Blog For Supporters Of Loved Ones With Bipolar Disorder

8 updates and Current Bipolar News

2008-05-09T06:11:00.001-05:00

PLEASE FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS

Hi,

How's it going?

I decided on getting the news out
early today. Before I take off
for the gym.

A few things.

.5. (What's .5? well I forgot something and didn't
want to renumber. Sorry.)

People have asked me where all my programs are.
Here is a link to most of them. Not all of them
but most of them. I am working on having them
all in one spot.

http://www.bipolarcentral.com/catalog.asp

1. I am going to be doing a f.ree teleseminar
answering NON medical and NON legal questions
about bipolar disorder (since I am NOT a doctor,
therapist, financial advisor, circus worker (someone
asked), or dentist (someone wrote me their is a
famous David Oliver dentist. That's not me).

I will keep you posted. We have this new technology
to make this happen. As soon as we work out some bugs
with the system I will send a notice.

2. I may have positions opening up in my consulting
company for hedge funds and investment banks (what
I do to support this organization), I will be possibly
sending a link to a small segment of my list. Since
my list has grown so big, if I send a job listing
out it get filled super fast.

3. We are expanding into Borderline Personality Disorder
(which my mom therapist thinks she has and my mom's
doctor doesn't feel it's important for my mom to have
any other labels), along with schizophrenia. We have
a new person on the team with schizophrenia so we are
going to be writing articles in this area as well.
I will send you a link.

4. I am really tired today :) It's been a tough
week. We had a whole lot of difficulties to deal
with and three key people that work for me
are away. 2 are coming back on Monday so I
will have less stress.

5. I am going to be taking volunteers. Lots of people
want to volunteer but I don't have a system to
keep track of everyone. Someone who works for
me that has 6 different disorders and is
SUPER SMART gave me the perfect idea. I will sending
it out and if you are interested in volunteering
let me know.

6. Lots of people are asking again if I am
a real person. Someone wrote me a long letter
saying I don't have a mother. I actually called
my friend who is a scientist and asked if it's
possible that you can not have a mother. I think
he thought I was totally out of my mind. Everyone
knows I do stuff in the mental health field and
when you ask random questions they think, "oh geeze,
he finally lost it. I feel bad for him."

He said even if I was born in a lab which my
mom and dad swear I wasn't that I would still
technically have a mother.

The other questions I get is if I am a real person.
I am confident that I am real person. I have even
meet subscribers in person. Many in New Jersey.
Some in New York. One in San Diego. One in
a book store in PA. One in CT.

Finally I am asked how I have the energy to
send all these emails every day. Well it's hard.
There are days that I don't feel like it. But
I just do it. I have gotten use to it. It's now
part of my schedule like brushing your teeth.
It takes me up to an hour a day.

If you wonder why I sound stressed or rushed
well some days I am. It's not automated. I type
each one first thing in the morning and
send it out. Imagine that you had to subtract
a hour from your morning every morning 365 days
a year--including holidays. You might be rushed
or stressed.

7. I have a goal of adding 20,400 articles
related to mental health on a site. Actually this idea
was presented to me years ago. It was really
expensive and way more than I wanted to invest.
The articles will be free to review, read, print
off, etc.

It's a MASSIVE project. It will require up to
25 people working on it every week for a year.

Recently someone who works with me gave me
an amazing idea that will ultimately lead to
getting this done. I will keep you posted.

Hey I have to go.

Okay finally, Here's the current bipolar news.

To see the news visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarnews377

Here are some of the headlines:

Twice as many teens seek help for mental health
DO> Sometimes I think teens think having a mental
disorder is cool. Hmm. I am not sure if this is
good or bad.

Police get training on dealing with mentally ill
DO> Police are generally afraid of people with a
mental illness. I have lots of friends that are
police. One said they would rather go to Iraq then
go and deal with someone in an episode. I told him
dealing with people in an episode is not difficult.
He told me I was out of my mind :)

Signs of bipolar disorder
DO> You should now this but reread for a refresher
course.

Talking bipolar awareness
DO> Great article.

For these stories and more, please visit:

http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarnews377

POST COMMENTS TO THE NEWS HERE

==>Help with ALL aspects of bipolar disorder<<==

Check out all my resources, programs and information
for all aspects of bipolar disorder by visiting:

http://www.bipolarcentral.com/catalog.asp

Your Friend,

Dave

Bipolar lessons and Response to reader's comments

2008-05-08T08:21:00.002-05:00

=>PLEASE FORWARD TO FRIENDS, FAMILY AND LOVED ONES <=

Hi,

How's it going?

I actually have to get going fairly
quick.

I can't wait until next week when 3 of the really
smart people that work for me working in this
organization dedicated to helping bipolar supporters
and survivors get back. Three
have been out for the last week either
one vacation or doing personal things.

Yesterday I sent out an email on the dangers
of using the word "why" and bipolar disorder.

You can read it on my blog below again if you
like.

I saw some interesting AND thoughtful
responses (as opposed to responses that
make no sense which you might have seen
a few days ago).

josephine_mamo_17 said...

"Hi Dave,
I am normally a very big follower of yours
and i always appreciate the help that you give us,
whether we have bipolar or are supporters. i do want
to point out the danger to you in saying what you
said in your last email.

i found when i was with my partner, that even when
i was on stable mediacations and a great treatment
plan if i ever felt a normal emotion of anger or
frustration, he would not take me seriously and just
say 'oh its just your bipolar again'.

in the end i was always so afraid to confront my feelings
because i thought that i was off my nut or having an
episode just because i felt a normal emotion. i agree
saying stupid things like you owe a woman money in a
different state is quite crazy but to say 'there is no
why' is a bit extreme alsodont you think?in fact i
think it is unjust and comments like that are what
make people like me feel so isolated and alone in the
world.

no one will take us seriously if we all have
that mentality. i appreciate that you are watching
out for all of those who suffer crazy accusations,
but maybe just be careful with us who dont make
many accusations but still get told we are crazy
all the time."

Another person wrote something else:

TNJ Fish Enterprises said...
"hi dave,

I just wanted to say bravo! Many people don't
get it. Josephine I realize your anger but when
I pointed out to my husband how rediculous it
was to blame every emotion on being bipolar He
started looking for when I truely was bipolar.
When he started looking so did I and that was
scary.

I realized that alot of times I may not
have been in a full blown bipolar phase but I
did over exaggerate the situation to make myself
right. I want to say to david thank you so much
for all the words of encouragement with your help
I got back on track and started my own internet
b.usiness. I never could have done it without you
and my husband. I am happy that I can see what
is going on in my world(the world of bipolar).
I love feeling like I am back in the real world
again."

I want to clarify something. When I was talking
about the danger of asking why, I was referencing
asking why a person says or does something in
a bipolar episode--nothing else. I was NOT talking
about asking why a person gets off medications,
doesn't want to go to a doctor/therapist, doesn't
want to admit they have bipolar disorder etc. That's
a different why and I am going to write about
that soon. Not tomorrow because tomorrow is the
bipolar news. Probably this coming Monday. I am making
a note.

What I am talking about is this. Okay a person
is in a bipolar episode and he or she turns
into a different person. You are a supporter and
they scream and yell at you. Maybe they throw
a phone at you. Maybe they say you the bipolar
supporter are the worst person in the entire world.
Maybe they (in the bipolar episode), say that
you (the bipolar supporter), have done so many
bad things. They make up things, say horrible
things.

Now, the natural inclination to the untrained
person is to try to figure out why this person
is saying that to you. You may think, "could
I be the worst person in the world?" "Did I
do something wrong?" You start to second guess
yourself. On the one hand, you know you are
working VERY hard to help. But on the other hand
the person who is in the bipolar episode is hurling
negative things towards your way.

You keep asking why. Then you get almost depressed.
You just can't understand. You search for answers.

