When we get sick, sometimes it is difficult for us to make good decisions. As a result, it is important when you are feeling well to establish people that you can trust to help you when you may not be feeling well. Our brain is the center for determining our sense of reality. Because Bipolar Disorder impacts brain functioning, it can be particularly difficult for people with bipolar disorder to make good decisions when they are sick.
Take a moment to write down a list of people that you can trust to help you in case your sense of reality is distorted when you get sick.You may also want to write down some
"reality checks" to help you in the moment. You can carry these with you and can pull them out if you find yourself in situations that are confusing to you or are situations that you have identified as potential triggers of your bipolar disorder getting worse (such as if you are about to spend a lot of money or if you have gone several hours without sleeping).
These "reality check cards" may look something like this: "
When I feel like my thoughts are racing or I feel on top of the world, I should not make major life decisions (such as spend over a certain amount of money or book travel) without taking time to discuss these things with others (people on your list) before going through with them."
You may feel pressure to decide things, but for important decisions there is always time for a
"reality check!"
