You have consistently expressed
your need for help with Bipolar Disorder and the relationships in your
life. We were listening and we are responding.
You are the patient, the person who has bipolar
disorder or the families, friends, and partners of people with bipolar
disorder. You are here because you have not given up or decided to walk
away; however, many of you are quite similar in that you are or have been
tired and exhausted by the control your loved one's illness may have taken
over your lives.
Crisis situations may seem hopeless but there are
options and choices, though some may be very difficult to entertain
at the time. Typical relationships certainly have their ups and downs, but
add bipolar disease to the mix and these issues are greatly accentuated.
You may be using coping methods that no longer
work or you may be in need of novel suggestions altogether. The truth is,
bipolar disorder is a relatively predictable and frequently treatable
illness. Family members and friends, while they hold considerable power
and control, are often the forgotten participants in the bipolar disorder
process; therefore, it is as critical to help them - those who are
available and willing to help as it is those diagnosed with the
disease. These are the goals of the "Bipolar Relationships" Column.
Send your relationship questions to David with
the understanding that by doing so you are giving implicit agreement to
Bipolar World to publish your letter and David's response (after all
identifying information has been removed). Further by submitting
your letter to Bipolar World you agree that you have read and understood
the disclaimers below.
To write to David choose the button on the left
link that says Contact David.