In this special episode Mike talks about having a true friend, and where this idea comes from in the Christmas story. You don't want to miss this Holiday cheer!

The end of the calendar year can be full of noise, confusion, and isolation for people with a bipolar disorder. Mike shares his process for getting a fresh start.

Life's biggest opportunities also make potential for your worst regrets. On this special episode, Mike shares about making the past move you forward.

Just relax! Why not chill out a little? When you have mental health challenges, it's not so straightforward. But what if you could create relaxation on the regular?

How good are you at carrying conversations? When you have a bipolar disorder, socializing can be rough. Today Mike reveals how to enjoy relaxed conversations.

Is it possible to have emotional goals? Are we really in charge of how we feel? On today's episode Mike shares one emotion to put at the top of your list.

What happens when responsible and frugal people get a bipolar diagnosis? They become shopping addicts, as Mike shares on today's show! But there's good news.

How can you live in the moment for happiness when bipolar depression or manias are in the corner waiting to pounce? Today Mike shows you how to minimize fear.

Feeling haunted? There might be more than medical issues to it. On this show, Mike shares a way to create less usable space for your demons to lodge.

*See note below before listening. What could cause you to want to take your own life? This special episode touches on the most delicate issue in all of manic depression and mental illness.

Editor's note: the way I chose to approach this episode topic does not land well with some people, especially the end where I encourage the listener who wrote in to consider God's unfailing love for their life and a personal prayer for them to keep on and to "finish strong".

We have addressed prevention in many other shows but not the explicit step-by-step methods or go-to practices for when you are dealing with an active or escalating end-your-life type of crisis.

If you are looking for actual coping techniques for suicidal thoughts, that is not what you'll get in this episode.

I took a big risk sharing stories, strength and hope on a sensitive topic that I have limited but powerful experiences with. Yet after counseling with several people in our tribe who do, I am convinced that overall it was the only right message I could have given and I am glad I said something and not nothing to the person who wrote to the show. I'm choosing not to remove anything we've published to the podcast.

As an empath I feel what the people in this audience feel. And I've been told that it's gentle enough to share with a young person and not give them any ideas about how to commit suicide in detail or to think that something is shameful about them when that's what they can't stop thinking about.

In the end, the prayer and teaching about God's design for your life triggers some people to anger, and for that my heart aches. But I'm leaving this episode up in case the person I made it for ever needs another listen.

Thank you for your interest in The Bipolar Now Podcast.

-MIKE