This is the danger. This is a waste of time. There
is no logical or rational reason (99% of the time).
It's just that the person is not themselves. They
need to get into treatment. To have their medication
changed or modified.

This is what I was talking about. Again I wasn't
talking about the other whys: why someone won't
take medication, go to the doctor, admit they
have bipolar disorder, etc.

Make sense?

Now to address what Josephine wrote above.

Here's the deal. Many bipolar supporters
have great difficulty figuring out what's bipolar
disorder, a normal emotion, or when a person is
in a bipolar episode.

To me, it's easy. In my courses below for bipolar
supporters, I talk about how to determine this. The
interviews in my course go into this in great depth.

This is a SKILL. It's like riding a bike. It takes
time to learn this skill. I can tell 95% of the time
when something is a normal emotion of my mom or it's
something related to her bipolar disorder.

My dad struggles with this. Why? Well it's because he
never had to learn it. He just counts on me telling him.
He uses me as a crutch.

My brother absolutely positively never understands that
people with bipolar disorder have normal emotions. For
example, one time someone cut off my mom, screamed and
yelled at her for NOTHING. For nothing. She did not
one single thing. How do I know? I was there. I was
SUPER MAD! I was ready to get his license plate and
repot him to the police and have his license taken
away for the rest of his life (which you can't do
by the way). Anyway, I was super mad. 100 times more
mad than my mom.

My mom was kind of mad. Not that mad. She told me to
calm down. I get mad at that kind of thing. That's the
way it is on the east coast. You cut someone off and
you can trigger world war 3 LOL.

Anyway, back when my brother was talking to us,
my mom mentioned it. She did so in a calm way
but expressed how she couldn't believe someone
would be so mean. I was still mad. My brother
made the comment to me, "oh there she goes
again with her bipolar."

I was like, "huh?" He said, "yea it looks
like she is going into an episode or whatever
it's called again."

I was super confused. I was like, "why?" He said
because she is mad about someone cutting her off.
At that point I realized how unfair my brother
was being to my mom and how clueless he really
was. I tried to explain to him but he never listens
to anything.

At that point, I realized I had to train myself
to know what's bipolar and what's normal reactions.

The bottom line Josephine is that it seems that
your supporter needs more training in this area.
He has to realize it's a skill and he has to
learn it. He has to be willing to do so.

That's the bottom line. The hard part is,
many bipolar supporters are too lazy to learn
the skill (half of my family). Know what I mean?

In my courses/systems below I cover how
to learn the skill of knowing what's a
episode and what isn't.

In my bipolar success course below for those
with bipolar disorder, I have a f.ree report
titled "How to get people to believe you."

SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/report11

SUPPORTING A CHILD/TEEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarparenting.com

HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.survivebipolar.net

Why do I have that report? Years ago I found
that for many with bipolar disorder it's hard
for them to get those around them to believe
them when something is serious. So I created a
system for my mom in case I wasn't around. The
system is outlined in the f.ree report.

I think that everyone should read TNJ Fish
Enterprises response above a few times.

It contains some great information. I don't
have time to go into it right now. But it's
all there.

Finally I want to say one last thing about the
danger of asking why.

There was a post on my blog where some had
some suggestions as to why someone who I don't
know, has never bought a thing from me, who lives
thousands of miles away would call me and say I took
a plane last night and stole $400 from them and the
flew back home.

The person wrote:
"maybe she felt influence in doing something
that probably cost her $400 and she regrets it,
so she has to blame someone."

I appreciate the suggestion but this is an example
of what I mean. There is no logical thing or reason
we could come up to explain what the person did.
She was not in her right mind at all. That's it. We need
not even spend one minute thinking about why a person
would do or say such a thing. They are not thinking
straight. There is no, "maybe she accused you because..."

Do you agree or disagree?

Your Friend,

Dave

===>> Great Resources For You <===

Get Your Own Subscription To This Newsletter
Want your own copy of these daily bipolar
emails sent to you for F.ree? If so, visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/register3

Get More Help On Bipolar Disorder
Don't forget to take a look through the
different programs I've put together... each
one is designed to help you with a different
area of bipolar disorder whether you have it or
you are supporting someone with it.
You can see them all and get the details by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/catalog.asp

View Past Daily Bipolar Emails For F.REE
Check out my F.ree blog with copies of emails
that I have sent in the past and lots of great
information for you:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/supporterblog/

Get Audio Information On Bipolar Disorder For F.REE
Check out my F.ree podcast. Hear me give
mini seminars designed to teach you information
you can't learn anywhere else.
http://bipolarcentral.libsyn.com

Reminder-The danger of "why" and bipolar disorder

2008-05-07T08:33:00.000-05:00

=>PLEASE FORWARD TO FRIENDS, FAMILY AND LOVED ONES <=

Hi,

What a day yesterday.

It was really strange. Okay, a few days
ago I was thinking how well my mom was doing.
I was thinking well what if this that or the
other thing happen related to bipolar disorder.

I said to myself, "wow we have a system a solution
for everything."

I felt confident.

Then yesterday morning it started.

I felt like I was getting attacked by people
far worse than my mom had ever been.

There was something that made no sense posted on
my blog. A person called my cell phone and demanded
that I take down all my websites because it "all
was a lie."

Another person said that I ripped them off 2 years ago
and they want m.oney from me.

This is on top of the woman who said that I broke into
her house stole $400. This woman lived thousands of
miles away, I didn't have her address and the cost of
flying to her state was $600. I asked her, "why would
I spend $600 to steal $400?" She said she didn't know
but she wanted $400 from me and she said I stole
her rent money.

Finally I got her to stop calling me after hours.

Some ask why I am frustrated sometimes. Others
wonder why I am rushed in my emails. When you have
all these things to do, when you have limited time,
you are frustrated and rushed sometimes.

Yesterday was seriously one of the worst days
ever. I am just being honest. Dealing with 3 people
who swear they are right and saying things that make
no sense is difficult. Especially when those people
start attacking everyone in the company.

But back to my stories. In all those cases, you could
ask this dangerous questions--"Why?" Why would someone
say that I stole their c.redit card and shipped
things to their house. Why would someone say I broke
into their house and stole $400 when they live thousands
of miles away. Why would someone demand for me to
take down all my sites and say that I am part of a
conspiracy to eliminate all people with bipolar disorder?

There is NO answer. The people that say these things
are not in their right minds. They are generally off
their medication or not following their treatment plan.

As a result, they can say and do absolutely anything.

Over the last year you may have seen "crazy" things posted
on my blog. I allow free speech and sometimes ill people
post things that are incomprehensible. I NEVER ask
why they do. I already know why--they are off medication
or not following their entire treatment plan.

The big mistake that many bipolar supporters make is
to ask "why did he/she do that or say that?" Did I
cause it? Why? Why? Why? Many supporters spends so
many hours trying to figure out the why. There is no
answer. Remember bipolar disorder is a mood disorder
and a person who is not following a proper treatment
plan can say or do absolutely anything.

The focus has to be getting someone on a good
treatment plan. Getting someone to a doctor who
is good. Etc.

In my courses/systems below I teach exactly
how to do this. It's complicated but it can be
done.

SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/report11

SUPPORTING A CHILD/TEEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarparenting.com

HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.survivebipolar.net

In my courses/systems I have spent a lot of time
figuring out how to counter what happens when
a person gets off medication.

Most of the ideas have come from people with disorders
themselves. You can never find or get this kind of
information from anyone but me.

For example, I have someone on my team that has gotten out of
many psychiatric hospitals and been off medications
for years.

Finally after wasting more than 25 years "gaming"
the system, this person finally accepted bipolar
disorder and followed a treatment plan and has
done great.

This person is one of my "go to" people to create
complicated systems to combat a person who
refuses to take medications and is on bipolar
disorder.

Anyway, this person volunteered to help me
develop a system for my customer service and myself
to deal with people I was dealing with yesterday.

