Supporting a loved one with bipolar disorder can be incredibly challenging, but it also offers an opportunity to make a profound difference in their life. It’s an emotional experience that can include moments of intense highs and lows – which can take a toll on everyone. By educating yourself about the condition, you can become a better ally to your friend or family member throughout their journey. Ways to show your support include offering understanding, compassion, and action, which we’ll dive into below.
Educating yourself on bipolar disorder
Understanding the condition is the first step in preparing to support someone with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme fluctuations in mood that come in episodes, which can have an outsized impact on a person’s daily activities, energy levels, thought process, and overall well-being.
What is bipolar disorder?
Individuals with bipolar disorder experience intense emotional shifts that can continue for several days, weeks, or even months. Unlike your typical mood swings, those with bipolar disorder often find their swings greatly impair varying aspects of their everyday life.
It’s important to know that bipolar disorder is a medical condition for which continuing care and professional support is recommended by qualified medical professionals. Having bipolar disorder is not a choice, but taking steps to best manage it for your lifestyle is.
Types of bipolar disorder
With advancements in research, it’s now known that bipolar disorder exists in different forms – some overlapping challenges and each coming with their own set of unique difficulties. Some examples are listed below:
- Bipolar I disorder: A severe condition characterized by at least one episode of mania that may be extreme and dangerous. Patients may or may not also experience depression.
- Bipolar II disorder: A severe condition that includes depressive episodes and at least one period of hypomania.
- Cyclothymic disorder. A milder subtype of bipolar disorder that is usually less severe than bipolar l and bipolar ll. Mood episodes do not meet the full criteria for bipolar I, bipolar II, or major depressive disorders. Cyclothymic disorder may later develop into bipolar I or bipolar II.
Understanding the specific type of bipolar disorder your loved one has can help you tailor your support accordingly. As always, consulting qualified medical professionals is a strong start to set a solid path for supportive engagement.
Recognizing symptoms and triggers
Learning the triggers and signs of mania and depression may help you support someone with bipolar disorder. People suffering from bipolar conditions may not even realize they’re experiencing a mood shift, or they may feel too overwhelmed to seek help.
Symptoms of mania
During a manic episode, your loved one may seem unusually happy, energetic, or even irritable. Be on the lookout for:
- Racing thoughts
- Exaggerated self-confidence or grandiosity
- Reduced need for sleep
- Impulsive or risky behaviors, like excessive spending or dangerous decisions, without regard to considering or realizing possible negative consequences or impacts
- Rapid speech, such as speaking so quickly they are difficult to follow
While mania can sometimes feel euphoric, it can also lead to poor judgment, strained relationships, and potentially harmful situations.
Symptoms of depression
On the other side of the spectrum, depressive episodes can be equally debilitating. Watch for:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
During a depressive phase, your loved one may withdraw, stop engaging with the world, and isolate themselves. Recognizing these patterns can help you reach out and provide support when they may not have the strength to ask for it themselves.
Common triggers
Triggers can vary from person to person. Some common ones include:
- Stress: Significant life changes, work pressures, or personal conflicts can intensify symptoms.
- Sleep disruption: Irregular sleep patterns can signal both manic and depressive episodes.
- Substance use: Drugs and alcohol may negatively interact with medications and worsen symptoms.
- Seasonal changes: Some individuals with bipolar disorder experience more mood episodes during specific times of the year, like winter or spring.
When you understand these triggers, you can intervene and offer assistance in the hopes of preventing escalation.
Ask how you can support them
Since individuals with bipolar disorder may experience its effects differently, one of the things you can do to help a loved one is simply asking them how they’d like to be supported. Do they prefer you check in regularly? Do they want space when they’re feeling overwhelmed? Get the conversation going so you can understand how you can best be there for them.
Let them know when you notice concerning symptoms
Sometimes during a manic or depressive episode, a person might not be fully aware of their own symptoms. Gently pointing out when you’ve noticed a change in their behavior can support awareness and action. Take care to approach them with empathy and without judgment. A simple “I’ve noticed you seem more stressed than usual – do you want to talk about it?” can go a long way.
Encourage them to stay in treatment
Bipolar disorder often requires ongoing treatment, including medication and therapy. Sometimes people with the condition have varying views about treatment, so be prepared for the possibility.
- The medications aren’t working: Encourage them to talk to their doctor rather than stopping treatment abruptly.
- They don’t like the side effects: Suggest they talk to their doctor about alternative options.
- They forget to take their medications: Offer to set up reminders or help them create a routine to ensure they take their medication consistently.
- They don’t think they need treatment: Gently remind them of previous episodes and how treatment has helped them maintain stability.
Have a crisis plan prepared
Bipolar disorder can sometimes lead to crises, such as suicidal thoughts or actions. Be ready with a crisis plan that can guide you during an emergency. This plan might include:
- Contact information for doctors and therapists
- Emergency contact numbers
- Steps to take during an episode, like removing access to harmful objects or substances
- Instructions for when to seek professional help or hospitalization
Take care of yourself
Be careful not to let your support for your loved one negatively impact your own mental health. It’s good to be there for them, but important to also look out for yourself. There are ways to prioritize your mental health which include:
Talk therapy
Talking to a therapist may be helpful for you. Therapy can give you tools to manage stress and emotional exhaustion.
Try a support group
You’re not alone in supporting a loved one with bipolar disorder. Seek out others going through the same thing and connect with them either in person or online. They may be able to share insights on how to take care of yourself, or give you the encouragement to keep going.
Prioritize self-care
Decide what you need to feel relaxed and recharged. For some it could mean taking a beach day, and for others, unwinding by playing video games. These acts of self-care could keep you from feeling burnt out.
Know your limits
There is only so much you can do. Recognize when you need to step back and take a break. Consider whether it’s time for you to see a therapist for help in getting to a better place.
Accept your loved one’s limits
Your loved one may have limitations, especially during an episode. Being patient and showing compassion may be good for your relationship, but it may not be enough. It’s important to understand and accept their limits just as you work to understand and accept your own.
