| If you are supporting a loved one with bipolar disorder | | | | problem. By taking your eyes off this, you are focusing |
| who is also an addict, then you are in a difficult position. | | | | on the solution and will no longer be trapped in the |
| Unfortunately, you may be making some common | | | | problem - there will be space between you and your |
| mistakes that others in your position have also made. | | | | loved one, and you will be a more effective supporter. |
| 1. Being sympathetic instead of empathetic | | | | 3. They don't take care of themselves |
| When you are sympathetic toward your loved one, | | | | You will be no good to your loved one if you are not |
| you are also being sympathetic toward their addiction | | | | good to yourself first. You need to take care of |
| and poor bipolar behavior, making it easier for them to | | | | yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, physically, and |
| maintain it. Being sympathetic pulls you too far into the | | | | financially. When your own well-being is intact, you will |
| addiction and improper behavior. Being empathetic, | | | | be more able to support your loved one. |
| however, means showing your understanding, | | | | 4. They fail to protect their finances and valuables |
| unconditional love, and support in their struggle toward | | | | The most common cause of eventual financial crisis is |
| recovery without being pulled into the addictive | | | | the abuse of credit cards. Excessive spending is one |
| process yourself. | | | | of the characteristics of a bipolar episode, and also a |
| The danger with empathy, unfortunately, is that too | | | | sign of addiction as well. |
| much of it can lead to co-dependency. You need to | | | | Planning to protect your finances is essential - not |
| balance it with getting your own needs met instead of | | | | because you can't trust your loved one, but because |
| putting your loved one's needs ahead of your own. | | | | you can't trust the addiction or bipolar episode! |
| 2. They are part of the problem, instead of part of the | | | | 5. They fail to protect their medications |
| solution | | | | You must also protect your prescription medication. |
| By keeping your focus on the solution, you keep your | | | | Keep it locked up, hidden, or keep it on your own |
| emotions in check and keep yourself from being pulled | | | | person if you need to. This is for your own protection. |
| into the problem. You see an opportunity to act, and | | | | What would you do if you didn't have your |
| you act upon it. Then it becomes your loved one's | | | | medication? No matter how long your loved one is |
| choice whether he accepts your help or not. Either | | | | stable, there is always the chance that they will |
| way, you have offered it and you can feel good about | | | | relapse and fall back into their old addiction or have |
| that. | | | | another bipolar episode. Remember to never let down |
| If you are focused on your loved one's addiction and | | | | your guard! |
| poor bipolar behavior, then you are focused on the | | | | |