Bipolar II disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by elevated mood, irritability and functional changes in daily life. MayoClinic.com explains that bipolar II disorder is a less severe form of bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive disorder. The disorder impacts individuals differently and in some cases results in social isolation due to mood instability and poor social etiquette. The first line of treatment for bipolar II disorder is medication therapy. However, psychotherapy, education about the disorder and social reintegration training is significant for helping individuals with bipolar disorder to remain functional members of society.
Step 1
Talk about ways to greet others. In a social skills treatment forum, the basics of social etiquette should be outlined clearly. Teach the basics of greetings, how greetings relate to manners and proper use. Prompt the group to share ideas about greeting others and write the ideas down. Try a timed game by encouraging the group to greet each member in the room before the time runs out.
Step 2
Role-play social scenarios. The Behavioral Health Management Project indicates that social skills training teaches societal norms and expectations of others. Break the treatment group into teams of two or three and provide each mini-group with a social scenario. Give the teams time to discuss the scenario and how each member might handle the situation. Encourage each team to create a role-play to present to the entire group. Provide fun hats or clothing items to the teams to utilize in the role play. Ask the observing groups to take notes about each role-play viewed and provide positive feedback at the end of the scenarios. Emphasize what positive feedback means with give clear examples.
Step 3
Model problem solving skills. The Center for Reintegration notes that modeling is an important aspect of social skills training. As the treatment facilitator, your role is to educate and lead by example. Prior to the start of group, model greetings to each member entering the session. Greet the entire group collectively and upon completion of the group, model closing salutations.
Step 4
Take a field trip to observe social situations. Short field trips are simple, real-life scenes where social skills are needed such as going into a gas station to purchase gum. Prepare the treatment group for taking short field trips to practice social skills. Encourage observation of others in the social setting. Ask the group members to record notes about the observation to discuss later in the treatment session. As group members gain confidence in practiced social skills, prompt individuals to engage others in the social setting.
Step 5
Talk about verbal and non-verbal communication patterns. Explain how to approach others in a non-aggressive fashion through body cues. In the treatment group, demonstrate different non-verbal facial expressions, hand gestures and stances. Have group members practice these with each other and discuss what each example means in the broader context of socialization.
Tips and Warnings
- Social skills training utilizes behavioral conditioning theory aspects such as, setting expectations, providing specific instructions and coaching, notes the Behavioral Health Recovery Management Project. Social skills training is done in a group format to promote the learning process while also demonstrating skill sets.
- Social skills training for individuals with bipolar II disorder should not single out specific symptoms of the disorder, rather, help the individual recognize his role in society despite mental health disturbances.
Things You'll Need
- Whiteboard (or chalkboard)
