They may push you away because they don’t want to burden you with their problems, and offering emotional support lets them know they haven’t lost a friend. [1] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source People with bipolar disorder also hyper-fixate on activities or tasks. [2] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source A quick check-in can help them refocus and detach from the activity for a brief moment.
This can be as simple as leaving them alone for a few hours or understanding how they like to communicate. Remember to set your own boundaries too.
Manic and depressed moods can last for weeks or months, so take a deep breath do what you can to help. Because of bipolar disease, your love one is in a constant state of distress, discomfort, or frustration. Having patience with their mood swings and episodes can be enough to ease their anxieties and give them one less thing to worry about.
“You’re not alone. I’m here for you. ” “I understand that your illness is giving you these thoughts and feelings. ” “I may not know exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to support you. ” “You’re important to me. No matter what. ”
Keep in mind that your loved one may not have the power to control their manic or depressive episodes. Reality and fantasy can blur together when someone’s bipolar, and having a regular schedule gives them something to rely on. Think of your consistency as a rope and bipolar disorder as a hole. Your loved one may find themselves falling farther and farther, but your consistency can help tether them to what matters most.
Providing a safe, comforting, and supportive environment your loved one can turn to for help is especially important when navigating bipolar disorder. When it’s your turn to speak, use supportive phrases like, “You’re not alone in this. I’m here for you,” and “That sounds terrible. You don’t have to go through this alone. How can I best support you and help?”[8] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
Along with this, avoid being judgemental. [10] X Trustworthy Source Mind U. K. -based mental health charity focused on providing advice and resources to anyone facing mental health problems. Go to source Right now, they need support, not criticism. Avoid phrases like, “We all have mood swings sometimes,” “You’re acting crazy,” and “I’ve felt the same way. ” These could be triggering for someone with a mental illness, as they can make them feel small rather than empowered.
Focus on supporting what they’re feeling in the moment rather than challenging their reality. Research bipolar disorder in your free time to learn more about their behavior. [12] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source Understand that their manic and depressive episodes are more intense than everyday anxiety or sadness. Keep in mind that bipolar is an umbrella term and that many different subtypes come with their own challenges.
If your child has bipolar disorder, consider taking them to therapy sessions after school to make it a part of your routine. If your friend or partner is struggling, offer to pick them up on a specific day each week or month to bring them to therapy—making a fun day out of it. Help them sign up for online therapy through Better Help or Talk Space if in-person treatment is too stimulating. Avoid pushing any treatment on them. Instead, keep the option open, so it’s there when they’re ready.
