Being a friend, family member, or partner to someone with bipolar disorder can be both rewarding and challenging. Your understanding and support can make a profound difference in their life.
Understanding the Illness
- Educate Yourself: Learn about bipolar disorder. Reliable resources like NAMI (https://www.nami.org/), the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) (https://www.dbsalliance.org/), or the International Bipolar Foundation (https://ibpf.org/) provide valuable information.
- Recognize the Symptoms: Familiarize yourself with the signs of both manic/hypomanic and depressive episodes. This allows you to offer support sooner, should they arise.
- It’s Not Their Fault: Bipolar disorder is a biological illness, not a personal failing or weakness. Shifting your perspective from blame to biological understanding fosters empathy and reduces stigma.
Offering Effective Support
- Listen without Judgment: Simply being present and letting your loved one express their feelings openly creates a safe space.
- Be Patient & Understanding: Mood swings can be unpredictable. It takes time for treatment to work, and setbacks are normal. Patience and unconditional support are essential
- Encourage Treatment Adherence: Gently encourage them to stick with their treatment plan, attend appointments, and take their medications as prescribed.
- Focus on Wellness: Encourage healthy habits like good sleep routines, stress management, and regular exercise.
- Practical Help: Offer practical assistance with everyday tasks like grocery shopping, meal preparation, or childcare, especially during difficult moods.
- Help Them Build a Support Network: Assist in finding support groups, therapists, or other resources. Encourage them to build a network beyond yourself.
During Manic/Hypomanic Episodes
- Maintain Calm: Manic energy can feel overwhelming. Speak in a calm voice, and avoid overstimulating environments or arguing when possible.
- Set Boundaries: They may engage in impulsive or risky behaviors. Gently, but firmly, voice your concerns while remaining caring and supportive.
- Seek Professional Help: If you’re seriously concerned about their safety or the safety of others, encourage them to seek help, or contact their doctor or therapist.
During Depressive Episodes
- Offer Hope & Encouragement: Remind them that depression is a phase of the illness and treatment helps. Encourage even small steps toward self-care.
- Just Be There: Your presence and quiet company can be a lifeline. You don’t need to solve their problems, simply offer non-judgmental support.
- Watch for Warning Signs: Be alert to any signs of suicidal thinking or intent. Take it seriously and seek immediate professional help.
Take Care of Yourself
Supporting a loved one with bipolar disorder can be emotionally taxing. Remember:
- Boundaries: You won’t be able to fix everything. Set healthy boundaries, and be honest about what you can and cannot manage.
- Self-Care: Prioritize your own sleep, exercise, healthy eating, and stress management. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
- Support Groups: Connect with other families and caregivers. Find your own tribe who truly understands the challenges.
Your willingness to learn, love, and advocate for your loved one with bipolar disorder makes a significant difference in their journey toward stability and wellness.
The content provided herein is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice or treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health-related concerns, seek guidance from a qualified behavioral health professional. Click here to get help now. Any links are provided as a resource and no assurance is given as to the accuracy of information on linked pages.