Archive for ‘General’

  • A Quick Primer on Bipolar Disorder
    Thought this was a pretty good, yet summarized briefing on diagnosing BP…taken from CNN: Let’s start with the more general question of how one diagnoses bipolar disorder in general. Like all psychiatric diagnoses, this one is based on symptoms over time. There is no blood test or other definitive way to establish the diagnosis. By definition, bipolar disorder...
    by Rich Wallace at March 3rd, 2010 at 01:03 pm
  • Being There When Nobody Else Is
    There are many challenges that come along with a bipolar relationship including the unfortunate result of those afflicted with the disorder finding it difficult to build or maintain an effective support system.  There are people that are strong enough to offer enough support but choose not to understand why someone with bipolar disorder runs into issues that may not...
    by Rich Wallace at January 4th, 2010 at 06:01 am
  • Setting and Reaching Goals
    The New Year brings a sense of “Renovation” with opportunities to start the year with a clean slate.  Most people will set resolutions for the year with good intention of keeping them, but more often than not, those resolutions disappear within the first three months of making them.  Why? Change sucks… As much as we’d like things to simply stay...
    by Rich Wallace at January 1st, 2010 at 08:01 pm
  • 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
  • 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
  • Meeting the Psychiatrist
    One of the most important steps to take in order to locate the correct path of stability and recovery for those that may be afflicted with bipolar disorder, or any mental health challenges for that matter, is the first appointment with a psychiatrist. If this is the first visit to discuss options with a psychiatrist, make as much of an effort as possible to be there...
    by Rich Wallace at October 10th, 2009 at 05:10 pm
  • Mental Illness Awareness Week
    Although I’ve been involved in a bipolar relationship for a number of years, I’ve only recently truly embraced my situation as an opportunity to not only better myself and my marriage but to share some critical information with others that are either in a similar situation now, or will be soon and they just haven’t been formally introduced to this lifestyle. Many...
    by Rich Wallace at October 7th, 2009 at 09:10 am
  • Bipolar: You Can’t Take it Personally
    In a previous post, I highlighted the importance of not taking blame for a loved one’s affliction with bipolar disorder.  The more I research the supporting side of the illness, the more I see people willing to walk away from a potentially strong and loving relationship with someone with bipolar.  From reading blog posts, forum discussions, direct interaction...
    by Rich Wallace at October 1st, 2009 at 05:10 pm
  • My Loved One Is Bipolar, Now What?
    When one is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, unless the practitioner specializes in the disorder, the individual is sent out of the office with a pamphlet, a prescription or two and maybe a followup appointment or regularly scheduled psychiatric sessions and/or a psychological referral, if they are lucky.  From the point of view of a supporting loved one, unless you...
    by Rich Wallace at September 30th, 2009 at 09:09 am
  • 5 Most Common Bipolar Disorder Triggers
    Bipolar disorder on its own is frustrating and confusing enough, then we have to include the causes and triggers that can possibly push our loved one into an episode, either manic or depressive, although these events may seem to be day-to-day tasks and considered trivial to the non-bipolar community.  Although most episodes do not necessarily need a trigger in order...
    by Rich Wallace at September 26th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
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