How to Help a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder

Blog by Paola
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As detailed in Zencare's article.....

Supporting someone with bipolar disorder begins by understanding what bipolar disorder is, including its symptoms and treatment options. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition whose symptoms include marked mood changes that lead to impairments or negative interruptions in daily living. More than simple mood swings, bipolar disorder symptoms like mania or depression can last for days or even months. When not treated effectively, people with bipolar disorder may find that their symptoms lead to interferences in their work or school performance, as well as conflicts in their relationships and a decreased ability to take care of themselves.
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There are four types of bipolar disorder, including Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, Cyclothymia, and unspecified or other types of bipolar disorder. Diagnosis depends on the type of mood episodes experienced, and mental health professionals place mood episodes within these four categories:

• Mania: Individuals experiencing mania feel an elevated mood and increased energy. They may experience racing  thoughts, appear distracted, and talk quickly. They may engage in impulsive behaviors and make quick decisions about important life matters like finances or their careers.
• Hypomania: Hypomania, as the name implies, is a mood episode that is similar to but less intense than mania. Individuals who experience hypomania feel an elevated mood. Some feel energetic and productive when hypomanic; others may feel anxious. Their mood may not inhibit their day-to-day routines, but they may still experience impulsivity.
• Depression: During a major depressive episode, individuals can feel overwhelming hopelessness, sadness, and emptiness. They may lack the energy required to complete basic routines, affecting their personal hygiene, executive functions, and relationships. Depression can impact cognition, leading to brain fog and inability to focus.
• Mixed: People who experience mixed mood episodes experience symptoms of multiple mood episodes concurrently. They may be highly irritable and anxious, prone to insomnia, or emotionally reactive.

HOW TO HELP:
1.Learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder 
2.Be involved and compassionate
3.Discuss how to have hard conversations before they need to happen
4.Collaborate with them on action plans
5.Be an extra set of eyes
6.Find ways to take care of yourself

Often, bipolar disorder is misdiagnosed, as its symptoms can be similar to other health or mental health conditions. On top of knowing the key symptoms of bipolar disorder, it can be helpful to also know about common treatments for bipolar disorder. Commonly, people with bipolar disorder work with a psychiatrist to find the right medication and dosage to manage their moods and symptoms. Many people with bipolar disorder also regularly meet with a therapist and benefit from therapy approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A cure for bipolar disorder has not yet been discovered, but many evidence-based strategies and medications can lessen the severity of symptoms — allowing individuals with bipolar disorder to live stable, happy and fulfilling lives.

6 Ways To Support A Loved One With Bipolar Disorder. (2023, September 12). The Couch: A Therapy & Mental Wellness Blog. https://blog.zencare.co/6-ways-to-support-a-loved-one-with-bipolar-disorder/