There’s no question that living with bipolar disorder comes with a variety of challenges. The person actually living with it has to learn a lot about how to manage their symptoms, and that isn’t always easy.
Bipolar disorder can make it difficult to maintain a normal, consistent routine. It can cause difficulty sleeping, extreme mood swings, and even hallucinations that can be terrifying for the person dealing with the disorder.
It’s often difficult to see someone you love dealing with bipolar disorder. You might feel helpless when it comes to offering your support or assistance in some way. But, it doesn’t have to be. There are things you can do to help a friend who’s struggling with bipolar disorder, and you can start today.
Educate Yourself
One of the best ways to support a friend with bipolar disorder is to educate yourself on the condition. It’s been overly stereotyped over the years, often depicted in movies and television shows. While some of those depictions are better than others, you shouldn’t base your understanding of bipolar disorder on what you see on TV.
Instead, dig deep into real, factual information. Understand the symptoms and how they can make someone struggling with the disorder feel.
Most importantly, ask your friend about it. They can give you a personal insight into how the disorder makes them feel. They can talk about the symptoms they struggle with, and how it impacts their life directly.
Not only will learning about bipolar disorder help you understand your friend’s struggles, but they’ll appreciate your desire to educate yourself so you can help.
Be an Active Listener
Speaking of asking your friend about their disorder, don’t stop listening to what they have to say after they’ve told you how bipolar disorder impacts them. When you understand their symptoms and struggles, continue to be there with open ears and a shoulder to lean on.
Being an active listener isn’t just about “hearing” what someone has to say. It’s about really understanding it and valuing those words. When your friend feels heard and understood, it can improve their mental well-being and let them know someone is there to support them.
Encourage Professional Help
It can be helpful to have a plan in place to help your friend manage their disorder. That plan should largely include some kind of professional treatment, including therapy. But, don’t just suggest or push therapy — go with them to appointments, when you can. Ask how sessions are going. Help them feel comfortable opening up.
It’s also important to plan for emergencies. Unfortunately, bipolar disorder can sometimes contribute to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. It’s important to know what to do if your friend starts to struggle with those thoughts so you can keep them safe.
Take Care of Yourself
When you know a friend is struggling with the challenges of bipolar disorder, it’s easy to want to push everything else aside to help them.
But, you need to remember to take care of yourself, too.
Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s a necessity for everyone. It’s especially important when you’re caring for another person. Make sure you’re taking time for yourself to relax and de-stress. Do things you enjoy, and prioritize your well-being by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, and staying physically active.
The better you feel — mentally and physically — the easier it will be to help your friend.
So, if you’ve been wondering how you can support someone you care about who’s struggling with bipolar disorder, give these suggestions a try. They’re simple, effective, and can go a long way in helping your friend feel understood and not alone.
Encourage them to reach out for bipolar treatment, lastly.
