Several years ago, when my wife was recovering from a major manic episode, she turned over the task of paying our bills and managing the checkbook to me.

We were just looking for ways I could help, and that was an easy one. The other day, however, I came across an article by Ginnie Graham published on the Tulsa World website entitled “Bill-paying program helps mentally ill avoid becoming homeless,” and it made me realize that missed payments could lead to major problems for those with bipolar who don’t have someone who can take on that task, especially during a major mood episode or during recovery.

It’s great that Volunteers of America has stepped up to the plate to help those with bipolar and other mental illnesses address this challenge in certain communities. If you need help with making bill payments, medication management, or dealing with other activities of daily living, you may want to visit Volunteers of America, find the local office nearest you, and ask about available programs.

Also, we’d like to know who manages your daily finances? Do you manage your finances on your own, does someone else in the household manage the family finances, or do you have outside help? Do any organizations in your community offer help for the “activities of daily living?” If you could get help for one daily activity you have trouble managing on your own, what would it be?

Bill paying photo available from Shutterstock.

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    Last reviewed: 1 Feb 2012