I must say the system is amazing. It's currently
being refined. In addition to this person, 4
other people are helping to look at, improve
upon a system to deal with the worst of the
worst that we have recently encountered.

It's sad but when people do and say crazy things
that have a mental illness it undermines all
those high functioning people or functioning
people in society doing well. It makes them
look crazy as well.

The people who work for me get super mad when
people get off their medications and do crazy things
or say crazy things.

They feel that it makes it harder for them to
say that they have a mental illness.

This is true.

If I look at this organization. EVERY TIME there is
an event that has to do with a someone who has a mental
illness anyone connected to my organization contacts me
fishing around to see if I deal with the same type of
people.

Many times, many people don't even want to do business
with an organization that has people that work for it
that have a mental illness. Why? Because of all the
bad stories they have heard. Because of the people
who get off their medications and create all kinds
of problems in society. Is this fair? Of course not
but this is reality.

If the world saw all the stable and high functioning
people who are super smart, creative, etc. people
would want to hire those with a mental illness
not avoid them. The problem is, the people who
get off their medications and don't follow a treatment
plan do so much bad that they draw scrutiny which
causes people to be afraid. See the problem?

Yesterday some how my accountant found out what
happen with all the people I was dealing with.
He called me and tried to persuade me to not
work in this field. He said that the people
are dealing with are "dangerous." He doesn't
know much about mental illness except the bad
things he hears.

Anyway, I have to run but be careful about "why."
If your loved one goes into an episode, goes
off his/her medications they are capable of
doing anything. It won't make sense. You can't
have a reason. It's not your fault.

Don't spend time trying to figure out why.
Just like I didn't spend one second yesterday
or last month wondering why someone would accuse
me of things like I took a plane, flew to another
state broke into their house to steal $400 which
was less than the cost of the ticket in the first
place.

There is no why. The person is out of their mind
because she was off her medications. That's the bottom
line.

The person off their medications is capable of
doing anything or saying anything. Don't ever
forget that.

Your Friend,

Dave

===>> Great Resources For You <===

Get Your Own Subscription To This Newsletter
Want your own copy of these daily bipolar
emails sent to you for F.ree? If so, visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/register3

Get More Help On Bipolar Disorder
Don't forget to take a look through the
different programs I've put together... each
one is designed to help you with a different
area of bipolar disorder whether you have it or
you are supporting someone with it.
You can see them all and get the details by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/catalog.asp

View Past Daily Bipolar Emails For F.REE
Check out my F.ree blog with copies of emails
that I have sent in the past and lots of great
information for you:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/supporterblog/

Get Audio Information On Bipolar Disorder For F.REE
Check out my F.ree podcast. Hear me give
mini seminars designed to teach you information
you can't learn anywhere else.
http://bipolarcentral.libsyn.com

Sorry again, people wanted, Bipolar disorder and deadly mistake

2008-05-06T06:39:00.001-05:00

=>PLEASE FORWARD TO FRIENDS, FAMILY AND LOVED ONES <=

Hi,

How's it going?

I hope you are doing well.

WANTED

Really quick, I am looking for
success stories of those with addiction
and bipolar disorder.

If you are a recovering addiction AND have
bipolar disorder and are doing well, please fill
out this form.

http://www.bipolarcentral.com/successstories/

Okay now….

I have to say sorry again (I had to say it yesterday
as well).

Yesterday we just discovered that
some of the phone calls that we have received
in the last month were not being sent to
the right area.

This meant that some people didn't
get a return call.

I am really sorry about this. We fixed the problem.
Actually Michelle H (I have 4 people that work
for me with the same first name), fixed it.

Barbara is working hard to return all calls
she has logged.

If you called in, still have an issue and need
a call back, please call us back and someone
will get back to you.

I must say, I have learned a ton. I have never
had anything grow so fast and become so
big. It's required hiring lots of people,
investing in lots of technology.

It's been really fun however and I really like
doing it. The reality is, everyone on the team
loves what they do. If they didn't we wouldn't
do well or have a great site like we do.

Someone wrote yesterday or the day before
that some of my emails look "borderline bipolar."

It's really funny when I read that stuff. First, I challenge
anyone else to take on all that I do and do it without
being rushed someone days. There's a simple reason
why some of my emails come across being rushed.

Know what it is?

Well it's because I am rushed. I have 4 different
businesses and a lot going on. I have to send these emails
out and it takes at least an hour a day.

Imagine subtracting an hour a day and having to
do something like type of an email, send it out,
etc.

You probably would have days that you would
be rushed, right?

It doesn't make any sense to me when people write
stuff like that.

If you sit back and think about it, logically a person
can see that I put in a whole lot of work into this
but I have other stuff going on.

We try really hard to get everything right but
me have made mistakes. We have bought wrong
things. Make some errors. BUT, I have a phiolosophy
of you can't be perfect. I never beat myself up when
a mistake is made. I never get mad at anyone on
the team.

I see with bipolar disorder however, some people
make a deadly mistake and believe other wise.

This may come as a shock to you, but

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT!

Too many supporters have this
misconceived notion that they have to
be perfect, at least in the sight of their
loved one. They're afraid to "upset the
apple cart" if they share any negative
feelings with their loved one, or if they
even express their feelings at all. They
think that if they even offer an opinion,
that that's a no-no, because everything
centers around their loved one and their
bipolar disorder.

Boy, is that wrong!

I don't even know where that notion came
from, but it is very wrong. NOBODY is
perfect! And thinking that you have to be
perfect is setting yourself up to fail.
Nobody can live up to that kind of expectation.
All you can do is the best you can do, and
that's all!

I know some supporters have written to me
and told me that their loved one expects
them to be perfect, but that doesn't make it
right. They say that if they say or do anything
wrong, that their loved one screams or yells
at them, until they're scared to say or do anything,
for fear of upsetting their loved one. I know,
this happens in some households where the loved
one has bipolar disorder. It's true, but that
doesn't make it right.

These are the cases where you (the supporter)
have to sit down with your loved one
between episodes and express how you feel
in the most loving, supportive way possible
and talk about acceptable and unacceptable
behavior, and set boundaries, and then stick
to those boundaries.

Your loved one will be more receptive
to listening to your feelings and opinions
when they are between episodes. Don't
even try to talk to them when they are in
an episode, because they will not listen to you.

But let me ask you this – Is it your loved
one who is expecting you to be perfect, or
is it yourself?

Expecting yourself to be perfect will only
lead to burnout. You can only keep it up for
so long. You still have to meet your own needs
while you are meeting your loved one's needs.

You can't keep stuffing your own feelings, or
one day they will erupt and you will find
yourself very angry and in a fight with
your loved one. Stuffing your feelings is
not the answer.

In my courses/systems, I have several
teachings on how to deal with your feelings,
especially the negative ones:

SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/report11

SUPPORTING A CHILD/TEEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarparenting.com

HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.survivebipolar.net
Trying to be perfect is not an ideal
you can live up to, no matter how much
you want to. You are trying to be
someone you can't be. It will cause
you to secretly resent your loved one,
and will lead to a strained relationship.
There will be tension between you.
Eventually it will stress you out.

Supporters who do this will take on
too much responsibility – including
responsibility that should be their
loved one's – in their quest to be the
perfect supporter. They will hide their
concerns behind a mask of "Everything's
ok" (even when it isn't).

Unfortunately, this "perfect supporter"
will try to be Superman (and fail miserably).

Eventually their systems will break down,
and they will run out of steam. Then they
will be no good as a supporter for their
loved one. Remember – no one is perfect.
So stop trying to be!

You need to accept your flaws. You need
to know that you're going to make mistakes –
that's just a part of learning how to help your
loved one manage their disorder. And if they
do go into another episode, well, that is NOT
your fault! Just like it's NOT your fault that
they have bipolar disorder in the first place!
You couldn't stop them from getting the
disorder, and you can't stop it from flaring up
at times, either. It's not under your control.

