Things you can do to support a loved one’s bipolar disorder treatment: Find qualified doctors and therapists. Set up appointments and go along. Offer your insights to the doctor.
- Educate yourself. The more you know about bipolar disorder, the more you'll be able to help. ...
- Listen. ...
- Be a champion. ...
- Be active in their treatment. ...
- Make a plan. ...
- Support, don't push. ...
- Be understanding. ...
- Don't neglect yourself.
How should I treat someone with bipolar disorder?
Treatment - Bipolar disorder
- Treatment options for bipolar disorder. If a person is not treated, episodes of bipolar-related mania can last for between 3 and 6 months. ...
- Medicines for bipolar disorder. ...
- Lithium. ...
- Anticonvulsant medicines. ...
- Antipsychotic medicines. ...
- Rapid cycling. ...
- Learning to recognise triggers. ...
- Psychological treatment. ...
- Pregnancy and bipolar medicines. ...
What are some coping skills for bipolar disorder?
Coping Skills for those diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and the loving people who care for them
- Sit comfortably with your back straight. Put one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach
- Breath in through your nose. The hand on your stomach should rise. ...
- Exhale through your mouth, pushing out as much air as you can while contracting your abdominal muscles. ...
- Continue to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
How to talk to someone who has bipolar disorder?
- I’m proud of your efforts to be well. Acknowledge trips to the doctor and therapist, attempts to exercise, and other displays of commitment to wellness.
- I’m proud of you for taking your medication. ...
- I’m proud of you for getting ready/cleaning the kitchen/doing the laundry. ...
Are there successful people who live with bipolar?
Yes, it is possible to be successful and lead a fulfilling life even with Bipolar Disorder. Famous individuals like Mel Gibson, Mariah Carey, Shama Sikander, and Yo Yo Honey Singh have shown that suffering from Bipolar Disorder need not limit the heights you can reach.
How to help someone with bipolar disorder?
Here are 10 steps you can take to help someone with bipolar disorder: 1. Educate yourself. The more you know about bipolar disorder, the more you’ll be able to help. For instance, understanding the symptoms of manic and depressive episodes can help you react appropriately during severe mood changes. 2.
How to deal with bipolar disorder?
Be patient and stay optimistic. Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition, so the symptoms will come and go throughout a person’s life. The disorder is unpredictable, with symptom-free periods alternating with extreme mood episodes. For the sake of the person with bipolar disorder, try to stay patient and optimistic.
What are the different types of bipolar disorder?
There are six main types of bipolar disorder. While they have some similar symptoms, these symptoms differ in their severity and treatment. Here are the six types, ranging from the most severe to the least severe: 1 bipolar I disorder 2 bipolar II disorder 3 cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia) 4 substance/medication-induced bipolar and related disorder 5 bipolar and related disorder due to another medical condition 6 unspecified bipolar and related disorder
Why is it important to understand bipolar disorder?
It’s important for people with bipolar disorder to understand how to cope with their condition. However, it’s also important that the people in their lives — such as friends or family members — know how to help when they’re going through a manic or depressive episode.
What is the name of the disorder that can switch from extreme happiness to deep sadness?
unspecified bipolar and related disorder. The main symptoms of bipolar disorder are intense emotional phases called “mood episodes.”. These episodes can switch from extreme happiness or joy (mania) to deep sadness or hopelessness (depression).
How old is bipolar?
Bipolar disorder most often develops in older teenagers or young adults, and the average age of onset is 25 years. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly 3 percent of adults in the United States have bipolar disorder. There are six main types of bipolar disorder.
Can bipolar disorder make you impulsive?
Sometimes people with bipolar disorder can become quite impulsive when they’re in the manic phase of their illness. When your loved one is well, they may ask you to hold cash or credit cards for them, which will minimize the potential financial damage they can do to themselves while in a manic phase.
How to help someone with bipolar disorder?
1. Speak openly to each other. Helping your friend with bipolar disorder will require that the two of you communicate honestly and openly. Dealing with emotional disorders can be just as trying for friendships as it is for each individual. Let your friend know when you’re worried about them by telling them so.
How to deal with bipolar disorder?
The onset of manic episodes can often include being extremely outgoing, cheerful and enthusiastic. Keep an eye out for destructive behavior that seems driven by positivity.
What happens when someone has a manic episode?
Remember that when someone with bipolar disorder experiences a manic episode, they may believe things that aren’t true, say things that they don’t mean or become increasingly aggressive. You may want to help your friend negotiate a treatment contract while he or she is doing well.
