Letter emailed to David Oliver - must post!!

( Note this is regarding Bipolar disorder - being prepared)

Hello David

I've read what you say about being prepared.
The best plan...is to plan to be well, to take steps daily to stay well.
If that plan fails and I get ill as a single parent i have to hope that those who help me will take notice of my Advance Directive.

What is an Advance Directive?

In the Uk these are writen by people who have a previous history of mental health problems and so have the experience to know what is best to get them right again when they become unwell. It gives the person the chance to express how they want to be treated, what makes them better, what makes them worse and can outline details about who should care for the cat, dog or children. Once writen this Directive needs to be signed and witnessed - copies then need to be made to be kept by the doctor, care co-ordinator and a trusted friend or family member.

The Advance Directive can include as much as you want it to - though it is not guaranteed that all wishes will be carried out. Various organisation like 'Mind' can help you by providing basic a form to guide with the details. My preferance is to do my own on the computer so that I can have enough space for as much as I want to include wherever I need it.

The theory is quite good but it is difficult actually doing it.
I am a single parent, widow, I have not been badly ill with Bi-polar for 6 years and i just want to stay well. So I put my effort into being active, eating healthy food, caring for my health generally, going for CHIROPRATIC treatment which I recommend.

Chiropractic treatment might be the key to my maintained health because I started going for it 4 years ago after a fall that injured my back slightly but continued going regularly because I believe the neurological benefits are important to the whole body and seem to have been effective in preventing my bi-polar re-occuring.
The cycle for me used to be about every 3 yrs.

I also use foot massage with essential oils which too is great therapuetically in maintaining total body health. Another thing I have now that I did not before is my dog. Walking Shep ensures I get daily exercise, this helps to keep my moods level.

Lifestyle is so very important and should include healthy aspects such as these on a daily basis. Don't you agree?
Keep up the good work David, but if anything don't work so hard.:)

All the best
from
Diane