If you're expecting perfection from yourself,
chances are you're expecting perfection
from your loved one as well, and that will
be a dismal failure, because they're not perfect
either. Especially if they're newly diagnosed
with bipolar disorder. Their flaws are probably
glaring right now. They're probably struggling
with this diagnosis, and looking to you for help.
And you won't be any help to them if you're
trying to be Superman.

If this has described you, then take a break
from perfection. Give yourself permission to be
human. It's OK to NOT be perfect! Join
the rest of the world of NON-perfect people.

You can only do the best that you can, and
that's all right!

Your Friend,

Dave

===>> Great Resources For You <===

Get Your Own Subscription To This Newsletter
Want your own copy of these daily bipolar
emails sent to you for F.ree? If so, visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/register3

Get More Help On Bipolar Disorder
Don't forget to take a look through the
different programs I've put together... each
one is designed to help you with a different
area of bipolar disorder whether you have it or
you are supporting someone with it.
You can see them all and get the details by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/catalog.asp

View Past Daily Bipolar Emails For F.REE
Check out my F.ree blog with copies of emails
that I have sent in the past and lots of great
information for you:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/supporterblog/

Get Audio Information On Bipolar Disorder For F.REE
Check out my F.ree podcast. Hear me give
mini seminars designed to teach you information
you can't learn anywhere else.
http://bipolarcentral.libsyn.com

Instant Oatmeal and Bipolar Disorder

2008-05-04T22:12:00.003-05:00

=>PLEASE FORWARD TO FRIENDS, FAMILY AND LOVED ONES <=

Hi,

You know, sometimes I get my topics
from the weirdest places. Like today,
I was just making my oatmeal, and it
gave me an idea for today's topic.

Well, my oatmeal tastes terrible, because
it's NOT cooked and in water. It's part of
my very sad and bland diet this week.

It took me time to get used to eating a
certain way. I was thinking about this
and then thinking about instant oatmeal
and how it took me time to be able to eat
like this.

I was thinking about how some people
want instant success with bipolar disorder
and want to figure it out all right away.
It takes time to learn how to manage bipolar
disorder and to be a good supporter.

Yet some still want instant success.
Maybe it's because society itself is spoiled
and pushes instant everything:

We live in an "instant" society:

We have instant drink mix.

We have instant lottery (scratch-off
cards).

We have instant pictures (from cell
phones).

We have instant cash (from ATMs).

We even have instant weddings
(from drive-through wedding
chapels)!

The whole country's young people
have been raised in an "instant",
have-it-now society.

Bipolar disorder is normally
diagnosed between the ages of 17-21.
So is it any wonder that these newly
diagnosed people want to have instant
stability and success as easily as my
instant oatmeal (bland though it might
be?)

I teach that nothing concerning
bipolar disorder is easy – you have
to have systems in place – it all takes
time and effort. That's what my
courses/systems are all about:

SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/report11

SUPPORTING A CHILD/TEEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarparenting.com

HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.survivebipolar.net

The point is that nothing is easy.
You just don't get instant success with
bipolar disorder. You have to work at
managing the disorder, and it takes time
to learn everything you have to learn,
to practice the systems you have to
develop, to work through the issues
surrounding your bipolar disorder, etc.

You don't just fly through the medications,
expecting nothing to go wrong, to find the
right doctor right away, to get stable in
just a couple weeks, to expect the bipolar
disorder to go away on its own
without any effort or time on your part.
That just isn't feasible, no matter how
deep the impression of "instant"
anything is in your brain!

You need to retrain yourself to believe
that nothing is easy in life, especially
when it comes to bipolar disorder.

You have to take the time to learn
everything you can about the disorder.
You have to take the time to get your
medications right, especially if you
have side effects from them. You
need to work with your doctor on
dosages and sometimes have to
switch medications to find the ones
that are right for you.

If you are supporting a loved one
with the disorder, you don't just
jump right in and expect them to
be better overnight, thinking that
all you have to do is be there if
they need you. You have a very
active part in the management of
their disorder, and in whether they
get better sooner rather than later.

You help them with their medications.
You help them get to their appointments.
You be supportive, understanding and
caring. If they do go through an episode,
you have to help guide them back to
stability. That alone takes a lot out of you.
That most certainly is NOT instant.

You have to watch for patterns, watch
for triggers that might set off a bipolar
episode. You have to do quite a bit.
And you still have to take care of
yourself in the process. Because if you
don't take care of yourself, you can't
take care of your loved one.

So, in this society of "instant oatmeal,"
you have to remember that some
things take time. Like recovery
from bipolar disorder. That takes
time, and a lot of patience. But
it's worth it, if it leads to long-
term stability.

Your Friend,

Dave

===>> Great Resources For You <===

Get Your Own Subscription To This Newsletter
Want your own copy of these daily bipolar
emails sent to you for F.ree? If so, visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/register3

Get More Help On Bipolar Disorder
Don't forget to take a look through the
different programs I've put together... each
one is designed to help you with a different
area of bipolar disorder whether you have it or
you are supporting someone with it.
You can see them all and get the details by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/catalog.asp

View Past Daily Bipolar Emails For F.REE
Check out my F.ree blog with copies of emails
that I have sent in the past and lots of great
information for you:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/supporterblog/

Get Audio Information On Bipolar Disorder For F.REE
Check out my F.ree podcast. Hear me give
mini seminars designed to teach you information
you can't learn anywhere else.
http://bipolarcentral.libsyn.com

Truth about Good friends and bipolar disorder

2008-05-03T17:32:00.001-05:00

=>PLEASE FORWARD TO FRIENDS, FAMILY AND LOVED ONES <=

Hi,

What's going on?

How are you.

I hope you are doing well.

You know Michele who works for me,
well, we were talking about how you can
tell who a real friend is, and, well… I'll
just let her tell you herself:
------------------------------

"I think a real friend is someone who will
stick by your side no matter what, and
will never hurt you. I know how simplistic
that sounds, but it really is a big deal.

See, I have bipolar disorder. And I used
to go into manic episodes a lot. And when
I would, I would talk. A lot! And to who-
ever would listen, about whatever I would
think of to talk about. It didn't matter, I
thought I was just being friendly. Very
friendly!

I used to think these people were my
friends. But then I got really hurt by one
of them – she stole my car, $2000 from
my bank account, and some of my
prescription medication.

It was a hard lesson to learn. I really
thought she was my friend.

Here's the difference. Bill and I were
best friends for 5 years before we got
married. He's been through all my
episodes with me, manic or depressed.

He has listened to me talk his ear off
when I've been manic, and held me when
I've cried when I've been depressed.

He's never once taken advantage of me,
even when he had the opportunity to,
many times.

He's just always been there for me.

Bill would never do anything to hurt
me. Now, I'm not saying to marry your
best friend or anything – our friendship just
kind of worked out that way! But he has
proven himself to be the best friend I've
ever had.

It's been hard to make other friendships,
though, because he's a hard act to follow.
He's a high standard to weigh other
potential friends against."

Michele
-----------------------------

In my courses and systems, I talk
about having a good support system
and who should go into it; including
friends and loved ones:

SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/report11
SUPPORTING A CHILD/TEEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarparenting.com

HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.survivebipolar.net

I think it's important to learn from Michele's
story. Not to say that everyone should marry
their best friend, of course not!

But that everyone should have a standard that
they should follow in choosing their friends.
Especially with bipolar disorder. That's when
you know who your true friends really are –
like when Michele said that even in her bipolar
episodes, Bill stuck with her. Now that's a
good friend.

