When a family member suffers from bipolar disorder the entire family is affected. Each person must learn to cope with the manic and depressive phases of the bipolar member. Also, the family must deal with the multitude of details involving treatments and services for the individual. One person's disorder becomes a family affair.
Step 1
Accept that your family member has a serious mental illness and allow the person and family to grieve as necessary. The bipolar person and family members often feel a loss in relation to the disease. For example, if a person believes future plans of the bipolar individual have been negatively impacted by bipolar disorder, he may grieve for that.
Step 2
Obtain ongoing medical help for the bipolar family member. A psychiatrist will be needed and group therapy with a qualified therapist may also be necessary. Communicate with her regarding her treatment as much as she is willing to discuss it. Remember to always respect her privacy.
Step 3
Research beneficial services that are available. The family can split up this large task so that everyone is involved. For example, one person may be responsible for finding out able about financial assistance while another may be involved in locating support groups.
Step 4
Study the current research regarding bipolar disorder and educate each member of the family including the bipolar individual. Learn as much as you can individually so that you can come together as a family with your findings. Knowledge will dispel some of the myths surrounding bipolar disorder and you will find valuable resources to help with coping with the disease.
Step 5
Communicate positively and in an even tone with each other as much as possible. This will take practice as dealing with a serious mental condition is taxing on everyone in the family. It is important to try to keep intense feelings in check. While you may be angry or hurt it is best to acknowledge the feelings and talk them out rather than reacting with yelling and aggressive behavior. Ask everyone to respect each other.
Step 6
Pay attention to what triggers manic or depressive behavior. There are likely to be specific behaviors that precede episodes of bipolar disorder. The family needs to learn these triggers and work together to diffuse them as much as possible with positive communication and limit setting. Have an emergency plan in place to handle severe episodes and get immediate help.
Step 7
Care for each other and allow each other time and space. This is essential for the bipolar person as well as each member of the family. Each person needs to take time for themselves and lead independent lives even while coping with bipolar disorder in the family. Anyone showing signs of wear from coping with the condition should take a break from the situation to rest and refresh.
Step 8
Plan for the long term. The family must realize that bipolar disorder is not always cured, and while it often becomes more manageable, there is the chance it may worsen with time. This possibility requires the family to make decisions regarding how the bipolar person will be cared for as she ages.
