Manic depression, also called bipolar disorder, affects nearly 6 million Americans, or about 2.6 percent of the population. This brain disorder causes severe mood swings resulting in depression, mania, restlessness, difficulty sleeping and more. Manic depression treatment includes medication and psychotherapy. Even with treatment patients may suffer mild and major bouts of mania or depression throughout their lives. Family members of those with bipolar disorder face stress and anxiety, especially during episodes of depression or mania, but also during times of wellness.
Emotional Strain
Families with a member suffering from manic depression struggle with issues of fear, guilt, confusion and anger. Exuberant behaviors during mania or dejected moods during depression may generate fear. Young children may wonder if they caused these behavioral problems and feel guilty. Spouses and parents may struggle with confusion and anger.
Financial Stress
Therapy and medication, as part of treatment for manic depression, may strain a family's finances. A reduction in income may occur if a bipolar individual needs to reduce work hours or change jobs. Distorted thinking, during a manic phase, may encourage excessive spending. Hospitalization with its related expenses may be required during particularly challenging episodes of mania or depression.
Planning Challenges
As a family adjusts to the needs and limitations of living with someone who has manic depression, short-term and long-range goals may need to be modified or scrapped. Educational, travel or career plans may need to be put on hold as the family member with bipolar receives treatment.
Relationship Difficulties
The dynamics and connections between family members may alter when an individual is diagnosed with manic depression. Siblings may retreat in anger and frustration. Spouses may feel neglected or abused. Parents may be overwhelmed.
Isolation
Friends, neighbors, extended family and faith communities may misunderstand bipolar disorder and reduce interactions with the family. This lack of support causes the family to become isolated from their usual social circle.
Health Problems
Stress creates physical ailments. Living with a bipolar individual may generate various stress-related health problems including headaches, increases in blood pressure and other issues.
Grief and Loss
Family members may feel a sense of grief and loss at the changes that occur as the result of having someone in the family with manic depression. During manic or depressed episodes, it may feel like the person is lost and no longer the same person.
