Topic Tuesday // Let's Talk About Bipolar // Tues 23rd March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

[Strivetothrive]

Thanks @SusanaBA
My partners father also has suffered with the illness, and his mother also had it. I now look at my 3 kids and wonder how I can be sure i use the right language to allow them to learn how to look for signs, to express themselves and to always find courage to seek help. Am contemplating a family counselling style, but have limited knowledge of this, how it works and whats available for families that have inter-generational illness

[Olga]

Greenpea, I can hear you so well

[citttycat]

love it. kokky. Im ok with the family, but tailor myself more out in the community

[Daisydreamer]

I can hear just how many people have found over time what works for them and their loved ones, which brings to light the deeply unique the journey of recovery. 

Question 4: @SusanaBAThere has been some recent research into self management of Bipolar Disorder. What were some of the key areas stemming from that research that can support recovery?

[Meowmy]

@greenpea I had a lot of emotional eating. There were times,the only thing to make me feel okay is food.

[Daisydreamer]

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@Olga wrote:

I am afraid I have worn my family and friends a bit out over the years. I have no peer support as such but getting support from my psychiatrist when I see her

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I'm so sorry to hear @Olga 💜 I hope you know that here you are among peers, and there will always be people here at SANE to listen and support you

[greenpea]

@Olga  Olga x

[Appleblossom]

Hello Beautiful Sweet @greenpea 

I treat it all with some detachment I guess.  Those who know me and my family history will understand.  A couple years ago pdoc suggested I might have BiPolar Mixed State, but my son felt that was most unlikely.   A lot of trauma passed through the generations has emerged as a fair bit of MI and also being attracted to those with MI.  Personally I try and minimise meds, but accept them as part of my life.  Been trying to get off them for 30 years now ... ha ha.  Gotta laugh better than crying.

[davidharper_bal]

Hi @greenpea 

I think it's brave of you to keep fighting to be the best you can be for your family. It's very common for people with bipolar to have difficulties communicating with their loved ones, and sometimes family members have difficulty understanding why the person they care so much about is behaving differently. This can lead to a bit of an over-reaction to normal parts of life - a laugh, some tears, etc.

BIpolar Australia has a great booklet for family members, which you can read here.

It's also a good idea to communicate with your loved ones about your concerns. I suspect they care greatly for you, which is why they are worried about the "kooky" stuff. After all, sometimes people with bipolar can't see the onset of mania until it's too late.

Perhaps you could talk with your family to develop a list of signs that are "kooky" versus warning signs?

[Shaz51]

yes @Olga , i will tag you after if you like xxxx