bipolar kids support
Firstly, I would say that borders do not only apply if you have a loved one with bipolar disorder! The limits apply to all relationships, since only treaties, as well as expected, or as badly as possible, to be treated. Setting limits is communicating that you know who you are and what they are and are not willing to tolerate for you and your loved ones. The limits are your personal "non-negotiable" issues, not threats or a means of control.
In considering the limits that you want to you to decide and agree that bipolar disorder will not be allowed to rule the house!
Effectively set the limits to be able to communicate with confidence and conviction and without reservation. The evidence shows that if you communicate your expectations without emotion Bipolar your loved one you hear, even in the midst of the disease. Establish and maintain boundaries provides a sense of security and stability for themselves and all others, even if it appears they do not like. The limits you set will help maintain the health and welfare of all family members.
The following are some key areas that should be clear and specific limits:
Security: Everyone deserves to live in a safe environment. If there is something about their behavior of loved ones that endangers the security of family, home or otherwise, the issues must be addressed as priority number one. Firstly, and physical abuse can absolutely not be tolerated. Verbal abuse should not be tolerated well, and must either be arrested or at least controlled in some way.
Values: Values are the principles of life and you are entitled to their value system. Do you know what your values or what used to be? Have you ever shared your values? A common mistake we all make is to assume that others know what our values. Values such as loyalty, loyalty, honesty and respect should be acknowledged and appreciated. If your partner continually violates their values bipolar is almost certain that the relationship will fail.
Treatment And maintenance: for you to provide the best support you can you must be an active participant in their treatment of their loved ones. Who knows better than you do when something is right or not medications are you taking? This is an area where, presumably, have to be very strong with both of your loved one and the doctors and therapists to be able to give and receive the necessary information on their actions and treatment. It is true that professionals must respect the privacy of patients and a privilege, but that does not mean you can not participate in their treatment.
Practical Life: There are the basics of life as a place to live, accounts payable, raising children, maintaining the house and cars, etc., all must be addressed. Who will do what and when responsibilities change? These are things that must determined before an episode.
Living Your Life: You, as a spouse or family member, have bipolar disorder, though sometimes one might wonder if that's true. You need and deserve to have a life separate and apart from the disease and responsibilities that become part of everyday life. Not completely give up their friends, their hobbies or outside interests. Whatever it takes to keep your sanity and connection to the outside world. It's your lifeline!
Four steps to set limits:
- Before any discussion with your loved one should decide what their issues are not negotiable and the consequences who is willing to commit to if these issues are not honored.
- Choose a time (most not welcome a period episode) to sit with their loved ones and clearly describe the behaviors or actions that are unacceptable to you.
- Clearly describe the action to take if they violated the border.
- Be prepared to go ahead with the consequences, if not set limits will only jeopardize their credibility and complicate the situation.
As with anything, if the setting limits is new to you, it will take time, effort and practice to feel comfortable and free of guilt, and the reward of more balanced and manageable life well worth the effort. Remember – its strength has brought you here!
Kathleen Hennessey-Buchanan, Certified Professional Coach; Energy Leadership – Master Practitioner; Author and Public Speaker
As a Professional Life Coach and owner of Gently Shifting Sands Coaching Kathleen’s passion is in coaching the partners, family members & caregivers, of loved ones afflicted with Mood Disorders, who have lost themselves in their loved ones disease. Through the use of various coping techniques she helps them discover how to move beyond the fear of the unknown to achieve a more manageable and balanced life.
Do you know what your values are? Are you in touch with your “non-negotiable” issues? Vist Kathleen’s website at http://www.gentlyshiftingsands.com to learn more about how coaching will help to uncover your values; find your non-negotiable issues and build the self-confidence you need to establish boundaries in your life.
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