The proper way to interact and deal with someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorderis a mental illnessthat manifests in cyclesof depressionand mania.
Individuals with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood swings, which can cause them to suddenly shift from a high state of joy to deep sadness.
The exact cause ofbipolar disorderis unknown, but factors likestress, genetics, life changes, and more can trigger a cycle.
Family plays an important role in improving this illness, but dealing with a bipolar patient is not easy.
For this reason, this article fromSelMagzoffers tips to support your friend or family member affected by this disorder.
Strategies for dealing with a friend who has bipolar disorder:
Bipolar personality disorder is a mental illness, and the way those around the patient interact with them directly impacts their recovery process.
Learn about bipolar disorder:
Try to learn everything about the symptoms and treatment options for this disorder.
The more you know about bipolar disorder, the better you can help your friend and manage the situation.
Encourage the bipolar patient to pursue treatment:
Remember that bipolar patients can lead successful and fulfilling lives. Remind your loved ones that this disorder is not a major problem and they can overcome it.
Understanding and empathizing:
Let your friends or family members know you are there to talk, help with treatment, and encourage them when needed.
Those affected by bipolar disorder often hesitate to ask for help as they do not want to burden others.
So remind them that they matter to you and that you are willing to do anything to help when they need it.
Be patient:
Recovery takes time, even when a person is committed to treatment. Do not expect quick healing or a permanent cure.
Instead, be patient to speed up the recovery process and be ready to address challenges as they arise. Managing bipolar disorder is a lifelong journey.
The importance of support in the recovery of someone with bipolar disorder
People with bipolar disorder tend to perform better when supported by family and friends.
They are likely to recover faster, thus experiencing less depression and milder symptoms when support is present.
The individual with bipolar disorder and family
Living with someone who has bipolar disorder can create stress and tension at home.
Family members often struggle with feelings of guilt, fear,angerand helplessness when dealing with the symptoms and repercussions of this condition, which can ultimately harm relationships.
The first step to successfully cope with bipolar disorder is for families to accept the illness and its challenges.
When feeling hopeless or guilty, remember that no one is to blame for bipolar disorder.
Accepting bipolar disorder means acknowledging that things may never be normal.
To avoid disappointment and dissatisfaction, it is important to set realistic expectations.
Having unrealistic expectations of family members is a type of failure, while having low expectations can also hinder recovery. So strive to maintain balance between encouragement and support.
Tips for interacting with a family member with bipolar disorder:
Acknowledge your loved one’s limitations:
Your loved one with bipolar disorder cannot control their mood.
They struggle with managing depression.
Depression and mania are beyond their control, so understanding and accepting that they are not ‘crazy’ can be helpful for their recovery.
Tell them how much they mean to you:
Love and support from families of bipolar patients significantly affect their recovery process, so make sure to always express support and tell them how important they are to you.
Listen to them:
Share your concerns in a friendly manner and patiently listen to what they have to say, using supportive language when you disagree with their viewpoint.
Maintain your calm:
A bipolar patient may act strangely or become irritable during depressive episodes.
Remember that during such times, they are not truly themselves, and their symptoms can lead to inappropriate behaviors.
So keep your calm and avoid reacting to such behaviors.
Acknowledge your own limits:
You cannot save your loved ones from bipolar disorder, nor can you force them to get better.
You can support them, but ultimately, recovery depends on the individual with the illness.
Reduce stress:
Stress worsens bipolar disorder, so look for ways to reduce stress in your loved one’s life.
Encourage them to ask for help when needed.
Creating and following a daily routine with consistent times for waking up, meals, and bedtime can reduce family stress.
Open communication:
Establishing clear and honest dialogue is essential for dealing with bipolar disorder in the family.
Share your concerns lovingly, ask how they feel, and try to listen, even if you do not agree with them or find no relevance in what is said.
Encouraging the bipolar individual to see a doctor
Besides emotional support, the best way to assist a loved one with bipolar disorder is to encourage and support their treatment process.
Often, this can be more challenging than it seems.
If your loved ones cannot recognize their bipolar disorder, do not argue with them about it.
This idea may be frightening for them, so approach with care.
Instead, suggest a routine medical check-up or a visit to a doctor regarding a specific symptom like insomnia, irritability, or fatigue.
Supporting the bipolar individual during treatment
Once a friend or family member agrees to see a doctor, you can assist and accompany them. Your support can make a significant difference in their treatment success.