What to do if your friend has not been diagnosed?
If your friend has not been diagnosed, learn how to identify the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Remember that each person suffers from bipolar disorder in a different way, so if your friend does not exhibit symptoms exactly as you’ve researched, that may just be a part of their situation.
How to help a friend with bipolar?
The first step to helping a friend with bipolar disorder is to be patient with them. [7]
What to do if your friend doesn't want to seek medical help?
Encourage your friend to seek treatment. Bipolar disorder is a real medical condition that requires treatment in order to be managed effectively. If your friend does not want to seek medical treatment for their disorder, encourage them to reconsider. [8]
What to do if your friend has a manic episode?
If your friend has children or is responsible for someone’s care, you should make a plan to keep them safe and cared for in the event of your friend experiencing a manic episode. Plan for children to stay with someone else while your friend works through the most difficult stages of a manic episode.
How to stay healthy when you have bipolar?
It’s important for you to stay healthy emotionally and physically. Do things that you enjoy. Stay involved with other people you’re close to -- social support and those relationships mean a lot. Think about seeing a therapist on your own or joining a support group for other people who are close to someone who has bipolar disorder.
What to do if someone says no to bipolar?
If they say no, let it go. Ask again a few days later. Make a plan. Because bipolar disorder can often be an unpredictable illness, you should plan for bad times. Be clear. Agree with your loved one about what to do if their symptoms get worse. Have a plan for emergencies.
Why do you want to be supportive of bipolar?
You want to be supportive and empathetic, because you know the person with bipolar disorder isn’t to blame for their illness. But their behavior may affect you, and you have to take care of yourself and your needs, not just theirs. Although there's no easy solution, these tips may help. Learn.
Is it hard to care for someone with bipolar disorder?
Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Casarella, MD on September 27, 2020. Caring for someone with bipolar disorder can be very hard, whether you’re a partner, parent, child, or friend of someone who has this condition. It’s stressful for everyone it touches. It’s tough to strike a balance.
Can someone with bipolar have valid points?
Someone with bipolar disorder may still have valid points. Encourage them to stick with treatment. Your loved one needs to take their bipolar medication and get regular checkups or counseling. Notice their symptoms. They may not be able to see it as clearly as you do when their bipolar symptoms are active.
What does it mean when someone is bipolar?
The stigma and misrepresentation of bipolar disorder can mean people with the illness can be reluctant or embarrassed to seek help. As someone they trust, let them talk to you about their experiences, so they feel supported and accepted, says Mind’s Stephen Buckley. Ask how they are and be open about your own mental health, so it feels like a safe space.
What does Buckley say about manic episodes?
It might seem like the last thing you want to do, but Buckley says don’t be afraid to discuss behavior you find challenging. For example, someone might become disinhibited during a manic episode – meaning they say things or do things you don’t agree with. Sometimes they can seem rude or offensive.
Can you put your mental health on the back burner?
It can be all too easy to put your own mental health on the back-burner when you’re supporting a loved one with a mental illness. Both Carrington and Buckley urge friends and family members to look after themselves, too.
How to help someone with bipolar disorder?
An intervention for a mental illness like bipolar disorder can be riskier than that for an addict. Take care and be prepared for denial, hostility, even aggression. Have a plan in place and don’t try to do this without professional assistance.
Why do people with bipolar refuse to get treatment?
There are many reasons they may refuse care, including being unable to see they have a problem . This very serious mental illness that causes depression and mania cannot be managed without professional care.
What is a mental health intervention?
A Mental Health Intervention. When someone you care about continues to refuse treatment, when their mental health issues are causing serious problems, or if they can’t see or admit that they have bipolar disorder, a more drastic push may be useful.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness that affects about 2.6 percent of the U.S. population. Characterized by periods of depression and mania, an episode of high energy and activity, racing thoughts, exaggerated self-confidence, and even psychotic symptoms, bipolar disorder causes significant dysfunction.
What is residential treatment?
A residential program will also provide a thorough evaluation at intake that may uncover other issues that need to be addressed, like substance use disorder or another mental illness. The best treatment includes all mental health issues in care, so this is an important step for informing the treatment plan.
What to do if someone doesn't want to get treatment?
If someone you care about is struggling with this illness but doesn’t want to get treatment, there are things you can do. Be supportive, listen, reason with your loved one, present a plan for treatment, and if necessary consider staging an intervention with the help of a mental health professional.
