Bipolar has been terrible on my mom. She spent so many years trying to figure out how to help me. To be honest, I didn’t know what would help me before I started my Health Cards!
Things are so different now. Sometimes I get mad at her when she says, “Julie, you’re showing the signs of mania. You have to be careful. Are you doing something about it?” I taught her to ask these questions and it helps, but I often just think, good god woman! Just leave me alone!
I am a mess without her help though- she sees what I can’t. We are a team.
I still don’t think my father really understands me- we live in different states. But I know he is trying. He has read my books and says, “I’m trying hard understand this Julie, but it’s just not easy for me.” I appreciate his honesty.
I just realized that ‘we live in different states’ is a double entendre!
You have to teach your family what you need- and as a family member you have to educate yourself fully in order to understand this darn complicated illness!
Julie
PS: Growing up my dad was a submarine officer and then a pilot. He is a very interesting man. (yes, all of my long hair is gone!)
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Hi Julie,
I can relate to this blog about ‘training’ your family to be watchful bipolar buddies for you.
And when they get unnecessarily concerned, you become defensive.
I’ve done that too… Karen Tyrrell 🙂