Your friend,

Dave

===>> Great Resources For You <===

Get Your Own Subscription To This Newsletter
Want your own copy of these daily bipolar
emails sent to you for F.ree? If so, visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/register3

Get More Help On Bipolar Disorder
Don't forget to take a look through the
different programs I've put together... each
one is designed to help you with a different
area of bipolar disorder whether you have it or
you are supporting someone with it.
You can see them all and get the details by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/catalog.asp

View Past Daily Bipolar Emails For F.REE
Check out my F.ree blog with copies of emails
that I have sent in the past and lots of great
information for you:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/supporterblog/

Get Audio Information On Bipolar Disorder For F.REE
Check out my F.ree podcast. Hear me give
mini seminars designed to teach you information
you can't learn anywhere else.
http://bipolarcentral.libsyn.com

Shocking attack on David Oliver about bipolar disorder

2008-05-03T08:01:00.000-05:00

=>PLEASE FORWARD TO FRIENDS, FAMILY AND LOVED ONES <=

Hi,

What's new?

I hope you are doing well.

I wanted to tell you about how someone
verbally attacked me about a major
issue related to bipolar disorder.

Before I tell you, I wanted to tell you
what's going on with me.

I finally have got almost caught up
from my trip to California. Yesterday
I worked from 7:00am to 1:00am with
just a few breaks and this morning I got
up at 6:00am and have been working until
9:00am.

Why do I do this? Well it's because I have
a lot to do and I really like working in this
field.

Speaking of working in this field. Someone
called me yesterday and said that I hadn't
mentioned that I wasn't a doctor in about a
week. He was making a joke.

So….

IMPORTANT NOTICE

I am NOT a doctor, therapist, financial
advisor, lawyer and nothing I say should
be taken as medical or legal advice.

Okay, today I am going to contact
all the people who have been trying to contact
me. For some reason I have people who are
writing me and it's confusing.

I got a certified letter in the mail from someone
who had a sheet of paper with their name and
address. Nothing else. I have no idea what this
means.

I have many letters that are really hard to follow.
I am going to write everyone back and ask for more
information.

Also, we have some really big plans on things
that are going to help you with bipolar disorder.
Next week I will be sending out an update. Lots
of great things. Many of them totally f.ree.

Okay.

I was talking to someone the other
day, and he said, "Doctors suck."

He said that I was a bad person
for promoting doctors. He said
that I was misleading people.

I waited to hear what else he was
going to say.

Of course I was interested, because you don't
just come out with a comment like
that out of the blue without having
something else to follow it with.

So I asked him about it and it turns
out he was talking about doctors
who treat patients for bipolar disorder
(no great surprise there, figuring he
probably had bipolar disorder).

I asked him why he felt that way,
and he said that they messed him
up with his bipolar disorder.

I asked him how. That was my
mistake. Because what followed
was a 25 MINUTE explanation
of exactly how they did this.

After 25 minutes of talking to me, I
came to discover that:

1. This person didn't take his
medications consistently.

2. He did "a little" drugs.

3. He drank "every now
and then."

4. He didn't follow a plan.

5. He wants to blame it all
on the doctor.

So now the truth comes out. Is this
really all the doctor's fault?

He does all this wrong behavior,
and then says, "Doctors suck."

Now I don't believe him, where
I might have believed him at first
BEFORE I knew all the facts.

See why it's so important to know
ALL the facts before jumping to a
conclusion?

Even if he was right, I still would
have taken everything with a grain
of salt, because I've spent a whole
bunch of time researching this very
topic, and included it in my courses
along with a whole system on
how to find a good doctor:

SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/report11

SUPPORTING A CHILD/TEEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarparenting.com

HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.survivebipolar.net

Yes, there are good doctors and
there are bad doctors.

But you have a responsibility, too,
in whether your doctor is a good one
or a bad one towards you.

Part of it is how you act towards
your doctor. Your attitude.

Like this guy said his doctor
"messed up" his bipolar disorder.
But he didn't really say how.

How can your doctor "mess up"
your bipolar disorder?

Well, first of all, he can't do it
if you're actively managing your
disorder.

Because if you're actively
managing your bipolar disorder,
(if you're helping your loved
one to mange their disorder), then
you're including your doctor as a
part of your support system (team),
and you should be working hand-
in-hand with him, with a good
relationship.

Second of all, if you go into doctor
appointments with your loved one,
and your attitudes are good ones,
and you don't go in with a bad
attitude, or a negative one,
expecting a negative attitude
back from your doctor, the
visit should be a positive one
and he's definitely NOT going to
"mess up" your bipolar disorder.

The reason this guy thinks his
bipolar disorder got "messed
up" was not his doctor's fault –
it was his. HE was the one
doing all the things he shouldn't
be doing, and then blaming them
on the doctor.

One of the most important things
you need to do to establish a good
relationship with your doctor is to be
HONEST. At all times. Whether it's
about your medications and its side
effects, or your bipolar disorder and
its mood swings, triggers, and/or
patterns you might be seeing that
might indicate an episode coming on.

Your doctor is NOT a mind reader.
He can only help you if you help
him to help you. This guy was just
an accident waiting to happen. He
was doing all the WRONG things.
And, like I said, then he was
blaming his doctor for it.

You don't have to do that. If you
do all the right things, you should
have no reason to blame your doctor
for anything. You should have a
good relationship with your doctor;
therefore, you should have a good
doctor, one who is part of your team
of medical/mental professionals who
will help you to manage the bipolar
disorder.

So don't drink, don't do drugs,
take your medication, and follow
your plan. All the things that this
guy DIDN'T do. And you should
be ok.

Do you think I am a "fool" like this
person suggested?

Hey, I have to go to the gym. I just looked
at the clock. I have to do an hour of low intensity
cardio.

Catch you tomorrow. Let me know what you think.

Your Friend,

Dave

===>> Great Resources For You <===

Get Your Own Subscription To This Newsletter
Want your own copy of these daily bipolar
emails sent to you for F.ree? If so, visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/register3

Get More Help On Bipolar Disorder
Don't forget to take a look through the
different programs I've put together... each
one is designed to help you with a different
area of bipolar disorder whether you have it or
you are supporting someone with it.
You can see them all and get the details by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/catalog.asp

View Past Daily Bipolar Emails For F.REE
Check out my F.ree blog with copies of emails
that I have sent in the past and lots of great
information for you:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/supporterblog/

Get Audio Information On Bipolar Disorder For F.REE
Check out my F.ree podcast. Hear me give
mini seminars designed to teach you information
you can't learn anywhere else.
http://bipolarcentral.libsyn.com

Current Bipolar News

2008-05-02T09:01:00.000-05:00

PLEASE FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS

Hi,

How's it going?

I hope you are doing well.

Here's the current bipolar news.

To see the news visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarnews376

Here are some of the headlines:

Bipolar disorder: 'It's nothing to be ashamed of'
DO> This is totally true. In my company it's an
asset.

'Trip' an involving look at mental illness
DO> Hmm. What do you think of this?

Coping with bipolar disorder
DO> Pretty good article.

Friday walk raises suicide awareness
DO> This is great.

For these stories and more, please visit:

http://www.bipolarcentral.com/bipolarnews376

POST COMMENTS TO THE NEWS HERE

==>Help with ALL aspects of bipolar disorder<<==

Check out all my resources, programs and information
for all aspects of bipolar disorder by visiting:

http://www.bipolarcentral.com/catalog.asp

Your Friend,

Dave

Bipolar Disorder? Want to lose weight?

2008-05-01T14:53:00.000-05:00

Hi,

How's it going?

I was talking earlier this morning
about weight loss and many people
mentioned that they needed help
with how to lose weight if you
have bipolar disorder.

Good news.

I had a program called:
the Amazing Fat Burning Formula for
those with bipolar disorder.

For more information visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/amazingfatburningformula/

Dave

Make sure you do this with bipolar disorder

2008-05-01T09:04:00.001-05:00

=>PLEASE FORWARD TO FRIENDS, FAMILY AND LOVED ONES <=

Hi,

How's it going?

I just got back from the gym.

Sorry for getting this out so late to you.

Speaking of the gym, tons of people have
written me about how they can lose
w.eight with bipolar disorder.

I actually have some great strategies.
I might send some stuff out on this.

