Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, is a mood disorder causing fluctuations in energy, mood and ability to function. Individuals receive the diagnosis of this mental illness, but all family members are impacted. A whole-family treatment approach provides support and encouragement for the individual, and better understanding among family members about bipolar disorder.
Treating Bipolar Disorder Within the Family
Step 1
Discuss creation of a family treatment plan with the individual with bipolar disorder. People with mood disorders may be uncomfortable sharing the details of their illness with family members. Educate the individual about the benefits of a whole-family treatment approach. For children, there may be no need to explain a whole-family treatment. For adults, however, the stigma of mental illness may make them hesitant to bring others into their care, support and treatment.
Step 2
Educate the family about bipolar disorder. Through therapy sessions, informal discussions and readings, help the family understand the disorder. Bring awareness to the following topics: it is an illness, not a character flaw; it is treatable, but not curable; and treatment is multifaceted. Remind family members that positive support helps the individual to live a productive life and the family to remain emotionally connected. Discuss the guilt felt by the individual. Talk about potential family challenges: interruption of family plans, disruption of work schedules, social withdrawal and emotional stress. Create family-centered strategies to overcome these potential hardships. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance reminds friends and family to resist the attempt to fix everything at once.
Step 3
Teach the family how they can help. Suggest a plan of action to implement when the extremes of manic or depressive behaviors appear. Discuss how family members might assist the bipolar individual with day-to-day activities. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance suggests that friends and family learn the right things to say to help a bipolar family member. An understanding comment about the person's illness is appropriate; telling someone to "get over it" is not. Family assistance includes acceptance and encouragement, reminders about the importance of healthy eating and exercise, and assistance with health care.
Step 4
Offer continuous encouragement to all family members. Remind children that they are not the cause of these mood swings. Support the family's effort to sympathize with the individual diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Suggest positive words and actions to share among family members. Provide suggestions for enjoyable family activities.
Step 5
Provide ongoing family support. Individuals with bipolar disorder and their families will become discouraged, frustrated and anxious. Encourage ongoing communication among family members. Create a plan for regular family discussions facilitated by a health care or social service provider. Listen thoughtfully to everyone's questions and concerns. Reassure the family that bipolar disorder does not need to limit them from leading active, fulfilled lives.
References
- "Bipolar Disorder: A Family-Focused Treatment Approach," Second Edition, David J. Miklowitz, Ph.D.; 2008
- Helping Someone With A Mood Disorder
- Family and Friends' Guide to Recovery from Depression and Bipolar Disorder
