Bipolar disease is a psychiatric condition that manifests itself in periods of abnormally low mood and/or self-esteem (depressive episodes) as well as periods of elevated mood and activity (manic or hypomanic episodes). Living with a bipolar person can be difficult because the disease effects mood and thought processes, which can create stress and friction in relationships.
Step 1
Exercise patience. Always remember that bipolar disease is a disease, just like diabetes or asthma. A person with bipolar disease is not in control of his emotions. If you live with a bipolar person, you must realize that some of her emotions and behaviors (such as not wanting to get out of bed, being irritable, or being hyperactive) are symptoms of the disease.
Step 2
Understand your limitations. There is nothing that you can say or do that will "cure" a bipolar person of his illness.
Step 3
Offer support through verbal statements. This is especially important during depressive episodes. Saying things such as "I care about you," "I'm not going to abandon you," and "I will never say 'I know just how you feel' if I do not, but I will do anything that I can to help," will help make the bipolar person feel cared for and accepted.
Step 4
Talk to medical professionals. Go along to doctor and therapist appointments and express your feelings and concerns. This will allow you to communicate in a setting that will help you understand what the bipolar person is feeling but also to let her hear your thoughts.
Step 5
Educate yourself. Learn as much about the disease as possible, which will help you understand more about bipolar disease and make it easier to identify which behaviors or emotions are symptoms and which ones are are not.
Step 6
Take care of yourself. Find a therapist to talk to to help express your feelings and frustrations. In addition, join a support group, such as one of those offered by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA).
Member Comments