Anyway let's jump into today's topic, there
is a philosopher who said that to a
great degree the measure of our peace of
mind is directly proportional to the amount
of time we are able to spend in the present
moment.

I like this philosophy because, of course,
I like equations. So if something is in
proportion to something else, I would like
that.

So you've got peace of mind on one side of
the equation, and you've got time spent in
the present moment on the other side of
the equation.

Ok, I can see that, can't you? Kind of like
the balancing scales of the astrological
sign Libra, or the sign we have for law.

And you can tip these scales either way.

So, say you start worrying about tomorrow.

Well, first of all, tomorrow isn't here yet,
and like I say in my courses a lot, you need
to re-train your emotional self to live in
the moment, not to dwell on the past or
to worry about the future, because it
will make you as sick as your loved one
with bipolar disorder:

SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/report11

SUPPORTING A CHILD/TEEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarparenting.com

HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.survivebipolar.net

But the point is, if you tip the scales
heavy on the side of worrying too much
about tomorrow, you are not living in
the present moment and the other side of the
scale is going to tip lighter, meaning that
you will LOSE some of your peace of mind.

And, well, it goes to follow that you just
can't have TOO MUCH peace of mind,
so the scales will never tip too much on
that side!

But what you want to do is to have a
balance, so that the scales just won't
tip at all on the side of worrying,
or any other negative thing that will
cause the side of peace of mind to
lessen, or for you to lose any of your
precious peace of mind.

So how do you do this?

First of all, like you learn in my courses
and systems, you try to be a more
positive person. And you can do this
through practicing positive
affirmations, replacing negative
thoughts with positive ones, all the
ways to practice being in the present
moment (and making that moment
a positive one).

But the point is, you have to do
Something! You can't just expect
that the scales will always remain
balanced if you do nothing.

Remember back when we learned
to be PROactive instead of
REactive? You have to do something
positive to keep your peace of mind
scales in balance.

Do things that make you feel good
about yourself. Eat right. Exercise.
Practice good sleep habits. Do the
Mirror Exercise. Use positive
affirmations.

Practice relaxation
and stress-relief exercises. Do
hobbies and fun things in your life.

Make this present moment an
excellent moment to be in!

Hey I have to run and get some work done.
Catch you tomorrow.

Your Friend,

Dave

===>> Great Resources For You <===

Get Your Own Subscription To This Newsletter
Want your own copy of these daily bipolar
emails sent to you for F.ree? If so, visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/register3

Get More Help On Bipolar Disorder
Don't forget to take a look through the
different programs I've put together... each
one is designed to help you with a different
area of bipolar disorder whether you have it or
you are supporting someone with it.
You can see them all and get the details by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/catalog.asp

View Past Daily Bipolar Emails For F.REE
Check out my F.ree blog with copies of emails
that I have sent in the past and lots of great
information for you:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/supporterblog/

Get Audio Information On Bipolar Disorder For F.REE
Check out my F.ree podcast. Hear me give
mini seminars designed to teach you information
you can't learn anywhere else.
http://bipolarcentral.libsyn.com

Huge mistake made with bipolar disorder revealed inside

2008-04-30T08:18:00.002-05:00

=>PLEASE FORWARD TO FRIENDS, FAMILY AND LOVED ONES <=

Hey,

How's it going?

I wanted to tell you a few things
before we got started on today's
bipolar topic.

What a few days it has been. Since I got
back from my trip to California I have been
faced with a number of problems.

Fortunately I have an incredible team that
has been able to solve about 90%
of them in just a few days.

Here's the thing, I have found that
for whatever reason the person who has
one or more disorders who is stable
is capable of doing incredible things.

I have a number of people who work for me
now that have everything from adhd, bipolar,
schizophrenia, depression, a personality disorder
former problems with various addictions.

These individuals when under the right
treatment plan can do very well.

I have concluded that having a mental illness
can be a huge asset if managed properly.

I have again seen hands down that people
with a mental illness have the ability to
do much more, faster and better than many
who don't have one. It's kind of amazing.

I actually have really bad "heat rash" which
is kind of like sunburn. I have no idea, it
wasn't like I was hanging out on the beaches
of California. The only thing I did was do
my morning cardio on the streets. I guess
by walking for 1 hour every morning I got
too much sun. Now my neck and face is super
itchy.

It takes like 2 weeks for this to go away.
It's really annoying :)

One last thing until we jump into today's
topic. I know, I owe a number of people phone
calls back. I am working hard to catch up
and get back to people.

A few people have filled out f.ree consultation
certificates that come as a bonus with this course:
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/report11

And I have to get back to you. I will.

Also, I wrote the other day:

HELP WANTED

I am looking for someone who wants to
wo.rk f.rom home selling my courses to
people, organizations and various entities.

It's a great job for someone who likes
simple telesales. You just need a phone.

If you or someone you know is interested,
please send your resume, write up with what
kind of sales you have done in the past,
how well you know my material and anything
else that would get me excited to hire you.

Please email to:

feedbacktodave@mentalhealthworld.net

I am still taking applications. I wanted
to say it's going to take a little time
to go through them. I will be writing
everyone back.

Thanks to everyone who already submitted.

Okay, today I wanted to talk about something
really important that people have a problem
with bipolar disorder.

I call it competing goals. I think it's a
serious problem with most people outside of
bipolar disorder as well.

What's this mean? Well it means when you have
one goal that competes or goes against
another goal.

Here's why I was thinking of this.;

When I was out in California. I was on
a business trip. One person wanted to
play golf. I know all business people
are suppose to play golf. I never have
and had no interest. Plus my shoulder
hurt as well. So I was like, "hey I will
watch you guys" and tag along.

So I did. After the 2nd hole everyone was
like, "hey you should give it a shot and just
hit the ball." After everyone kept asking
I was like "okay."

So I did. I did pretty good. It wasn't hard
since everyone else was pretty bad.

So I was like "okay, great."

Afterwards, we were talking business
and a woman there said, "you really should
take golf lessons you are really good and
could be great."

I was like, "I am not interested in golf,
don't have the time and have other priorities."

I know learning how to play golf takes
a whole lot of time. I have friends that
teach and play. Plus my dad plays all the
time and is really, really good. BUT, he
spends dozens of hours a week at it. I don't
want to do that.

This woman insisted over and over and over
that I should train to be the greatest golfer.

After like 30 minutes of her going on and on,
I finally said, "well I know I can do well
at many things but it comes down to competing
goals."

Then I said to her how golf would compete
with my goal of growing this organization and
body building NON competitively.

She didn't understand. I explained that if I
had to take 5 hours for golf, that would be
5 hours subtracted from something. It would
be either something related to mental health
or time at the gym and that wasn't worth it
to me. I had goals related to this mental
health organization and goals related to
body building non competitively.

I explained that golf would compete and if I
tried to do golf it would cause the suffering
of my other goals.

She didn't listen and went on and on.
Then I went to the bathroom and escaped
for like 20 minutes and then avoided her.

Then I was talking to someone out in California
that was telling me his brother has bipolar
disorder and is having major trouble. After a
1 hour conversation I learned that his brother
works in a job that has night and day shifts depending
on his schedule. He likes the job because the drive
is short. I told this person that the job is going
to make managing bipolar hard because it doesn't allow
for a structured sleeping pattern. I explained how
his one goal of a short drive is competing against
this goal of being stable and high functioning.

I then said, "I am sure that there is another
job close that can be found with a better schedule."

The person said he felt there was and that he was
going to tell his brother.

The bottom line is, many people who are bipolar supporters
and bipolar survivors have goals that compete with
bipolar disorder and managing it well.

This is a HUGE topic that I cover in ALL my main
courses and systems below:

SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/report11

SUPPORTING A CHILD/TEEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarparenting.com

HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.survivebipolar.net

Today, take some time to think about if you do,
think about what you can do. This is a huge problem
that I talk to people about all the time.

Let me know if this has happen to you.

