Dear Abby: I’m a 45 year old man and I’ve been trying to change my attitude for a long time. I’m a very nice person when things are going well, but when things go bad I get mean. Sometimes I talk to myself in the morning to try to react better to a situation, but when things get tough, I end up reacting the same way I always do.
I found out four years ago that I have bipolar disorder, but I don’t want to use this as an excuse. I also quit cannabis three years ago in hopes of getting my life back on track, and it helped me a lot. I used to have panic attacks, but they went away after I stopped smoking cannabis. Still, I don’t like the way people treat me when they’re feeling down. I don’t have the means to treat it, so that’s not an option. do you have any advice for me? — Florida Meanie
Dear Meany: I’m glad you were able to pinpoint what your problem actually is. I hope you are receiving treatment for bipolar disorder. But if not, the next step is to find a nearby university with a psychology department and talk to the professors there about what low-cost mental health services they can provide.
If this is not possible, contact your county’s Department of Mental Health. You might be surprised, but support is available on a sliding scale. I wish you success in your search.
Dear reader: Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I can’t let it end without sharing a traditional prayer written by my beloved late mother.
Oh Heavenly Father,
We thank you for feeding us and remember those who are hungry.
We thank you for your health and remember those who are sick.
We are grateful that you have friends and remember those who have no friends.
We thank you for giving us freedom and remember those who were enslaved.
May these memories inspire us to service. May your gift to us be used for the benefit of others. Amen.
I hope everyone has a fun and safe celebration! — Love, Abby
Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Dear Abby, contact: www.DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
