Bipolar is a disease that contains components of both depression and manic symptoms. Your loved ones will display mood swings that range from lows to euphoric highs, according to the Mayo Clinic. Shifts in mood can occur anywhere from several times a year to as often as several times a day. Potential complications can include substance and alcohol abuse, legal problems, problems with finances, relationship problems, poor performance at school or work, frequent absences from work or school and suicide.
Step 1
Learn her triggers. Pay attention to what causes the bouts with either depression or mania. If you notice any symptoms or changes in mood tell her right away or alert her therapist. According to HelpGuide.org, taking action quickly at the onset of any symptoms, can help stop an episode of mania or depression.
Step 2
Educate yourself on everything having to do with bipolar disorder. Take the time to learn about all the signs, symptoms, risk factors and treatments of bipolar. According to HelpGuide.org, the more information you have on the disease, the better equipped you will be to help your loved one and understand what she is going through.
Step 3
Practice patience. According to Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, it is important to have realistic expectations of what your loved one is capable of. You will need to understand that she is not able to change overnight and that your positive and hopeful attitude will be beneficial for her success. Prepare yourself for possible setbacks and challenges that your loved one might encounter, according to HelpGuide.org.
Step 4
Encourage your loved one to get the professional help she needs. The sooner she seeks help from a trained professional, the better the prognosis for bipolar, according to HelpGuide.org. Help your loved one understand that getting professional help is important to getting better.
Step 5
Encourage her to take her medication. Medication is generally used to treat symptoms of bipolar disease and can ward off the potential highs and lows associated with it, according to the Mayo Clinic. The problem is that medication is only effective if it is taken consistently. She might not like the side effects or believe that her mood has stabilized so she no longer needs to take her medication. Provide encouragement and help her maintain her medication routine.
Step 6
Get support for yourself. The DBSA suggests that it is important for you to get support for yourself from friends, family and support groups. When you take care of yourself, you will be better able to provide support and care to your loved one.
