Three Tips for Family Members
Three Tips for Family Members
1. Read, read, read: Knowledge about bipolar disorder is your number one tool. Read the DSM-IV diagnostic manual and learn about bipolar disorder. It’s only about ten pages- but you can learn so much! All libraries have this book in their reference department. While you’re there, read [...]
I used to hear these comments a lot:
Why can’t Julie just settle down?
Why is Julie always doing things that make her sick?
What is Julie’s problem?
They were often said to my mom.
My mom and I both know what to say now- we have educated everyone we know about the illness. The Health Cards helped as they [...]
1. Read, read, read: Knowledge about bipolar disorder is your number one tool. Read the DSM-IV diagnostic manual and learn about bipolar disorder. The entry on bipolar disorder is only about ten pages- but you can learn so much! All libraries have this book in their reference department. While you’re there, read about psychotic disorders [...]
This is my amazing nephew David. He’s six. I was pretty depressed yesterday. David came up to me and gave me a hug. I said, “Auntie Wee is sick today.” He said, “I know.”
Wow. That is pretty insightful. I said, “How did you know I was depressed?” He said, “Because you’re always depressed!” I [...]
Hi Julie,
I wonder if there is a way to find out if other people have started support groups for teens or families who have a loved one with BP?
People rave about the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) family to family program. People also get a lot of help from DBSA (Depression Bipolar Support Alliance). [...]
My mother is a genius when it comes to helping me with bipolar disorder, but it didn’t start out that way. It took her many years to know how to help me. I created my treatment program (The Health Cards) over eight years ago. There was definitely a learning curve for my family. When someone [...]
Bipolar Disorder and Friendship
I lost most of my friends when I was really ill with bipolar disorder.
That was over 10 years ago. When I started to get better through using my treatment plan 24 freaking hours a day! I thought carefully about the kind of friend I wanted to be. Here is the main thing [...]
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