I believe in the team approach for the care of my bipolar disorder. I have a close relationship with my psychiatrist and therapist. I can and do tell them everything. I also have three other people in my life I can call and share honestly with about my disorder. It's like a tier system. If things start to go wrong with my mood I call the first tier, my sister, or two of my closest friends. If the situation gets worse, I call my therapist. She may or may not recommend that I contact my psychiatrist. In this way, I have some checks and balances built into my day-to-day life. My psychiatrist is like the coach and I am the captain. Together we make decisions on my care.
I also make an effort to surround myself with supportive people that understand the illness. This takes some education on my part and it also helps to educate my support about the disorder. In my case, I choose to be open and honest with one sister and two friends so when a situation arises I can contact any one of these people and share what is happening with my moods.
Take good care,
Christine
"Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration I don't think you can go wrong." -- Ella Fitzgerald
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