Hey I just looked at the clock, I have to run.

Talk to you tomorrow.

Dave

===>> Great Resources For You <===

Get Your Own Subscription To This Newsletter
Want your own copy of these daily bipolar
emails sent to you for F.ree? If so, visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/register3

Get More Help On Bipolar Disorder
Don't forget to take a look through the
different programs I've put together... each
one is designed to help you with a different
area of bipolar disorder whether you have it or
you are supporting someone with it.
You can see them all and get the details by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/catalog.asp

View Past Daily Bipolar Emails For F.REE
Check out my F.ree blog with copies of emails
that I have sent in the past and lots of great
information for you:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/supporterblog/

Get Audio Information On Bipolar Disorder For F.REE
Check out my F.ree podcast. Hear me give
mini seminars designed to teach you information
you can't learn anywhere else.
http://bipolarcentral.libsyn.com

The Truth About Bipolar Disorder

2008-04-29T06:51:00.001-05:00

Hi,

What's going on?

I hope you are doing well.

Before I took off for the day I wanted
to talk to you about something.

Just like the title says, today I'm
going to talk about the truth about
bipolar disorder.

Unfortunately, some of you
probably read the title and thought
this was going to be an easy topic.

Some of you probably thought
this was going to be information
you probably already have.

Some of you probably thought
this isn't going to be information
that applies to you.

And most of you probably thought
this was going to be something
you wanted to hear.

It's the last group of people I'm
worried about, because sometimes
the truth is hard to swallow.

Well, here it is anyway:

Sometimes dealing with bipolar
disorder takes time, and it's hard.
but you probably know that.
That isn't news.

It's like a lot of things in life -
Like losing weight.
Like building an organization.

It takes time and it's hard.
You've heard the old expression,
"Anything that's worth doing,
is worth doing well."

That means that whatever you're
going to do, it's going to take
time to do it (and a lot of sweat)
to do it well, to give it your best
shot.

So in doing something hard,
there is an uphill part and then
things get easier.

Just like a snowball is small and hard to
push up hill and eventually it's really big
and you roll down the hill (it gets easier).

That's like bipolar disorder.

Some things are simple, but not easy.
Learning how to be a good supporter
may be simple (for instance, just
read my course on it). But it sure
isn't easy.

In my courses I do tell you how to
be a good supporter:

Check out my courses/systems:

SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/report11

SUPPORTING A CHILD/TEEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarparenting.com

HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.survivebipolar.net

So it might be simple (or at least
The concepts are simple), but it sure
isn't easy!

But some supporters do want it to
be easy. They want it just like that.
They don't want to put the work into
it that needs to be done.

I'm not saying they're lazy or anything,
just that maybe they're thinking, "I
didn't sign on for this!" Like maybe
this is much harder than they
expected.

And that happens to a lot of
supporters.

For each supporter who is willing
to put in all the time and effort
(and sweat) to be a good supporter,
to read my courses, to do the
research, to read everything they
can get their hands on, to go to
support groups, to learn as much
as they can about bipolar disorder…
etc. there are at least 2 or 3 who
won't.

And it is those 2 or 3 who are the
ones I hear from who complain
that their loved one isn't getting
better.

See, the supporters who are 100%
devoted to helping their loved one
get better and doing everything
they can, those are the ones who
I get success stories from! From
both the supporter and their loved
one - and believe me, I LOVE
getting those success stories!

It hurts me so much when I get
the other kind of letters, though.
I wish I could help you. I know
how hard it is, because I remember
how hard it is before I did all my
research for my mom and found
out everything I did about being
a good supporter.

Do you think I wanted to do all
that I had to do to make my mom
well? No! I saw how much of my
time and energy it was going to
take up front. So why did I do it?

Because I wanted my mom to get
well. Pure and simple. And I was
willing to do whatever it took.

See, that's the attitude you have to
have as a supporter.

That's the truth about bipolar
disorder. It's not going to go away
by itself. Your loved one is not
going to get better without your
100% help.

Whatever it takes.

I have to run, catch you tomorrow.

Your Friend,

Dave

===>> Great Resources For You <===

Get Your Own Subscription To This Newsletter
Want your own copy of these daily bipolar
emails sent to you for F.ree? If so, visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/register3

Get More Help On Bipolar Disorder
Don't forget to take a look through the
different programs I've put together... each
one is designed to help you with a different
area of bipolar disorder whether you have it or
you are supporting someone with it.
You can see them all and get the details by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/catalog.asp

View Past Daily Bipolar Emails For F.REE
Check out my F.ree blog with copies of emails
that I have sent in the past and lots of great
information for you:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/supporterblog/

Get Audio Information On Bipolar Disorder For F.REE
Check out my F.ree podcast. Hear me give
mini seminars designed to teach you information
you can't learn anywhere else.
http://bipolarcentral.libsyn.com

Help Wanted! The Maturity Myth And Bipolar Disorder

2008-04-28T07:01:00.003-05:00

Hi,

What's going on?

Well I just got back today from California.

I didn't get any sleep so I have to take
a quick nap and then get up later today.

Actually I wanted to ask for some help.

I have a part time sales job

HELP WANTED

I am looking for someone who wants to
wo.rk f.rom home selling my courses to
people, organizations and various entities.

It's a great job for someone who likes
simple telesales. You just need a phone.

If you or someone you know is interested,
please send your resume, write up with what
kind of sales you have done in the past,
how well you know my material and anything
else that would get me excited to hire you.

Please email to:

feedbacktodave@mentalhealthworld.net

Thanks.

Okay, now I am getting ready to take a quick
nap since I got no sleep last night on the
plane.

Before I do, I wanted to say something...

Have you ever heard of something called

THE MATURITY MYTH

Well, someone told me about it this week.

I don't know why people don't talk about it
in psychology circles these days, maybe It's
just an old term or something, but I think
it's something we can learn from (and you
know I get my ideas from all different
kinds of places! 

Anyway, let me try to explain it to you.

Try to keep the word PROCRASTINATION
in the back of your mind, and that might
help you to understand this concept a
bit easier – it helped me to understand
it better

(Of course, that was LATER, and
I'm trying to spare you the pain in the
brain that I went through trying to
understand it!).

Ok, well, anyway, the concept of the
Maturity Myth is this:

First, you're little, and you think,
"When I get older, everything will be
Ok." Then you get older ,and everything
Is NOT ok.

Then you think, "When I graduate from
college, everything will be ok." But
everything is NOT ok.

Then you think, "When I get that great
job, everything will be OK." But every
thing is NOT OK.

Then you think, "When I make lots of
money, everything will be OK." But
everything is NOT OK.

Then you think, "When I get married,
everything will be OK." But everything
is NOT OK.

Then you think, "When I have children,
everything will be OK." But everything
is NOT OK.

Then you think, "When I retire,
Everything will be OK." But everything
Is NOT OK.

Then you're at the end of your life, and
you look back at it…

...and all the things you had planned
for "when I MATURE" (when I get
whatever it is I want to get)...

And everything was NEVER ok, was it?

It was never OK because of the
MATURITY MYTH. A concept that was
never real to begin with. A myth.
A fantasy.

In other words, if you cannot find
happiness and peace of mind NOW,
without those things you are hoping
for someday, those future things that
you think will someday make you happy,
YOU WILL NEVER BE HAPPY!

You know, a lot of people know that I
deal with my mom's bipolar disorder
every day. I could very easily have been
one of those people who fell into the
trap of the maturity myth.

I could have hoped that someday…
...she'll get better
And then things will be OK.

...she'll be cured
And then things will be OK.

...she'll be like she used to be
And then things will be OK.

And I'd be waiting for a someday
that would never come.

And in the meantime, I would be
trading all my "NOW" moments
for a myth. A fantasy.

