In the Trench - April 2011

In The Trench - April 2011
By Toni Hoy

A Coping Tip

"Dear Mom, I hope you have a nice day. I hope you are busy at work today. I hope God brings you home safely from work. With love, from your son."

During one of my recent NAMI Family to Family meetings, a mother, whose son is in his early 20s, was sharing a tip about how she was able to cope better with some of her son's bipolar mania symptoms. During frustrating moments of dealing with her son while experience manic symptoms, whose thoughts were fleeting and incongruent, she would pull out a sweet, handwritten note that her son had written to her on a non-manic day. The note brings her back to home base, a place where she can remember that he is not always like this and that, in time, he will return to a non-manic state. The frustration will leave. They can once again converse and enjoy each other's company. She is reminded to relish the good times with him and to really enjoy each moment of spending good times with him.

When the mania leaves, it's time to put the note away, but not too far away. The day is sure to come again when she will once again, need her little note.

Spring is here. Roses will soon be blooming. While they are here, we will enjoy their beauty and inhale their sweet fragrance. We will navigate carefully around the thorns. They are here for but a season and will be back for us to enjoy once again.