How To Help Someone With Bipolar Disorder
Do you have a family member or a friend who has recently been diagnosed with bipolar? If so, it’s important to show up in the right way for your friend or family member. This condition carries with it a lot of stigma. There’s a lot of judgment surrounding those who have bipolar disorder. This can be harmful to your friend’s well-being. They may be afraid to say anything about their struggles to coworkers or other acquaintances because of the stigma.
As a close family member or friend, what they need is understanding on your part. That way, they feel like they have someone they can talk to. Here’s how to help someone with bipolar disorder.
#1 Learn More About Bipolar Disorder
You have probably heard the saying “ignorance is bliss,”; however, this is not the case for mental health. The more you know, the better. Educate yourself about the different types of bipolar disorder. Hint: There are three main types. Learn as much as you can about each type. That way, you can recognize when your loved one is having symptoms and understand how to best support them.
Learn about the different types of bipolar disorder here.
#2 Have Regular Check-ins
Check in regularly with your friend or family member, even just to ask if they need anything. Keeping in contact provides your loved one with important social support. Don’t wait for your friend or family member to let you know how they are doing. When people are going through depressive episodes, they might isolate themselves and stop responding to messages.
#3 Get Involved in Their Treatment (With Their Permission)
Ask if you can be involved with your loved one’s treatment. This may include going to psychiatrist or therapist appointments together if they are agreeable. This can be helpful as you can provide collateral information to the doctor and also be there to provide emotional support. Your friend will have to sign a release for you to attend any mental health appointments. You should respect their need for privacy if they decline this.
#4 Speak Up
With bipolar disorder, there can be a lot of extreme bipolar behaviors like spending lots of money excessively, taking risks that put one’s life in danger, and using drugs. Some of these things may be enjoyable initially, so a person may not want to get help — at least at first.
It’s important to let your friend or family know if you notice these or other concerning symptoms. Don’t stay quiet. People with bipolar disorder might not always recognize the symptoms themselves right away. When talking to your friend about what you are seeing, stay calm and rational.
#5 Give Encouragement
Don’t give your loved one advice on how to manage their condition. You are not their psychiatrist or therapist and might not understand the best treatment for them. You can, however, encourage your loved one to make an appointment with their doctor or therapist if you are concerned about them.
You can also ask them what you can do to help. Some people with bipolar disorder might appreciate a loved one reminding them to take their medications or schedule therapy appointments, while others might find this pushy and overbearing.
#6 Offer To Help
Extreme bipolar symptoms can be overwhelming to deal with. During periods of depression and mania, a person may need help with basic things like picking up prescriptions or groceries. Helping them with these everyday tasks can help reduce stress, allowing them to focus on their recovery.
#7 Help Them Find Support
Support groups can provide hope and encouragement for those living with bipolar disorder. There’s scientific evidence that having support can help improve the well-being of those with bipolar disorder. Here are some of the best support groups and organizations for people with bipolar disorder:
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) - This organization offers both in-person and online support groups for people living with bipolar disorder.
The Trevor Project - The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth, including those with bipolar disorder. You can encourage your loved one to text, call, or chat 24/7. They can help whether a person is feeling lonely or having thoughts of self-harm. The Trevor Project also has an online social community for LGBTQ+ young people between the ages of 13 and 24 years old.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - NAMI has support groups for both people living with mental illness and family members.
What if They Are Talking About Suicide?
If your friend is talking about suicide or displaying extreme bipolar symptoms like psychosis, then it’s an emergency. Don’t leave them alone. Call or text the 988 Lifeline. The Lifeline is free, and crisis counselors are available 24/7 to help. You can personally call if you are worried about a loved one. You can also call your local mental health crisis center for help. You can also call 911 if they need urgent help. Your friend or family member may be angry if you call for help, but it may be necessary for their safety.
Signs that your loved one might need hospitalization.
People with bipolar disorder can lead happy, stable lives with the right support. Having family members and friends who are there for them is a big part of that. You can help someone with bipolar disorder by understanding the condition and providing encouragement and support through tough times.
