Empathic Listening and Honest Feedback

While perusing the blogs and catching up on Twitter this morning, I came across David Oliver’s site again, which I’ve looked over a few times in the past and truly appreciate his offerings. One of his recent posts covers the importance of not only maintaining open and honest communication with the relationship, but also how the role of a supporter includes offering a solid foundation to bounce ideas off of.

While building and maintaining trust and strong communication within the relationship, we must place ourselves (the supporters) into a position where our loved ones can find true comfort in relaying their feelings and thoughts with us when it is most needed. David, which I agree with wholeheartedly, pushes that we must be well in tune with our loved ones to *know* when they are going through a bipolar related challenge, or if they are simply having a bad day. Too many times, people will just assume that when one is living with bipolar disorder, that they are not allowed to have a bad day here and there and every issue is related to the disorder.

Honesty and open communication goes both ways in any relationship, and I’ve pushed that many times here on TheBipolarSpouse.com not as a way to just remind people of using common sense, as most know how important communication is. However, at the same time, we do need to be reminded that even the small things can make a world of difference, and as difficult as it may be to manage a bipolar relationship, even the most basic tools of being open and honest can be forgotten at the most inopportune times.

Unfortunately, the stigma that comes with bipolar disorder will oftentimes ‘scare’ our loved ones into really opening up whether that be due to a fear of being labeled as crazy, others not offering a respectable chance to be themselves or being threatened with time in the hospital if the episode, or non-bipolar related issue is even brought to light. As our loved one’s supporter, it is indeed our job to instill that feeling of trust in the relationship so that when issues do arise, they know that they can talk and open up to us without repercussions or judging assumptions.

Although I haven’t gone through the entire site, just about any article I have read from David contains intense value and useful information. I highly recommend that you add his “Bipolar Supporter Blog” to your bookmarks and resources.

With a passion to reach out and to help others, Rich opens up a direct view into the trials and tribulations that come with managing a bipolar relationship and how to use real-world techniques to aid in stability and support.

Rich Wallace

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