Check out my courses and systems below
to read about how you have to be
realistic instead of the old pessimistic
vs. optimistic idea:

SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/report11

SUPPORTING A CHILD/TEEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarparenting.com

HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.survivebipolar.net

We have to face reality if we're going
to be supporters of a loved one with
bipolar disorder. Yes, we all hope that
someday they'll come up with a cure for
the disorder. But the reality is that for
now we can't think like that, because
right now it is just a myth.

Remember the Stockdale Paradox:
We hope for the best but plan for
the worst. We have to be realistic.

And we do the best we can in the
meantime.

Your Friend,

Dave

===>> Great Resources For You <===

Get Your Own Subscription To This Newsletter
Want your own copy of these daily bipolar
emails sent to you for F.ree? If so, visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/register3

Get More Help On Bipolar Disorder
Don't forget to take a look through the
different programs I've put together... each
one is designed to help you with a different
area of bipolar disorder whether you have it or
you are supporting someone with it.
You can see them all and get the details by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/catalog.asp

View Past Daily Bipolar Emails For F.REE
Check out my F.ree blog with copies of emails
that I have sent in the past and lots of great
information for you:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/supporterblog/

Get Audio Information On Bipolar Disorder For F.REE
Check out my F.ree podcast. Hear me give
mini seminars designed to teach you information
you can't learn anywhere else.
http://bipolarcentral.libsyn.com

The Best Investment With Bipolar You Can Make

2008-04-27T12:39:00.000-05:00

=>PLEASE FORWARD TO FRIENDS, FAMILY AND LOVED ONES <=

Hi,

How's it going?

I hope you are doing well.

Someone asked since I am in California,
am I on vacation.

Actually I am not. I have been working
harder than ever. We also have a bunch
of situations and problems that are going
on that has caused a bunch of stress.

Anyway, I was going to bring this up last
week. But...

Lately I've been working with
Dr. Dan Lieberman, who started a
website called moodchart.org. There
people with bipolar disorder can go to
sign up for a F.R.E.E. daily email
where they can keep a daily online
mood chart. I highly recommend it
as a bipolar tool to help you or your
loved one manage your bipolar
disorder.

Dr. Lieberman said something to me
that I want to pass along to you,
because I think it's really important.

He says the best investment is an
investment in bipolar disorder and
its management.

Interesting, don't you think?

So let's talk about that for a minute.

Think about all the things that you
invest in:

You invest in your car – you make
car payments and insurance
payments. You invest in upkeep as
well. You even invest in repairs
when necessary. Why is this a wise
investment? Because everyone needs
good, dependable transportation.

You invest in your house – you have
a mortgage payment; you may even
have a land payment. You pay for
upkeep and repairs when necessary.
And you have homeowner's insurance
in case anything should happen. Why
is this a wise investment? Because
everyone needs a home.

You invest in your children – at the
very least, you provide, food,
clothing, and shelter for them.
But you also invest in their health
care, education, sports, hobbies,
and other activities. Why is this
a wise investment? Because
everyone wants their children
to grow up to be responsible
adults.

You invest in your education
(if you choose to) – These days
Most people go to college after
they graduate from high school.
Why is this a wise investment?
Because in order to get the higher
paying jobs or a good career, most
employers are looking for college
graduates.

You invest in your career. When
you do land that higher paying job,
you will probably continue your
education by taking CEU's
(Continuing Education Units).
Why is this a wise investment?
Because it will help you advance
in your career. (Some jobs
actually require it.)

You invest in your own self-
improvement – You buy self-
improvement books, join a gym,
take classes to learn new things
(like dance classes). Why is this
a wise investment? Because we
all like to feel better about
ourselves.

These are all wise investments.
But why would Dr. Lieberman say
that the BEST investment is an
investment in bipolar disorder and
its management?

I know that I teach about it in my courses:

SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/report11

SUPPORTING A CHILD/TEEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.bipolarparenting.com

HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Visit:
http://www.survivebipolar.net

But why would he say that?

Because if you've got bipolar disorder (or are
supporting someone who does), you
have to invest both time and money, and
you need to be prepared to make this
investment for the rest of your life. And
it IS an investment, just like the other
investments I just listed, and just as
important.

You're investing in your health (both
physical and mental), your stability,
and your future.

You're investing in the disorder, and
the management of it. Remember,
although there is still no cure for bipolar
disorder, there is management of it.
This takes as much a part of the
supporter's time and money as well
as the survivor's.

Treatment for bipolar disorder is
expensive. It usually consists of
medication, doctors, and therapy.
If you don't have insurance, you have
to pay for all this yourself.
Even if you have insurance, you
probably have a co-pay, and
that is still money out of your
pocket.

Still, as Dr. Lieberman said,
investing in bipolar disorder
and its management is the
BEST investment you can make.

I have to run, catch you tomorrow.

PLEASE POST RESPONSES TO THIS EMAIL HERE

Your Friend,

Dave

===>> Great Resources For You <===

Get Your Own Subscription To This Newsletter
Want your own copy of these daily bipolar
emails sent to you for F.ree? If so, visit:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/register3

Get More Help On Bipolar Disorder
Don't forget to take a look through the
different programs I've put together... each
one is designed to help you with a different
area of bipolar disorder whether you have it or
you are supporting someone with it.
You can see them all and get the details by visiting:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/catalog.asp

View Past Daily Bipolar Emails For F.REE
Check out my F.ree blog with copies of emails
that I have sent in the past and lots of great
information for you:
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/supporterblog/

Get Audio Information On Bipolar Disorder For F.REE
Check out my F.ree podcast. Hear me give
mini seminars designed to teach you information
you can't learn anywhere else.
http://bipolarcentral.libsyn.com

More About Bipolar, Natural Herbs & Vitamins

2008-04-26T03:06:00.000-05:00

Hi,

The other day I sent out information on
my material titled:

"My Findings: Vitamins, Herbs, and Alternative
Therapies for Treating Bipolar Disorder."

At:

http://www.bipolarcentral.com/alternativetherapiessale/

I had a lot of people who wrote me how happy they
were that I have information in this area. At the same
time, however, there were a bunch of people that
said that I was a supplement hater and just pushed
medications.

I am not a hater of supplements. I am a realist.

I sent out a message the other day about natural
therapies, vitamins and herbs for bipolar disorder.
Some people were telling me that I am a
hater of supplements. I am not.

I personally take a lot of supplements. My mom
does, too. But what I was saying is that you
have to be very careful about them.

I even body build non-competitively, which
requires taking lots of natural supplements.
And I have lots of friends who take natural
supplements.

You have to be really careful with natural
remedies for bipolar disorder, though.
They may not go well with the other
medications you're taking for the
disorder. You may have drug
interactions that you can't anticipate.

That's why before you take anything,
even natural supplements, you MUST
check with your doctor first, especially
if you have bipolar disorder.

Another thing is, don't fall for the ads
for natural herbs, supplements, and
supposed "cures," especially when
they're advertising for "cures" for
bipolar disorder. There is still
no cure for bipolar disorder.
Remember that.

Again, I'm not saying that I'm
against natural things that you can
take to make you feel better. I'm
just saying to be careful.

You would be surprised how many
natural things you can take that you
would never think are natural.

For example, everyone knows that
fish is good for you as a food. But
did you know that fish OIL is even
better? You'd have to eat a lot of
fish to get the amount of fish oil
you need to be of benefit to you,
however, so that's why there are
pills you can take.

You can find Omega-3 Fish Oil
in any health food store or on
the Internet. Fish oil is good to
reduce the risk of heart disease.

Coconut Oil is natural, too, and
is good for cooking with. It's
cholesterol-free, and healthy for
you as well, because it's good for your
metabolism.

Hemp is something that most
people don't know about, but is a
very good herb for you because it
gives you an antioxidant boost.

For more information on

"My Findings: Vitamins, Herbs, and Alternative
Therapies for Treating Bipolar Disorder."

Please visit:

http://www.bipolarcentral.com/alternativetherapiessale/

My special offer ends Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 10:00pm EST

Thanks.

Dave