How to Help Someone Who has Bipolar Disorder

Lisa Franchi March 19, 2015

Bipolar disorder is among the most talked about mental health issues, next to depression. It is commonly described as experiencing mood extremes. That is, being too happy in the present and all of a sudden, being too sad. People with bipolar disorder can be hard to understand and deal with if you do not know what they are going through. So a deeper understanding of the disorder is very much important, especially if someone you know has it.

Bipolar disorder is the term used to refer to a group of mood disorders that are characterised by different mood states – depressed and manic phases. There are three types of bipolar disorder – Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Bipolar Not Otherwise Specified. During a period of depression, the person who has this disorder experiences a variety of depressive symptoms, such as sleep problems, feelings of emptiness and loneliness, lack of interest in hobbies and daily activities, lack of energy, and even suicidal thoughts. During period of mania, the person experiences great feelings of happiness, delusions and hallucinations, and vulnerability to distraction, and sleep issues (because he or she feels too energetic to sleep).

People with bipolar disorder tend to have more episodes of depression than episodes of mania. But between these episodes, they could have periods of being in a normal mood.

Helping Someone with Bipolar Disorder

Whilst a person with bipolar disorder might be at the mercy of extreme mood swings, it doesn’t mean they can never live a normal life. Medication, therapy and proper lifestyle can effectively help them enjoy a fulfilling and productive life, especially when they are backed with the support of their friends and family.

But how do you help your loved one with bipolar disorder make their life easier?

Learn about it.

The first step to helping someone with bipolar disorder or any other mental health illness is to educate yourself about their condition. It can be difficult to empathise and connect if you have no idea of what it’s like to be in their shoes. Get information from reliable sources, such as the NHS website, or ask a specialist of mental health disorder.

Acknowledge their troubles.

People with bipolar disorder needs understanding, not pity. Acknowledge the fact that life does hold challenges for them. Empathise with compassion. Don’t tell them to just get over it because if they can, they would have done so a long time ago. Don’t ever think that they are just overly acting. Bipolar disorder is a real medical condition that can only be addressed with proper treatment.

Listen.

Sometimes, listening has more healing effects than talking and giving advice. You don’t have always anything to say to comfort a friend or loved one who is having bipolar disorder, you simply have to lend a sympathetic ear. Just ask how they are doing and listen. Let them feel comfortable and do let them know they don’t have to wear a brave fast. They can comfortably cry on your shoulder.

Accept that there are good times as well as bad.

During periods of mania, a person with bipolar disorder can be the most optimistic, energetic and cheerful person you’ve ever known. But during periods of depression, he or she can turn into a hopeless, broken soul. Let your friend or loved one know that you are going to stick with them through ups and downs, no matter what. Be the most supportive friend, sister, brother, parent, child or parent you can ever be.

Encourage them to live a healthy lifestyle.

A healthy lifestyle is important in managing bipolar disorder. You can greatly support a person with bipolar disorder by encouraging them to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Ask your friend or loved one to sign up for a gym membership with you, try out a new diet programme, and learn relaxation strategies like yoga and meditation.

Stay connected.

When a friend or loved one has a physical illness, we respond by sending gifts and well-wishes, and visiting them as often as possible. But when they have mental illness, we become clueless, worse, we walk away. But walking away is the last thing you want to do. There is great power in staying connected. Pay a visit to your friend’s house, send them an uplifting message, send over a gift or a fruit basket, make them some cookies, or give them a tight hug.

Never give up on them.

Helping a friend who is struggling with bipolar disorder or any other mental health issue is never easy. Oftentimes, it is full of struggles too. You might find yourself getting burned out, especially if you are dealing with some personal issues as well. Encourage them to seek therapy and support them all through the way.