Merry Bipolar Christmas

I wish all of you a very Merry Bipolar Christmas today. I pray that this year is even better than last year was for you, and I pray that you are stable today. Many people with bipolar disorder get overwhelmed by the holiday - I pray you are not one of them.

This year, try celebrating what the holiday is really all about - Jesus. Not presents, not trees, not decorating the house. Keep things simple, so you won't feel overwhelmed. If you are feeling depressed, try doing just one thing you can think of to get out of your depression. It might help if you take the emphasis off yourself and onto someone else. Try doing something nice for someone else - someone needy, or just a random act of kindness.

My son was out eating dinner with some friends of his, and they were talking about their poor financial conditions. There was an older couple at the next table who overheard their conversation, although they didn't know it. When they went to pay for their dinner, they were told that it had already been paid for by that older couple. Random acts of kindness can be so rewarding.

I don't have the kind of money it takes to do that, but I can do other things. Like when I go through a tollbooth, I pay for the person behind me. Random acts of kindness do not have to be big to be appreciated.

If you're feeling down, remember that "This too shall pass." It always does. Remind yourself that you've been here before and got through it, and you'll get through it this time as well.

Try thinking about all the people who love and care about you. Be grateful for the small things. In other words, if you're not in the hospital, be grateful. If you are not in an episode, be grateful. If you have your health, be grateful. Write out a gratitude list if need be. Once you get started brainstorming, you'll find that you are grateful for many things this year, no matter how big or small. It will help improve your attitude. It's hard to be depressed when you find so much to be grateful for.

May this be your best Christmas ever, bipolar or not! I pray that this is a very special day for you, and that good things will happen. My prayers are with you.

Wishing you peace and stability,

Remember God loves you and so do I,
Michele