Archive for December, 2009

  • Keep the Kids in the Loop
    Parenting in and of itself is a very difficult task for many of us and if we are to make room for supporting health issues such as bipolar disorder, the road offers many more curves and bumps than we may have anticipated. After talking about such challenges brought on by bipolar disorder, such as unexpected triggers, episodes and cycle shifts…it might make sense...
    by Rich Wallace at December 31st, 2009 at 10:12 am
  • The Pains of Honesty
    At one time or another, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “The Truth Hurts”. As small as such a phrase is, the meaning behind it is blindingly powerful and although I believe that honesty is a keystone in any relationship as well as presenting integrity from an individual perspective, it is paramount when managing a bipolar relationship. If we start...
    by Rich Wallace at December 30th, 2009 at 08:12 am
  • How to Fail an Attempt at Sympathy
    Life experience is all about learning from our own mistakes and if we’re lucky, to come across a helpful soul willing to offer their own experiences and share their mistakes with us as well. At a very young age, I had a strong desire to help people in any way that I could once I crossed paths with them. I learned how to listen emphatically and really let someone...
    by Rich Wallace at December 28th, 2009 at 08:12 am
  • When Helping Turns Into Enabling
    The intention is always positive and the thought process revolves around protection and keeping stability. However, there is a very fine line between the actions that we take as supporters in order to help our loved ones and when we enable our loved ones to follow a potentially dangerous path. Not only can this cause more room for issues down the road for our loved ones,...
    by Rich Wallace at December 25th, 2009 at 06:12 pm
  • Holiday Stress and Bipolar Disorder
    The holiday season is a time for family and friends to spend some real quality time together, celebrate the end of the year and resolve to better ourselves over the next year. We like to imagine, here in the States anyway, lightly falling snow, festive music and traditions that have been passed along our family lines for generations. Offering gifts to our friends and...
    by Rich Wallace at December 24th, 2009 at 10:12 am
  • I Will Be Here the Next Time That You Crash
    Once in a blue moon, you hear a song that hits your ears that just seems to be written for you and you alone. I recently came across such a song that I couldn’t help but apply to my own feelings of how my role as a bipolar supporter fits in with my marriage. As with many of today’s music, the message is truly metaphoric and sometimes make you want to decipher...
    by Rich Wallace at December 19th, 2009 at 08:12 pm
  • The Little Things Make the Biggest Differences
    We can blame such media outlets as film, theater or the small screen in our living rooms on how it seems to require elaborate and sometimes, obnoxious displays of affection in order to let our loved ones know how we feel about them. We are wired by some of these scripted shows that a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates will always smooth out a forgotten birthday...
    by Rich Wallace at December 17th, 2009 at 04:12 pm
  • Success is a Team Based Effort
    As with any relationship, if it has any real chance at being successful, both participants must be willing to put forth equal effort into the partnership. Some relationships seem to go for the long haul if only one of the individuals is literally carrying both individuals along, but is this really fair and is there really any true satisfaction to be gained in this type...
    by Rich Wallace at December 15th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
  • The Power of Bipolar Irrationality
    Sooner or later, irony hits us all and when it comes to managing a bipolar relationship, just when you think you may have a decent understanding and workable plans to incorporate to handle just about anything…here comes the proverbial curve-ball out of nowhere. As much as I try to keep my topics and posts here on the site timeless and as applicable to many situations...
    by Rich Wallace at December 10th, 2009 at 10:12 pm