Why do we need to seek emergency care for a loved one?
These are generally for instances in which it is believed that the individual could cause harm to self or others. Suicide is one important reason you may need to seek emergency care for a loved one. If involuntary commitment will save their life, it is worth doing.
Results
- The good news is that most people with bipolar disorder can stabilize their moods with proper treatment, medication, and supportand you can play a significant role in your loved ones recovery. Often, just having someone to talk to can make all the difference to their outlook and motivation. Once your friend or family member agrees to see a doctor, you can help by being a partner in tre…
Prevention
- Learning about bipolar disorder. Learn everything you can about the symptoms and treatment options. The more you know about bipolar disorder, the better equipped youll be to help your loved one and keep things in perspective. Reduce stress Stress makes bipolar disorder worse, so try to find ways to reduce stress in your loved ones life. Ask how you can help and volunteer to take ov…
Treatment
- Encouraging the person to get help. The sooner bipolar disorder is treated, the better the prognosis, so urge your loved one to seek professional help right away. Dont wait to see if they will get better without treatment. Being understanding. Let your friend or family member know th…
Prognosis
- Showing patience. Getting better takes time, even when a person is committed to treatment. Dont expect a quick recovery or a permanent cure. Be patient with the pace of recovery and prepare for setbacks and challenges. Managing bipolar disorder is a lifelong process. Living with a person who has bipolar disorder can cause stress and tension in the home. On top of the challenge of d…
Mission
- Communicate openly Open and honest communication is essential to coping with bipolar disorder in the family. Share your concerns in a loving way, ask your loved one how theyre feeling, and make an effort to truly listeneven if you disagree with your loved one or dont relate to whats being said.
Symptoms
- Dont take bipolar symptoms personally. When in the midst of a bipolar episode, people often say or do things that are hurtful or embarrassing. When manic, your loved one may be reckless, cruel, critical, and aggressive. When depressed, they may be rejecting, irritable, hostile, and moody. Its hard not to take such behaviors personally, but try to remember that theyre symptoms of your lo…
Goals
- Focus on your own life. Supporting your loved one may involve some life adjustments, but make sure you dont lose sight of your own goals and priorities. Dont give up friendships, plans, or activities that bring you joy.
Management
- Manage stress. Stress takes a toll on the body and mind, so find ways to keep it in check. Make sure youre eating right and getting enough sleep and exercise. You can also keep stress under control by practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation.
Prognosis
Overview
Types
- There are six main types of bipolar disorder. While they have some similar symptoms, these symptoms differ in their severity and treatment. Here are the six types, ranging from the most severe to the least severe:
Symptoms
- The main symptoms of bipolar disorder are intense emotional phases called mood episodes. These episodes can switch from extreme happiness or joy (mania) to deep sadness or hopelessness (depression). Sometimes people with bipolar disorder experience both happiness and sadness at the same time (mixed state). When people with bipolar disorder go through moo…
Treatment
- Living with bipolar disorder isnt easy. But your support can make a positive difference in the life of someone with the condition, especially during mood episodes. Here are 10 steps you can take to help someone with bipolar disorder: The more you know about bipolar disorder, the more youll be able to help. For instance, understanding the symptoms of manic and depressive episodes can …
Prevention
- For people with bipolar disorder, it can sometimes feel like the whole world is against them. Assuring the person that youre on their side can help them feel more stable. You dont have to agree with the persons behaviors and actions, but telling them that youll always have their back can be very beneficial. You should also have everyday plans that ...
Risks
- Bipolar disorder can be unpredictable. Its important to have an emergency plan in place if you need to use it during severe mood episodes. This plan should include what to do if the person feels suicidal during a depressive episode, or if the person gets out of control during a manic episode.
Causes
- Sometimes people with bipolar disorder can become quite impulsive when theyre in the manic phase of their illness. When your loved one is well, they may ask you to hold cash or credit cards for them, which will minimize the potential financial damage they can do to themselves while in a manic phase.
Preparation
- If you agree to do this, be prepared to be on the receiving end of some hostility when your loved one demands that you give them their credit cards, bank books, or cash. Think in advance about whether you can deal with this before agreeing to support your loved one in this way.
Results
- But if you make the effort, you can make an enormous difference in the life of your friend or loved one. Knowing they can rely on you can help them stick with their treatment plan and stay more positive. It can also be rewarding for you to know that youre helping your friend or loved one cope with the ups and downs of life with bipolar disorder.