Check It Off: Establishing Achievable Goals
Dr. Dave Scheiderer: Hi. I'm Dr. Dave, a board certified psychiatrist. No matter where you are on your bipolar I journey, working towards specific goals can help you better manage your condition. Here are a few important things to think about while setting goals.
Number one: think short and long term.
You will want to set both short term goals, for example, what do I hope to accomplish this week? And then longer term goals, what I want to be doing in a few years. You may start with setting one small goal to accomplish each day. Ask yourself, what is the one thing I can do today that helps me get closer to my mental health goals? Over time, you can work on accomplishing larger, more long term goals.
Number two: timing.
It is best to set goals while in a state of what we call euthymia when you are neither in an episode of mania or an episode of bipolar I depression. If a person with bipolar I sets goals when in manic phase, the goals are likely to be big and bold and unrealistic, and maybe even high risk. Whereas, if a person is in a depressive state, the goals may be limited, apathetic, seemingly useless.
Number three: involve somebody else.
There is usually value in having a friend, family member or therapist who is trusted with the goals you have set. Get help and encouragement from that support system as you work towards your objectives. They will hold you accountable and you can also hold them accountable for their personal goals.
Just remember, this is an ongoing process of setting and refining goals. Sometimes achieving success, sometimes failure. Either way, it's important to keep reevaluating in order to move you forward.
Check It Off: Establishing Achievable Goals†
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This video features real individuals with bipolar I who have been compensated by AbbVie to share their story.
Check It Off: Establishing Achievable Goals
Dr. David Scheiderer, MD, DFAPA
Board-certified psychiatrist
Dr. David Scheiderer
Hi, I’m Dr. Dave, a board certified psychiatrist.
No matter where you are on your bipolar I journey, working towards specific goals can help you better manage your condition.
Text on screen
Karen
Real individual with bipolar I
Dr. David Scheiderer
Here are a few important things to think about while setting goals.
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Set short- and long-term goals
Dr. David Scheiderer
Number one: think short and long term. You will want to set both short-term goals—for example, what do I hope to accomplish this week. And then longer-term goals—what I want to be doing in a few years.
Text on screen
Gabe
Real individual with bipolar I
Dr. David Scheiderer
You may start with setting one small goal to accomplish each day. Ask yourself, what is the one thing I can do today that helps me get closer to my mental health goals?
Text on screen
T-Kea
Real individual with bipolar I
Dr. David Scheiderer
Over time, you can work on accomplishing larger, more long-term goals.
Text on screen
Timing matters
Dr. David Scheiderer
Number two: timing. It is best to set goals while in a state of what we call euthymia, when you are neither in an episode of mania or an episode of bipolar I depression.
Text on screen
Gabe
Real individual with bipolar I
Dr. David Scheiderer
If a person with bipolar I sets goals when in manic phase, the goals are likely to be big and bold and unrealistic, and maybe even high risk.
Text on screen
Margaret
Real individual with bipolar I
Dr. David Scheiderer
Whereas, if a person is in a depressive state, the goals may be limited, apathetic, seemingly useless.
Text on screen
Involve somebody else
Dr. David Scheiderer
Number three: involve somebody else.
Text on screen
Matt
Real individual with bipolar I
Dr. David Scheiderer
There is usually value in having a friend, family member, or therapist who is trusted with the goals you have set.
Text on screen
Jennifer
Real individual with bipolar I
Gabe
Real individual with bipolar I
Dr. David Scheiderer
Get help and encouragement from that support system as you work towards your objectives. They will hold you accountable and you can also hold them accountable for their personal goals.
Just remember, this is an ongoing process of setting and refining goals. Sometimes achieving success, sometimes failure. Either way, it’s important to keep reevaluating in order to move you forward.
Text on screen
Karen
Real individual with bipolar I
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†This content does not constitute medical advice or establish a patient-physician relationship. Please talk to your healthcare provider about your specific treatment needs.