Bipolar disorder BY CHRIS Living with a person with Bi Polar Effective Disorder is much like walking on egg shells until you get a routine and proper communication going. I have been married to my wife for 6 years now, I have known her since high school, and she has changed dramatically for the good. Through effective communication and team work we make the relationship work i.e. when I am told she needs to sleep in, I let her sleep as long as she needs and that means I am on daddy duty with my daughter until she is refreshed and ready to take on the day. This is from Chris’s point of view and his understanding, his wife has bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder BY CHRIS I honestly was not prepared to deal with the stresses of living with someone with this particular mood disorder, I had to read more about it and put myself in her shoes to make things easier. In the beginning I noticed her in a real good mood and was very bubbly, then later on that night or even within seconds we would be screaming at each other. Now I understand that the chemicals in her brain function differently and certain words, smells, touch, etc may trigger these mood swings

Bipolar disorder BY CHRIS Through herbal supplements and other techniques the disorder is not as exhausting to all parties involved. The medications that are prescribed are what I like to believe downers and personality changers, my wife does not like the meds offered, but there are some very effective ones it just takes time to find the one that best fits you Education is the best way to deal with personality disorders and mood disorders.

Ross’s Reflection There are multiple triggers for the bipolar disorder that I found truly intriguing. In addition to many ways to manage living with a bipolar individual. Organization is key for group projects; once we had assignments organized we worked like a well oiled machine. Groups decision making was very collaborative and open. Leveraging brainstorming around issues facilitated agreements and decisions on which options to proceed with.

Paul’s Reflection I never realized the challenges that are associated with bipolar disorder. The mood swings can be extreme and the triggers that set off the different moods can happen at any time. The group project was a challenge at first because we didn’t know where to start. Once we had our group meeting we were able to assign parts of the project to individuals in the group. The project came together quickly and nicely after this. Our group used a consensus to make decisions with the group project.

Maura’s Reflection Through this project I gained a greater sympathy for those who go through this, it is easy to write off differences as being within the individuals control, that clearly is not always the case It is very hard to coordinate with a group we each are so busy and no one wants to feel controlling so it is hard to define roles in the group We would have one person suggest an idea to the group then we would all discuss if it would work and continue from there What did you learn about people with disabilities? What did you learn about group process? What was your group’s decision-making process?

Jeremy Reflection Bipolar disorder is a serious disorder. Before we started this project I didn't think it was that big of a problem. After doing the research and hearing from Chris I see that it is. People living with bipolar disorder have a hard time doing everyday task because of the emotional rollercoaster of bipolar disorder. Working with my group was a little difficult doing it over the internet, but the meetings helped get everything organized and working. The decision making process in the group was to assign tasks like videos and design; it all worked out in the end.

Kathryn’s Reflection I have found some interesting facts that I was not aware of previously.
 I took an online class because I do not have a lot of time. However I decided that was probably the best way to see if it would work out with conflicts in our time management. We all agreed to meet, confer and the majority ruled.

Cited Resources Bipolarsymptoms. (2008, February 13). Retrieved from http://bipolarsymptoms.org/bipolar-statistics/ Slides 2-6 Dr. Ross VanVranken Sr. CEO Neuropsychiatric institute University of Utah “Buligadaniel.” (2012, Oct. 3). Bart Simpson bi-polar girlfriend. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJOYRS6CCaM. Accessed Oct. 3 2013. “Healthguru.” (2011, Jan. 3). 5 Types of Bipolar Disorder (Mental Health Guru). Accessed from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyJn_3LkE8w. Retrieved Sep. 28 2013.