While the ups and downs of bipolar disorder can be detrimental to the person struggling, they also have an impact on loved ones. If you’re close to someone with bipolar disorder, chances are you’ve stopped and asked yourself, “what helps a bipolar person?”
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that affects everyone differently. However, there are some common traits shared among people with bipolar. If we focus on those, we can hone in tactics to help a loved one overcome their symptoms.
Throughout this article, we’re going to discuss what helps a bipolar person and how you can further act as a support system. At the end, we invite you to ask further questions.
What Helps a Bipolar Person’s Manic Episode
A manic episode (sometimes referred to as “mania”) is one characterization of bipolar disorder. In the person who’s struggling, they’ll experience high energy, excitement, and euphoria for a period of time. ¹
These symptoms may result in atrocious demands, irresponsible decisions, careless antics, and outbursts. Naturally, it can be difficult to help someone in this state of mind – especially when their behavior has a negative effect on you.
However, there are ways to help ease a person’s mania while they’re in a manic episode. Some things to consider include:
- Avoid talking down to your loved one and using combative words
- Don’t take things personally
- When necessary, give them the space they need
- Ensure that they aren’t alone in their battle, provide company
- Step in to protect them from harm (i.e. financial harm)
- If agreed upon, take away certain possessions, such as a phone or passwords
- When you see positive behaviors, encourage it
- Call their doctor or psychiatrist when necessary
While your support may help to stabilize a manic episode, the most efficient way to keep energy levels low is through medication. For this reason, it’s important to remind your loved one if they’ve forgotten to take their medication during an episode.
What Helps a Bipolar Person’s Depressive Episode
With the highs of mania come the lows of depression and a loved one must prepare for both. A bipolar depressive episode is quite opposite from mania in the sense that energy levels are low. The person struggling will also experience: ²
- Eating too little or too much
- Feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness
- Irregular sleep patterns
- Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed
- Trouble focusing or remembering
- Suicidal ideation
In order to help someone in a depressive state, it’s in your best interest to:
- Study depression and how it affects someone
- Recognize depression symptoms and start a conversation
- Help them find support
- Encourage treatment and going to therapy
- Take care of yourself in the process
- Offer to help in everyday activities
- Invite the person out of the house
- Keep in touch with your loved one
Recognize Signs of Suicide
When it comes to depressive episodes, one of the biggest risks a person faces is suicide. For this reason, it’s important to recognize the signs of suicide: ³
- Increased substance abuse
- Giving away prized possessions
- Online search history of suicide
- Reaching out to people to say goodbye
- Talking about depression, killing themselves
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Withdrawing from social activities
If you or your loved one has showed signs of suicide, there are a number of services available, including the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 (800) 273-8255. If you or a loved one is in a life-threatening situation, it’s important to call emergency services immediately.
Other Ways to Help a Bipolar Person
Beyond the specifics with manic and depressive episodes, there are also other ways you can help someone with bipolar disorder:
- Learn About Bipolar Disorder – The more you know about bipolar disorder, the better chance you have at helping a loved one and understanding their struggles through their perspective.
- Encourage Treatment – The best way to help someone with bipolar disorder is by ensuring they get professional help. The sooner bipolar treatment begins, the better chance your loved one has at overcoming the condition.
- Be Patient – While bipolar treatment can be a rewarding process, there’s no denying you and your loved one will experience difficult times. In order to ensure they’re receiving the best support, you must follow along with the pace of recovery.
- Be Compassionate – One of the most difficult challenges with bipolar disorder is it feels like no one around you truly understands. By showing assistance and maintaining a sympathetic ear, your loved one is more likely to have the motivation to overcome this condition.
Research reveals people with bipolar are more likely to overcome the condition when they have the support of a loved one. ⁴
Final Word
While it’s not easy to overcome bipolar disorder, finding the right support system can make all the difference. By being there for your loved one and offering help in their journey, you’re doing more than you can imagine.
One of the most important elements to bipolar is treatment, it’s important to continually encourage this while you provide your support.
Your Questions
Still have questions about what helps a bipolar person?
We invite you to ask them in the comments section below. If you have any further advice to share – whether personal or professional – we’d also love to hear from you.
Reference Sources
¹ National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Bipolar Disorder
² National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Depression
³ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Help Prevent Suicide
⁴ HHS Public Access: The Role of the Family in the Course and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder