Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that impacts mood regulation, impulse control, and focus. This disorder often gets misdiagnosed as depression, which can make treatment and support a challenge for all involved.
Offering judgment-free support and care to someone you love who has bipolar disorder is worth the effort. Here are some practical tips to help you be a good support person while taking care of yourself.
Dedicate Time to Learning About Bipolar
There’s a lot of stigma and misconception surrounding bipolar disorder. The best thing you can do when someone you love is diagnosed with this mental health ailment is to educate yourself.
Take some time to learn about bipolar from a reputable source, asking their healthcare team if appropriate (i.e., if it’s your spouse or child).
You can also ask the person about their experience with bipolar. Ask how it feels, what their concerns are, and how things work.
In most cases, your friend or loved one will enjoy the opportunity to share and be grateful that you aren’t avoiding the subject.
However, it’s also important to respect their boundaries and privacy if they aren’t comfortable with the conversation.
Look for Resources and Support Options
One of the ways you can help someone navigate their disorder is to research resources and support options for them.
Looking for mental health support can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Taking over this task can help mitigate stress which could impact their disorder.
According to experts in Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Texas, support needs for this mental health disorder are multifaceted. In addition to medication management and counseling, people with bipolar disorder also need assistance with nutrition, life skills, and, often, addiction treatment.
As treatment and support can be challenging to secure, researching options can be a tremendous help.
Practice Active Listening
One of the challenges people with mental health disorders experience is feeling heard and validated. While many people are ready to listen to their friends and loved ones, they do so with the intention to respond or solve rather than listen to understand.
Active listening is a skill that requires empathy and compassion. Rather than sharing your experience or offering solutions, ask expansive questions and validate their experience.
Things like “that sound challenging” or “it sounds like you feel this way, am I understanding right?” shows that you care and value their emotions.
Spend Time with Them
Many people who receive a bipolar diagnosis feel socially isolated. It’s important to understand that a diagnosis doesn’t change who your friend or loved one is; it provides a foundation for treatment and support.
Rather than pulling away, take the initiative to schedule activities and time with them. Understand that your activities may have to change; staying away from stressors and alcohol is important for people with bipolar.
Instead, plan to go for a meal, a movie, or another relaxing activity.
Advocate for Them
Sometimes people with bipolar disorder lack self-awareness when experiencing an episode or relapse. If you notice the signs, tread carefully; confronting them may cause defensiveness.
Gently highlight your concerns with the individual. If they’re not responsive, talk to the appropriate care person.
For example, if your friend is experiencing signs of a bipolar relapse, reach out to their spouse or parent (whoever is overseeing their care). If it’s your spouse, parent, or child, reach out to their medical team for support.
Protect Your Boundaries and Energy
Finally, remember to practice self-care and protect your boundaries. Being a caregiver or support person is incredibly challenging.
People with bipolar disorder often say or do hurtful things without meaning to. Even though these behaviors aren’t their fault, they’re still hurtful. Make time for yourself and know when you need to step back.
Use these practical guidelines to support your friend or loved one with bipolar disorder so they can get the help they deserve.