Our Fight

The fight against bipolar is one we cannot accomplish alone. Yet, we cannot rely on others to do our fighting for us.

If that sounds confusing, then maybe I can make it a bit clearer.

Anyone with bipolar benefits from a support system. That can be family, close friends, or someone they know online. Each way has positives . . . and negatives.

Family may want to help. They may believe they're helping. But if they don't understand bipolar and the layered levels of the disorder's symptoms, they might not be much help. The same goes for friends, in person or online.

Often the best people to help someone struggling through one of the highs or lows of bipolar are those who have gone through the very same things. They can relate in ways others cannot.

If you don't have bipolar but still want to help someone you love, then do your research. Study the disorder. Find reputable websites with factual and proven information. Learn what triggers a mood change in your loved one. Find ways to keep those triggers away. Most importantly, never stop learning. But know that the true fight comes from your loved one. He/she is the one who has to push the darkness down and climb out of the pit. Just be standing at the top, ready to give them a hug . . . and your full support.