Bipolar Disorder/ref

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Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 4/25/2008


Question

Good day,
How do you say to some one in the workplace or a stranger that you experience up and downs in moods in a nice way without them thinking you are crazy and without them having think that when you are down something is wrong or wrong with them.
What is a nice way of telling a coworker, friend etc. this so that they understand and dont think that when you are down something is wrong between you and them.

Answer
Sam:

It all depends on how close you are to the person.  If it is just a casual work acquaintance, you may just want to take them aside and apologize if you've hurt them.  You can say:  I have my moods and sometimes people misunderstand, but please don't take it personal, because it isn't you.  If it is someone you want to develop a friendship with, you can ask them out at lunch or whenever and explain that you are bipolar and that causes mood swings--but it isn't them that is causing the problem.  I have found honesty is the best way to handle these situations.

                           Joyce A. Anthony

Bipolar Disorder

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Joyce A. Anthony

Expertise

I can answer questions dealing with bipolar disorder in a parent, yourself or your child. I can give suggestions and insight into what can be expected of many medications for bipolar disorder. My most extensive knowledge is in children with bipolar disorder. Here I can give advice on dealing with daily events, schools, medication and professionals.

Experience

I am the daughter of a bipolar/schizophrenic parent, am bipolar myself and am raising a bipolar child. I have a background in Psychology from Gannon University, have run several parenting classes for those parenting bipolar children and have had extensive experience with medications, the school system, homeschooling a special needs child, dealing with counselors, doctors and other professionals in the mental health field. I write for a bipolar website, with the focus on educating the child with bipolar disorder on his/her illness.

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