Bipolar disorder, also referred to as manic depression.It is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including episodes of mania (elevated or irritable mood) and depression.
Supporting a loved one with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can make a significant difference in their life.
In this blog, you’ll explore practical ways to help someone with bipolar disorder during both manic and depressive phases.
1. Understand What Bipolar Disorder Is
The first step to helping someone is to learn about the disorder. Bipolar disorder has two key phases:
- Manic Episodes: Periods of high energy, impulsivity, and poor decision-making. A person may feel euphoric, but they can also be irritable or aggressive.
- Depressive Episodes: Intense feelings of sadness, fatigue, and hopelessness, with a risk of self-isolation and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Understanding these patterns will help you respond appropriately to their needs in both states.
2. Be an Active, Non-Judgmental Listener
One of the most valuable things you can offer is a listening ear. People with bipolar disorder often feel misunderstood, so being present without judgment or unsolicited advice can be comforting.
- Listen to their feelings without dismissing them.
- Avoid saying things like, “It’s all in your head,” or, “Just think positively.”
- Validate their emotions even if they seem extreme or irrational in the moment.
Let them know that they are not alone, and you are there for them regardless of the mood state they are in.
3. Help Them Stick to Treatment Plans
Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment, which usually involves medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
However, during manic episodes, a person may feel invincible and skip their medication, while during depressive phases, they may lack the motivation to attend therapy or follow routines.
- Gently remind them to take their medication or attend therapy appointments.
- Offer to drive them to appointments if they are struggling.
- If they express concerns about their treatment, encourage them to talk to their doctor rather than discontinuing medication abruptly.
4. Recognize Early Warning Signs
Early intervention can help prevent full-blown episodes. Look for change in behavior:
- Signs of Mania: Rapid speech, reduced need for sleep, impulsive decisions, irritability, or excessive energy.
- Signs of Depression: Loss of interest in activities, withdrawal from social interaction, extreme fatigue, or expressions of hopelessness.
When you notice these signs, gently bring them up and encourage your loved one to take proactive steps, like contacting their therapist or adjusting their schedule to rest.
5. Offer Practical Support
During depressive phases, even simple tasks like grocery shopping, cooking, or cleaning can feel overwhelming. Practical support can make a huge difference.
- Offer to help with everyday tasks like cooking meals, doing laundry, or running errands.
- During manic episodes, they might need support managing impulsive behavior—such as limiting access to credit cards or making structured plans to avoid risky activities.
Be careful not to take over their responsibilities entirely; instead, offer gentle assistance to keep them on track without making them feel incapable.
6. Set Healthy Boundaries
It’s essential to provide support without sacrificing your own mental well-being. Supporting someone with bipolar disorder can be emotionally taxing, and you need to ensure you don’t burn out.
- Set clear boundaries around your time and energy.
- Explain your limits calmly: “I care about you, but I also need to take some time for myself.”
- Let them know you are still available but not always at their immediate disposal. Healthy boundaries ensure you can help without becoming overwhelmed.
7. Encourage Healthy Routines
Maintaining a regular routine helps reduce mood swings for people with bipolar disorder. Encourage them to adopt healthy habits, such as:
- Sleep: Sleep disruptions can trigger manic or depressive episodes, so encourage consistent sleep schedules.
- Exercise: Physical activity can improve mood and reduce stress. Invite them to join you for walks or yoga.
- Healthy Eating: Nutritional stability supports emotional health.
- Avoiding Drugs and Alcohol: Substances can worsen mood instability, so encourage them to avoid drinking or recreational drug use.
8. Know When to Intervene in a Crisis
During manic or depressive episodes, things can escalate quickly. It’s important to know when professional help is needed.
- Manic Crisis: They may engage in reckless behavior (such as overspending, risky driving, or unsafe sexual activity). In such cases, stay calm and, if needed, involve trusted professionals or loved ones to manage the situation.
- Depressive Crisis: If they express suicidal thoughts, take them very seriously. Contact their therapist, a crisis hotline, or emergency services if necessary.
Stay calm but act quickly and responsibly. Crisis situations are often temporary, but timely intervention can save lives.
9. Be Patient and Celebrate Small Wins
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, and progress may be slow. Treatment can help manage symptoms, but relapses can still occur. It’s essential to stay patient and supportive throughout the ups and downs.
- Acknowledge small achievements—whether it’s attending therapy, following a routine, or taking medication consistently.
- Understand that relapses are part of the journey, and they are not a failure.
Your patience and encouragement during setbacks can provide much-needed emotional stability for your loved one.