Is it bipolar behavior or is is conscious behavior?

The Bipolar Disorder Denial Dichotomy

This picture really shows what it’s like to deal with a person who has poorly managed bipolar disorder. One day they will talk- the next day they will yell. It’s no fun for the person on the receiving end. I have been there.

You try to help and they yell at you.   It’s like tip toeing around a mean animal on some days and then they are fine like a teddy bear on others. It’s part of the illness in many ways- but the person often has a lot of control in these situations and chooses not to make the steps to get better.

Bipolar is tricky.

There is definitely a form where people can’t see they are ill. Research says this is up to 50%. That’s a very high number.  These are people who honestly [ Read More ]





Posted on May 16th, 2013 | Category: Children/teens, Family and Friends, Family and Partner Coaching

My Mother and Bipolar Disorder

mom beans small 2012My Mother Rebecca!

I am the luckiest person in the world when I get sick. My mother is always there for me. I can only imagine what it’s like for her. I don’t ask her about it much as it would make me cry. She does what she has to do. When I’m suicidal, she reminds me to use my Health Cards. When I’m manic, she gets out my cards to remind herself what to do. Actually, she has them memorized now, so she doesn’t have to read them anymore. She helped edit all of my books before I sent them to the publishing companies!

I can remember being so depressed one day I rolled around on the floor sobbing. Imagine being a mother and having to see your child go through that! It breaks my heart- so I just [ Read More ]





Accepting New Family and Partner Coaching Clients

Writing books on bipolar disorder has been my career for over ten years. I enjoy writing and plan to do a lot more. (It can be a challenge when the mood swings are paying a visit, that’s for sure.)

Over two years ago, I started coaching partners and family members of people with bipolar disorder as an addition to my writing career.

I never, ever thought I would find work that I enjoy as much as I enjoy coaching. I feel at home with the parents and partners as I have been where they are- and I remain calm during the crises that many of my clients are going through while we are working together. Bipolar disorder is like a puzzle. It’s not always easy to find the right pieces on your own. It helps to have a coach as a guide.

My coaching [ Read More ]





Posted on December 31st, 2012 | Category: Children/teens, Family and Friends, Family and Partner Coaching

How do I know the difference between teenage behavior and teenage bipolar disorder behavior?

Is it possible for me to know the difference?

It can be difficult, but it’s not impossible.

It’s all about degrees- typical teens and bipolar teens act in similar ways, but not with the same intensity. And bipolar disorder behavior is ALWAYS out of sync with events.

For example, a typical teen who is angry may yell at you and run to their room and slam the door. A  teen with bipolar disorder may yell, try to hit you and then run out of the house and not come back for hours.

Another very important distinction- typical teens tend to calm down and go back to ‘normal’ once they have let you know how they feel. Teens with bipolar disorder can stay in certain upsetting moods for much, much longer.

A typical teen gets excited about life. A teen with bipolar disorder who is manic [ Read More ]





Posted on November 10th, 2012 | Category: Children/teens, Family and Friends

Accepting New Family and Partner Coaching Clients

Writing books on bipolar disorder has been my career for over ten years. I enjoy writing and plan to do a lot more. (It can be a challenge when the mood swings are paying a visit, that’s for sure.)

Over two years ago, I started coaching partners and family members of people with bipolar disorder as an addition to my writing career.

I never, ever thought I would find work that I enjoy as much as I enjoy coaching. I feel at home with the parents and partners as I have been where they are- and I remain calm during the crises that many of my clients are going through while we are working together. Bipolar disorder is like a puzzle. It’s not always easy to find the right pieces on your own. It helps to have a coach as a guide.

My coaching [ Read More ]





Posted on October 15th, 2012 | Category: Children/teens, Family and Friends, Family and Partner Coaching, Partners

Are you a parent of a child with bipolar disorder?

Parents of kids with bipolar disorder..

I often feel sorry for my mom. She has to deal with so much concerning this illness. I’m having a super tough day today and she knows it.  I always tell her what I’m going through.  I am very honest:  “I’m sick today.  The depression is really bad.”

My mom has used the Health Cards for seven years- this means she knows what I need, but it doesn’t make it easy. She knows I am safe and that I know how to take care of myself. But it must just break her heart to see her child so sick.

I’m lucky that she was willing and able to learn my system. It has saved our relationship – and my life! many times.

I have options, as we all do- when I’m this depressed. On some [ Read More ]





Posted on October 11th, 2012 | Category: Children/teens, Family and Friends
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