis, but wellness can be challenging, too. By Martin Baker If your friend or loved one lives with bipolar disorder, it is natural to focus on supporting them when they are not doing so well, are ill, or in...
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Although you may be worried about a friend walking away due to your bipolar disorder symptoms, it can help to remember you share mutual trust. I have to admit something—I have a huge fear of wearing out my friendships because of bipolar disorder. I’m aware that sometimes being a friend to a person with...
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Anticipating how friends and family will react to your diagnosis can be detrimental towards your mental wellbeing. Regardless, remain proud– there is nothing wrong with you. By Julie A. Fast I often receive questions on Facebook that are so loving and kind and filled with such longing to belong. The decision to tell people...
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Feeling abandoned and unloved during a bipolar depression is not reality; it’s a symptom of the illness—and it can be treated. When I’m in an abandonment downswing, I think, “I am a worthless ant, a speck of dirt on this huge revolving planet. I’m completely alone!” The idea that I’m the last person on...
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Accomplishments, no matter how big or small, deserve to be celebrated. A week before my 18th birthday I was in a terribly dark place. I had been depressed for quite a long time, refused to seek help and believed I wouldn’t see my 18th birthday. When I was younger and asked what I wanted...
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Unless you have walked a mile in my shoes, there’s no way you will ever be able to understand what it’s like to have bipolar. I don’t know a single person with bipolar disorder who doesn’t have that one friend or family member who just doesn’t get it. They either have no idea about...
READ MOREAround three months ago my psychologist of two years stopped practice. It was a shock and something I had not anticipated. It might not be a surprise to some of you that I have chosen not to see anyone since. I was extremely close with my psychologist, she helped me get through the peak of...
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