Organization is one of the most difficult tasks to master yet it is a vital skill if you suffer from bipolar disorder. Keeping organized helps to add order to our crazy, mixed up existence, thus offering some much needed stability. Plus, it helps you find things without tearing apart the house, car, office or other location. I know, you're going to say that you are simply to busy to take the time to get organized. Today it's easier than ever to put some order into our chaotic lives. Retail stores exist that stock specialty organizational products ranging from daily planners to high tech storage containers to assist you in the daunting task. Of course, if you really cannot find the time and have some extra money lying around (ha ha ha) you can hire a professional to come to your home or office and do the organizing for you. Then, all you have to do is maintain the system. So, why then, is it so challenging to get organized and stay organized? And why is it an especially formidable task for the bipolar sufferer? Good question!

Right off I want to emphasize that I believe some people have a natural inclination to organize. Some are born with the proclivity to sort, arrange, compartmentalize, group and classify things together that belong together. I don't know if it's genetic, chemical, natural, learned from a young age or as a result from societal pressure, but I believe that some people just have the knack. On the other hand, some people never figure it out and spend a great deal of time trying, with limited or no success. Maybe these people are devoid of the "organizational gene." Maybe they really don't want to be organized. Maybe they don't put forth the required effort required. Maybe the task seems so difficult that they don't know where to even begin. Or maybe, as is the case with bipolar, the neurotransmitters in their brain make it so taxing that they have given up hope before they even got started.

In the bipolar brain, it is common that the neurotransmitters do not function as nature intended. Sometimes this prevents the sufferer from having a complete thought. Under manic conditions the thoughts can be comprehensive but bombard the brain so quickly that they are impossible to grasp. In a depressive period the general thought patterns may be connecting, but they are usually focused on a distorted and negative view of the self and the world around. Psychosis brings such uncanny and bizarre images and sounds that one almost doesn't consider it to be a thought process but random data bouncing around in the skull that is improperly interpreted. With the haphazard misfires of data and the lack of response from the receptors, is there any question that someone with bipolar is under the tyranny of the unmerciful beast? This beast is what can make a seemingly elementary task appear to be rocket science to the bipolar sufferer. All of these things can make getting organized an almost insurmountable obstacle. But, it doesn't have to be that way. Let's see if I can break it down enough to make it manageable for even the faint at heart.

To get organized it is essential that you be able to categorize items into groups. If you cannot group similar things together then you might as well look into hiring someone to do it for you because categorizing is the backbone to organizing. This, of course, comes naturally for some and must be learned for others. It is an easy skill to master, if you can concentrate long enough. This is not an easy feat for someone experiencing symptoms of their illness or side effects from medications. There have been times when I couldn't concentrate for longer than 30 seconds at a time, no less focus long enough to organize anything, not even a sock drawer. I wouldn't recommend trying to complete any new and challenging tasks until the symptoms and/or side effects have subsided, but once they have, you can begin. I've found it helpful to write out a category list that includes broad grouping first. Then, if necessary, you can subcategorize each group further, getting as specific as you deem necessary.

Once you have the groupings sorted to your satisfaction, picking out a location for keeping the items becomes the focus. Sometimes the locale is obvious and sometimes you must try out a few different spots before making the final decision. That's the great thing about organizing, it is very forgiving and easily redone to perfection. Mistakes in organizing only exist in the eye of the beholderif it works for you, then that's the way to go. Since you are the one who must keep up with the organization, you want to make decisions that best suit your style. Take a closet, for instance, it can be arranged and sectioned in many different configurations. Mine is arranged in separate groups that include pants, shirts and suits/dresses. Then each group is arranged into colors using the model of Roy G. Biv (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet - the order of the rainbow). I learned this from my mother who is as anal retentive as I am, possibly more so, in some arenas! Anyway, this set up suits me quite well since I am rather conservative, but I do like to mix and match. Some people prefer to hang their outfits together with the tops and bottoms already matched. This is a great arrangement for those who become anxious or agitated when trying to decide what to wear. I have often thought of reorganizing my closet to model this configuration, but always veto the idea before I get started. It's just important to remember that it is your personal tastes and preferences should drive and mold your own organizational style.

Once you have a suitable location, it's time to look at storage accessories, if necessary. Does it need a bin or basket? Will it be visible to everyone or hidden behind a closed door? If it's out in the open there are many decorative containers available that are also functional. Items that are hidden out of sight can be stashed in almost any box and no extra expense is incurred. After years of being highly organized, I only recently discovered the fabulous plastic boxes that slide neatly under a bed. I keep wrapping paper in mine, but they would work just as well for off-season clothing, children's toys, extra blankets and linen or anything else under about 7" in height. What about the shelf or drawer space? Special dividers are available to make large spaces into smaller ones for the storage of several groups of items. Can the items be hung on hooks or suspending from the ceiling to keep the floor free from clutter? How often are the items used? Some things can be kept in boxes (properly labeled, of course) and stored in a closet, attic, basement or spare bedroom, whereas, other items are used regularly and must be kept readily accessible. All of these questions must be explored in order to find the right fit.

The last step in the process is perhaps the most tedious. Up keep! I cannot preach or even advise on up keep because it is the most arduous part for me as well. When my stability is off just the slightest amount, even my ingrained organizational ability falters. You can often detect my mood by the state of my sock drawer. My son loves to rummage through my socks looking for my Pooh socks or the ones with the bells on them or any of a number of pairs with an animal or character adornments. Usually I will go behind him and straighten everything out, refolding the matched pairs that he has pulled apart. They are all folded the same way and sorted by color and season. But, when I'm "out of sorts" I won't even care enough to pick the strays up off the floor, no less refold anything! When I'm mentally sound I am much more diligent at keeping everything arranged and in its proper place. Who isn't? I don't beat myself up over it though. Once I'm feeling better, I just go back to my routine. And, after enough reinforcement, the placements and arrangements become second nature and virtually automatic for you as well. It's all a matter of repetition and practice.

Finally, you reach a point where organization becomes easy. Plus, when you know where everything is you have relief from the constant hunt for the misplaced items, your mind is freed to concentrate on more important matters and you gain some, much deserved, spare time. Everyone can use a little extra time in today's hectic, overloaded environment. Like anything, if you can break it down and make each step manageable, then before you know it, you'll be finished and wondering what all the fuss was about to begin with. Good luck with your own organizational endeavor!