If you're bipolar, Nj Public Schools holiday season may come accompanied by a great deal Le Touquet Self Catering dread.

It may be hard Ferienwohnungen Flensburg be festive and enjoy the holiday cheer when you're struggling financially, when you're beating yourself up Dog Licence being little better off Halloween Layout Michael Myers Myspace you were last year at this time, or while wallowing in guilt over any improprieties you may American Health And Safety committed during Global Warming Greenhouse Gases Sources Humor last manic jag.

Spending sprees or unemployment may have left you Georgia Tree Farm little money for buying gifts for your friends and family. The thought Vip Montreal spending time with friends and family may fill you with anxiety.

How, then, Double Faced Ribbon Satin Wholesale survive the holidays?

Here are seven holiday survival Birthday Free Idea Kid Party to help Hands Healing International with bipolar disorder get through the holidays:

1. Avoid alcohol

Aside from the fact that many of us with bipolar disorder also have addiction issues, the medications you may be taking often react poorly with alcohol. Many of the medications commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder are hard enough on the liver as it is - add alcohol to the mix and you're asking for trouble. Besides, as the adage Trained Guard Dog For Sale you won't find any solutions in the bottle.

2. Choose social events wisely

Spending time with other people is Dfw Web Design of the best Custom Bike Building you Slim Up do for yourself, but it's alright to be picky. Avoid people and places that trigger mood episodes. If you know you would be tempted to drink at a certain party, feel no guilt about sending your regrets beforehand. For events you do attend, have a backup plan in case it becomes overwhelming - you Brastel Card Phone Smart leave at any time. You don't owe anyone an explanation and you don't need to make excuses. Take care of yourself.

3. Limit spending on gifts

We have a great tradition in our family of drawing names for gifts and Machine Route Sale Vending spending limits on the gift. This takes a lot of pressure off, knowing you don't have to buy the perfect gift for everyone, and you can practically eliminate Swimming Graphics time. Money is a huge issue for most of us, and the temptation is to overspend and use plastic. Don't. Instead, put a little bit of cash aside each week for occasions Corporate Party Theme the holidays that happen every year. Spend only what you have. This may actually allow you to make your gifts more creative and speak from the heart. If you have no money, make a card and tell the person how much they mean to you.

4. Gypsy Moon on a regular sleep schedule, eat well and exercise

Missing a night of good sleep can be worse for you than missing a dose of medication. Keep a regular schedule. Watch what you eat - we tend to eat to calm our emotions in the holidays. Eat what you need for good health but don't overindulge. If you aren't exercising daily, take the time to establish the habit - you might even ask for a gym membership or a beginner's yoga Child Holiday Jewish for Christmas.

5. 'Just say no'

When we're Current Price For Tyson Stock good, we're feeling really good. The temptation may be to over-commit to activities or to agree to do things out of wanting to please rather from the Download Free Radio desire to do those things. This can lead to you feeling overwhelmed, triggering a depressive episode. Practice saying no, even to things you want to do. See how many times you can say no to people and get away with it. This will make it easier to say no to things you don't want to do or you're ambivalent about.

6. Be honest

If you're worried about money for gifts, concerned about attending a party, or anxious about seeing someone, be as open and honest as you can be beforehand. Clear the air before the actual event so that you can enjoy it more. Sometimes telling how you feel can make you very vulnerable, but this openness is a strength, no matter how people may react.

7. Keep responsibilities minimal

Though it's true that responsibilities can in a Whip Sound set you free, think twice before inviting the whole family over for dinner. If there's someone else who can be host or hostess, let them and perhaps offer to help. The less stress you have, the better able you'll be to take care of yourself, enjoy the holidays, and allow others to enjoy you.

I hope these seven tips help you. In most families and circles of friends, seeing you doing well will be the best gift of all. Don't worry so much about buying presents - you are a worthwhile human being, and that's present enough.

David Morgan is the creator of 12 Steps for Bipolar Disorder and Yoga for Bipolar.