Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by changes in mood, including periods of mania and depression. Although numerous individuals effectively navigate their bipolar disorder, it can have repercussions on their relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners. For certain individuals, the symptoms of bipolar disorder persist despite medication. For this reason, having a good support system is key for leading a healthy life.
If you find yourself in the role of a supportive figure for someone dealing with bipolar disorder, consider the following six ways to provide assistance and understanding:
1. Learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder
Supporting someone with bipolar disorder begins by understanding what bipolar disorder is, including its symptoms and treatment options. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by significant mood fluctuations that can disrupt daily life. Beyond typical mood swings, individuals with bipolar disorder may experience extended periods of mania or depression, lasting for days or even months. When not treated effectively, people with bipolar disorder may find that their symptoms lead to interferences in their work or school performance, as well as conflicts in their relationships and a decreased ability to take care of themselves..
While research continues to examine the origins of bipolar disorder, many people believe that the mental health condition may have a genetic component. There are several bipolar disorder risk factors, like trauma or substance use, that can also correspond with its development. Symptoms of bipolar disorder typically manifest during an individual’s teenage years or early adulthood, although the onset can vary from person to person.
There are four types of bipolar disorder, including Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, Cyclothymia, and unspecified or other types of bipolar disorder. Diagnosis depends on the type of mood episodes experienced, and mental health professionals place mood episodes within these four categories:
Mania
When individuals go through a manic episode, they exhibit heightened mood and increased energy levels. They might have racing thoughts, appear easily distracted, and speak rapidly. Impulsive actions and hasty decisions, such as those concerning finances or career choices, can be characteristic of this state.
Hypomania
Hypomania, as the name implies, is a mood episode that is similar to but less intense than mania. Individuals in a hypomanic state experience an elevated mood. Some may feel energized and highly productive, while others might experience heightened anxiety. Hypomania usually does not disrupt their daily routines significantly, though impulsive tendencies may still surface.
Depression
During a major depressive episode, individuals can feel overwhelming hopelessness, sadness, and emptiness. They may lack the energy needed for basic tasks, impacting personal hygiene, cognitive functions, and relationships. Depression can also lead to cognitive difficulties, resulting in a sense of mental fog and an inability to concentrate.
Mixed
People who experience mixed mood episodes experience symptoms of multiple mood episodes concurrently. This might manifest as heightened irritability, anxiety, insomnia, or emotional reactivity, creating a complex blend of emotions and behaviors.
Often, bipolar disorder is misdiagnosed, as its symptoms can be similar to other health or mental health conditions. On top of knowing the key symptoms of bipolar disorder, it can be helpful to also know about common treatments for bipolar disorder.
Typically, individuals with bipolar disorder collaborate with a psychiatrist to identify suitable medications and dosages for managing their mood swings and symptoms. Additionally, many of them engage in regular therapy sessions, often employing therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It’s important to note that there is no known cure for bipolar disorder. However, numerous evidence-based treatments and medications are available that can alleviate symptom severity, enabling those with bipolar disorder to lead stable, content, and fulfilling lives
You can learn more about bipolar disorder from reputable sources like the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
2. Be involved and compassionate
Given the potentially lifelong nature of bipolar disorder and its impact on individuals, it becomes crucial to understand how to provide the most effective support for a loved one who has received a diagnosis. Being involved and compassionate is a powerful way to support your loved one and to show them that you care for them and appreciate their presence in your life.
The nature of the support you offer should be tailored to your loved one’s specific needs and the dynamics of your relationship. To discover the best approach for supporting your loved one with bipolar disorder, consider exploring some of the following options:
- Check in with them, whether that’s in-person, on the phone, or over text.
- Learn how your loved one best receives support.
- Be mindful of space. Take space and give space as needed.
- Listen with empathy and limit how many solutions you offer.
- Try and be patient and flexible
The best way to know how to support your loved one with bipolar disorder is to have an open conversation or regular conversations about the topic. Being involved means that you aren’t afraid to engage in conversations — including difficult conversations — about bipolar disorder.
3. Discuss how to have hard conversations before they need to happen
Discussing how to best support your loved one and help them manage bipolar disorder is most effective when done proactively, ideally before a crisis arises. Initiating these conversations and establishing clear boundaries can be invaluable in preparing for difficult episodes.
Here are some prompts to aid in starting this crucial conversation:
- Pointing Out Symptoms: “If I notice that you’re struggling with your symptoms, what’s the best way for me to bring this to your attention?”
- Encouraging Help-Seeking: “How can I provide the most effective encouragement for you to seek help when you feel it’s necessary?”
- Managing Consequences: “In the event that actions taken during manic episodes result in difficult consequences, how can I assist you in managing these situations?”
- Setting Support Boundaries: “I want to discuss my boundaries when it comes to offering support. I’m committed to helping, but I also have my own needs and limitations. Can we talk about what support means and where my comfort zone ends?”
- Maintaining Boundaries: “If one of my boundaries is crossed, what’s the best way for me to communicate this to you while still preserving that boundary?”
Your loved one’s needs and preferences may change over time, so these conversations may need to happen on a regular basis. It can be helpful to explicitly state that these are hard conversations and to affirm that you’re there to support them, which is why you want to talk about these important topics. These conversations also provide an opportunity to inquire about their symptoms with curiosity, fostering a deeper understanding of how their mental health affects them.
4. Collaborate with them on action plans
When talking with your loved one about support, it can be helpful to collaborate with them on an action plan. Having such a plan in place ensures that you are well-prepared to assist them during manic or depressive episodes, reducing panic and uncertainty.
Here are some key elements to discuss and include in your action plan:
Response to Mania or Depression
Outline what steps to take when your loved one is experiencing a manic or depressive episode. This may involve specific actions or strategies you can employ to provide support.
Early Warning Signs
Identify the signs that indicate the onset of a manic or depressive episode. Recognizing these early warning signs can enable timely intervention.
Medication Management
Discuss what to do if your loved one stops taking their prescribed medication. Consider how you can encourage them to adhere to their treatment plan or seek professional help.
Contacting the Treatment Team
Establish a plan for how to reach out to their mental health treatment team and determine what information is essential to share with them during a crisis.
Emergency Services
Research and document the available mental health crisis services in your area. Determine your loved one’s preferences regarding these services and how to access them.
Remember, the primary goal is to prioritize your loved one’s safety and well-being. By having an action plan in place, you can take swift and informed action during challenging moments, alleviating some of the decision-making burden. Additionally, being an observant friend and sharing your honest observations can facilitate conversations about their current mental state and the support they may need, particularly when they may not have full insight into their condition.
5. Find ways to take care of yourself
When it comes to supporting a loved one with bipolar disorder, you might feel a wide range of emotions. It’s normal to feel sad when you see someone in pain.
It’s important to find ways to take care of yourself, both on an ongoing basis and after particularly stressful periods of care. Your own mental health is equally important and you can only care for your loved one if you’re taking care of your own well-being. Coming to a place of acceptance — of your loved one’s diagnosis and of your position in their care — can be a helpful way of looking at the situation and give you perspective on your own limitations.
Speaking with a therapy is one of the best ways to incorporate self-care into your daily life. It’s important to have a support system in place for yourself as well, especially if you’re in a care-taking position. A therapist will not only be able to help you through your own experiences, but they can also provide you with additional context for what your loved one might be going through and provide you with the tools to maintain your mental health while supporting someone else.
Our team of therapists can support you as you navigate supporting a loved one with Bipolar Disorder. Please call or text us at (949) 245-7442 or book an appointment online.