Caregiver Exhaustion

Article

The Impact of Simple Acts of Kindness

22 Mar 2022

Rx 4 Wholeness

By Stephen Propst Little things you say and do may seem, well, little. But for someone living with bipolar, little things can mean a lot. Sometimes acquaintances, coworkers, and even friends and family wonder what to say, what to do around someone living with bipolar. Fortunately, you don’t have to over-think everything. What may seem insignificant to you can make a major difference for us.

Article

10 ways to support someone who has BP

18 Mar 2022

Rx 4 Wholeness

By Stephen Propst

Article

A How-To Guide for Bipolar’s Turbulent Waters

11 Nov 2021

Rx 4 Wholeness

By Stephen Propst Living with bipolar makes the rough waters everyone inevitably confronts more challenging. But you can still safely and smoothly go with the flow. The first time I went whitewater rafting, I had so many misperceptions. I was truly naive—not unlike when I was first diagnosed with bipolar. Indeed, I seriously had a number of concerns about going rafting: Would I be totally at the mercy of the river? What if we hit a big boulder? Would I be better off just staying ashore and not racing the rapids? At least I had a choice.

Article

Well-Meaning Comments about Bipolar & Their Unintended Consequences

27 Oct 2021

Rx 4 Wholeness

By Stephen Propst When we’re dealing with a mood disorder, simplistic, superficial comments — however well-intended — can diminish our energy and dedication, which are required for managing this difficult diagnosis. Bipolar: A Chronic Condition People often make comments to me such as, I thought you’d dealt with that. Or, You mean you still get depressed? My reply is that living with bipolar is still a big deal. I struggle with depression routinely, mania occasionally, and the overall impact of the condition daily.

Article

Searching For Support? You Are Not Alone!

11 Aug 2021

Rx 4 Wholeness

By Stephen Propst When living with bipolar disorder peer support groups can offer a confidential, safe environment for sharing and caring with others who’ve had similar experiences. Do you ever feel alone in your struggle with bipolar disorder? Do you ever feel as though no one else understands? Would you like to have help in managing bipolar disorder and your life? And, are you looking for a safe harbor in the midst of a storm? Your search is over—support is the answer.

Article

Bipolar Disorder Recovery & Taking Inventory From A-Z

11 Aug 2021

Rx 4 Wholeness

By Stephen Propst Columnist Stephen Propst questions us on how we’ve been maintaining our mental health. Bipolar disorder affects so many areas of our lives. Sometimes, it’s a good idea to take inventory of our attitudes, emotions, beliefs, and behaviors, and question where there’s room for improvement. Doing so can provide helpful insight crucial to recovery and a better quality of life.

Article

9 Ways to Support Someone with Bipolar Disorder

27 May 2021

Rx 4 Wholeness

By Stephen Propst Help from family and friends can have a profound impact on our mood stability. Consider these tips when you offer support to loved ones with bipolar.

Article

10 Tips for Encouraging Loved Ones with Bipolar

31 Mar 2021

Rx 4 Wholeness

By Stephen Propst

Article

6 Challenges of Bipolar That No One Talks About

21 Dec 2020

Rx 4 Wholeness

By Stephen Propst Beyond the common hurdles of bipolar—mood swings, medication side effects, irregular sleep—I’ve discovered some difficult, often-overlooked dilemmas. Here are my solutions to the top six. I’ve faced the more familiar facets of bipolar—unpredictable mood swings, medication side effects, irregular sleep patterns—for decades. However, I’ve discovered some difficult dilemmas that often go undiscussed. It’s important to acknowledge and address these issues, too.

Article

Bipolar & Relationships — Turning back, not away

18 Nov 2020

Rx 4 Wholeness

By Stephen Propst Sharing and then respecting each other’s boundaries is a good way to begin the process of turning back to one another, not away. In the 30+ years I’ve lived with bipolar—and worked with countless others who do—I’ve found that people are more prone to back away or out of our lives. Similarly, we may find ourselves separating from meaningful relationships or forfeiting friendships with those who could be supporting us most.

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