Bipolar disorder is a serious mood disorder that can create enormous confusion in other people. Affected people may be so depressed that they don't get out of bed one day and the next they seem so upbeat and energetic that no one can keep up with them. If you know someone who is bipolar, you should adopt some strategies to support and encourage them so that they can recover. Never neglect your needs and seek medical attention if you engage in violent behavior or contemplate suicide.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Helping a Bipolar Person
Step 1. Observe the symptoms
If you have already been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, try to inquire about the symptoms. Bipolar disorder is characterized by manic-depressive periods. During the manic phases, the subject could manifest unlimited energies, while during the depressive phases he is reluctant to get out of bed for several days.
- The manic phases are characterized by high levels of optimism or irritability, unrealistic ideas about one's abilities, feeling of energy despite lack of sleep, rapid speech and formulation of disconnected thoughts, poor concentration, impulsive or inadequate decisions, and even hallucinations.
- Depressive phases are characterized by despair, sadness, emptiness, irritability, loss of interest in anything, fatigue, lack of concentration, changes in appetite, weight changes, difficulty sleeping, feelings of worthlessness or guilt and thoughts suicidal.
Step 2. Consider the differences in the various types of bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is divided into four subtypes. These classifications allow mental health professionals to identify the disorder, whether the symptoms are mild or severe. The four subtypes are:
- Bipolar disorder type 1. It is characterized by manic episodes that last for seven days or that are severe enough to require hospitalization. They are followed by depressive episodes lasting at least two weeks.
- Bipolar disorder type 2. It is characterized by depressive episodes followed by mild manic episodes, but not severe enough to warrant hospitalization.
- Bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (NOS). It occurs when the patient has symptoms of bipolar disorder, but is not classifiable by the criteria for which type 1 or 2 is diagnosed.
- Cyclothymia. It is diagnosed in people who have mild bipolar disorder symptoms for two years.
Step 3. Communicate your concerns
If you think someone might be suffering from bipolar disorder, you should tell them something. When you approach, talk to him by showing concern and being careful not to judge him. Remember that it is a pathological condition that does not allow him to control his behavior.
You could tell him, "I worry about you and lately I have noticed that you have some problems. Know that I am close to you and I want to help you."
Step 4. Offer to listen
People with bipolar disorder may feel comforted by having someone willing to listen to how they feel. Let him know that you are happy if he wants to confide in you.
When you listen, don't judge and don't try to solve his problems. Pay attention and sincerely encourage him. For example, you might say, "I feel like you are having a really hard time. I don't know how you feel, but I care about you and I want to help you."
Step 5. Take him to the doctor
He is likely unable to go to the doctor due to symptoms caused by bipolar disorder, so to help him, offer to take him.
If he is opposed to getting help, don't force it. Instead, you might consider accompanying him for a general medical check-up and see if he feels the need to ask the doctor about the symptoms he has experienced
Step 6. Encourage him to take prescribed medications
If he has been prescribed medications that allow him to control his symptoms, make sure he takes them. It happens very often that people with bipolar disorder stop taking their medicines because they feel better or because they are not going through manic phases.
Remind him that the medications are needed and that if he stops them, the situation could worsen
Step 7. Try to be patient
While some improvement may occur after a few months of treatment, recovery is likely to take several years. There may also be setbacks along the way, so try to be patient as you recover.
Step 8. Take some moments for yourself
It's a huge sacrifice to support a bipolar person, so make sure you make time for yourself. Try every day to carve out a few hours away from those suffering from this pathological condition.
For example, you could take an exercise class, have coffee with a friend, or read a book. You may also want to consider going to therapy to deal with the stress and emotional strain of the help you are providing
Part 2 of 3: Managing the manic phases
Step 1. Try to calm down with your presence
During a manic episode, a person with bipolar disorder may become agitated or irritated when faced with long conversations or certain topics. So, talk to him calmly and avoid arguing or arguing.
Avoid bringing up topics that can trigger manic episodes. For example, you shouldn't pester him with stressful questions or catch up on a goal he is trying to achieve. Rather, he talks about the weather, a TV show, or anything else that doesn't put him under unnecessary strain
Step 2. Encourage him to sleep a lot
Probably during the manic phases he will believe that it is enough to doze off for just a few hours to feel rested. However, sleep deprivation can make it worse.
Try to encourage him to sleep as much as possible during the night and take naps during the day if necessary
Step 3. Offer to go for walks
Walking during a manic episode is a great way to get him to use excess energy, but also an excellent opportunity to talk. Therefore, ask him for a walk a day or at least a few times a week.
If performed regularly, gymnastics can also help him with depressive symptoms, so try to encourage physical activity, regardless of his mood
Step 4. Pay attention to impulsive behaviors
During manic episodes, he may be prone to impulsive behaviors, such as drug abuse, compulsive shopping, or long journeys. So, ask him to think carefully before making a major purchase or starting a new project if he is going through a manic phase.
- If compulsive shopping is a recurring problem, you may want to encourage him to leave credit cards and unnecessary cash at home during episodes.
- If alcohol or drug abuse seems to aggravate the situation, encourage him to stop using these substances.
Step 5. Avoid taking his comments personally
When he goes through a manic phase, he may turn offensively or try to strike a fight. Therefore, don't take his words personally and don't get involved in an argument.
Remember that such behavior is due to the disorder he is suffering from and does not express what he really feels
Part 3 of 3: Managing the Depressive Stages
Step 1. Suggest that he set a small goal
During depressive episodes, you are unlikely to feel able to commit to anything important. So, it would be helpful if you set small and manageable goals. By completing them, she may even feel better.
For example, if he complains that he has to clean the house, advise him to start with something simpler, like the wardrobe or bathroom
Step 2. Promote the adoption of positive strategies for dealing with depression
People with depression may be tempted to resort to negative defense mechanisms, such as alcohol abuse, isolation, or drug withdrawal. Rather, it invites the subject to use positive behavioral mechanisms.
For example, when he is in a depressed mood, you can suggest that he call his therapist, get some exercise, or pursue a hobby
Step 3. Encourage him sincerely
Having the right spur during depressive phases, he will know that there is someone he can count on. However, avoid stimulating him by making promises or using clichés.
- For example, don't say: "Everything will be fine", "It's all your fantasy" or "Throw yourself into the opportunities that life offers you!".
- Rather, address yourself in this way: "I love you", "I am next to you", "You are a beautiful person and I am happy that you are in my life".
Step 4. Try to establish a routine
During depressive phases, people may prefer to stay in bed, isolate themselves, or simply watch TV all day. Therefore, do your best to help him plan a daily routine so that he keeps busy with something.
For example, you might decide when to get up and shower, get mail, go for a walk, and do something fun, like reading a book or playing
Step 5. Look out for signs that may indicate suicidal thoughts
During the depressive phases, the subject is more inclined to meditate on suicide. So, don't underestimate any sentence about it.
If he behaves strangely or has an intention to kill himself and / or harm someone, call the emergency room immediately. Don't try to interact alone with someone who is abusive or who wants to take their own life
Warnings
- Never try to deal with violent gestures or suicide threats on your own! Call the emergency room.
- Don't ignore her behavior and don't say, "It's all in your head." Remember that bipolar disorder is a pathological condition and that the affected person cannot control their mood.
