If someone you love is living with bipolar disorder, you already know it can be a rough ride sometimes. Not sure what to do? Here is a quick guide to help a loved one with bipolar disorder. Your relationship can be exciting, exhausting, and very stressful. You may even have all of these feelings in one day!

According to the National Institute of Mental Health:

Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

There are four types of bipolar disorder. They all cause the same straightforward symptoms; they differ in their severity.
No matter what form of Bipolar Disorder your loved one experiences, you shouldn’t feel like you can’t help them.

If you need advice on how to help a loved one with bipolar disorder, read the tips below.

1. Educate yourself.

Take the time to research what kind of Bipolar Disorder that your loved one has and learn about it.

2. Listen without fixing.

Sometimes all your loved one needs is an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on. It isn’t always your position to offer advice.

3. Make sure they feel like part of society.

Once they are diagnosed it may be difficult to go out, make sure you let them know that their mental illness does not limit them.

4. Ask what they need help with.

Sometimes the best thing that you can do to help your loved one is to take a task off of their shoulders. Consider taking on a job that they usually do on rough days. This will help them cope with their problems without feeling like the weight of the world is on them.

5. Invite them places!

Just because a person has Bipolar Disorder, doesn’t mean that they are always having a bad day. Be aware that they may cancel at the last minute if their social anxiety gets too bad or if they have a manic episode.

6. Give them alone time.

People coping with Bipolar Disorder often need extended periods of time spent alone. Make sure to give them their space to deal with whatever they have to.

7. Support their treatment.

No matter what form of treatment plan they decide, do not butt your way in or give your opinion. This choice is for them to make.

About Choices Psychotherapy

Choice is the foundation for a change. Choice speaks to the reality that there is not one right answer for all.  At Choices Psychotherapy, we are committed to empowering clients and their families to identify options while assisting in creating a personal roadmap toward health and recovery.

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