Some Ideas To Think About.

I think one way that a person could be of some help to another person that suffers from bipolar is to keep track of sleeping patterns, foods, and triggers. Now I know some of you will say, we don't live together - well you still could somewhat - think back has this person talked a lot about not being able to sleep?

Has this person mentioned when they finally were able to fall asleep?

Has this person ever mentioned that they haven't slept for a couple of days?

How about eating patterns?
After what foods does this person seem to feel worse? 
I have read that certain foods affect people that suffer from bipolar and as a friend, support personnel, family member, or co-worker maybe could point out some of the foods that are seen to be causing some of the episodes.

What are the triggers?
It is best to try and help this person eliminate as much stress as they possibly are able to. Stress seems to be a huge part of the triggers. It is best if you are able to try and help reduce these triggers.

How is this person feeling day to day? 

Ask this person to do the same.
If you start seeing a pattern talk to this person, and ask them if they have noticed the same thing.

Another part you could be of some help is to  be available for their Dr. appointments and offer to go with them if they prefer.

If you have known this person a long time you will already know most of the answers to these questions, and you will know if you are able to discuss these things openly with this person or not.

 I hope some of these tips will be of some help to you all.
Be strong. Be Happy. And Have Faith In Yourself.

Self Care

If you assist someone, have a friend, a family member, or work with someone that has bipolar one of the most important things to remember is to TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. If you don't you will not have the ability to give support or even the energy to cope with the ever changing moods. Don't be to hard on yourself when it feels like you are doing everything wrong and won't ever be able to do anything right. Because you know what? No matter if you had done what appears would have been right it more then likely would of been wrong right then anyway. I'm not saying that you shouldn't try and do what you feel is best at the time when an episode comes up, I'm just saying don't be to hard on yourself if it doesn't help the person any. It is all trial and error for all parties involved. Even once all parties involved feel that now they have figured it all out and know what steps to take, it all turns and then feels like you are starting all over again, but then there all of a sudden is a stretch where everything is going great and seems like you all are on the right road.

Where to Start?

I have created this blog for families that have loved ones or friends that are suffering from Bipolar. I know that this is not an easy subject or illness for any of the parties involved. The main thing is to know that there is help an support out there for everyone involved. The highs and the lows of the emotions are sometimes more than a person feels that they are capable of handling, but somehow you make it through anyway.