Learning to live with bipolar disorder (BP) is an adjustment for both the person with BP and their loved ones. Many people feel relief at getting a diagnosis, knowing that there’s hope and help available to them. Even with the proper mental health diagnosis, determining which methods of treatment work best for the individual can sometimes be a trial-and-error process.
As a bipolar disorder caregiver, you’re probably reading this because you want to learn more about supporting someone with bipolar disorder. We can help. Read on to learn about some of the best ways you can actively support someone with BP.
Educate Yourself About Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar is a complex mental illness, and more is being discovered each year about its causes, how it presents and advances in treatment. The more you can learn about BP in general and your loved one’s specific triggers and symptoms, the better you’re able to offer meaningful bipolar disorder support.
Establish Support Through Open and Honest Communication
Recognize how to provide support through open and honest communication. You and your loved one with BP may benefit from co-counseling with a licensed professional to learn how to communicate in a healthy manner. There may be hurt on both sides because of things that were said or done prior to your loved one getting a diagnosis and help.
The goal should be to get to a point where your loved one can identify when they need help and be able to talk to you about it and to a point where you can talk to them about indications of an imminent mood episode.
Gently Encourage Sticking to the Treatment Plan
It’s not uncommon for people with bipolar disorder to struggle with medication side effects or feel uncomfortable in the early stages of treatment. If your loved one has a serious or unpleasant reaction to a medication, it’s best to consult a doctor immediately. Encourage them to stick with the prescribed medication and follow the dosage instructions; sometimes it takes a few weeks for certain prescriptions to start working effectively.
The treatment plan likely also includes specific types of therapy. Success in therapy doesn’t just mean your loved one attends sessions. Encourage them to practice any “homework” from the therapist and approach these techniques with an open mind.
Foster a Structured and Stable Environment
When you’re living with a bipolar partner, it’s not unusual to feel like your home is chaotic. You and your loved one can work together to make your home a calm respite, like decluttering or repainting the walls. A calm interior can help reduce stress for everyone living there.
A stable and structured environment doesn’t just mean the physical interior. Family therapy may help everyone living in the home contribute to a less chaotic environment, one in which conflict is calmly addressed.
Engage in Self-Care and Don’t Neglect Your Own Health
Being a caregiver and support system to someone with BP is taxing. You may neglect your physical and mental health to help your loved one during a manic or depressive episode.
Remember how, on airplanes, the flight attendant tells you to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others? It’s the same mindset that you, as a caregiver, should have about supporting and helping your loved one. You can’t be an effective partner if you’re run down, over-stressed or exhausted. Devote time for your own self-care, or practice self-care together, like taking walks outdoors, going to the gym or meditating.
Be Patient; Mood Episodes Aren’t Personal
It’s easy to tell yourself that bipolar disorder behaviors aren’t personal, but it’s different when you’re in the moment. As a caregiver or support system, you may benefit from individual therapy to help you learn grounding techniques when your loved one acts out.
Developing open communication and a sense of trust with each other can help you both work through hurtful things that were said or done during a mood episode. Even though your loved one likely didn’t mean to hurt you personally, your feeling and response are still valid. Discussing them with your loved one can help strengthen your communication level and connection.
Promote a Healthy Lifestyle
Coping with bipolar disorder often means taking a holistic approach to health. There’s a profound mind-body connection; many people with mood disorders (not just BP) may find their symptoms ease when they stick to a consistent sleep schedule, get regular exercise and eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Making small, healthy changes, like cooking at home instead of eating fast food or going for a daily walk, can improve your loved one’s overall mood. Remember, taking care of your body is also a form of self-care.
Mental Health Resources in Your Area
The Mental Health Hotline team offers an array of resources for people struggling with BP and their families. Trained counselors are available on our hotlines 24/7, offering confidential support and direction to mental health resources in your area.