Many people feel a natural inclination to help those around them. It’s OK to let people handle challenges in their own way. But it can also be helpful to show your support for them as they continue to work toward an improved quality of life. When it comes to a loved one’s mental health journey, such as navigating a bipolar disorder diagnosis, it can be difficult to know how you can help.

The key to supporting a loved one who is struggling with a mental health condition like bipolar disorder is to make sure they know that you don’t see them any differently than before their diagnosis or before their symptoms manifested. They don’t want to be seen as a problem, burden or “odd.” Providing support means doing it because you care about their well-being. We’ll talk about the ways that you can give that support. You can help them keep pushing toward becoming the best version of themselves.

7 options for supporting a loved one with bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a common mood disorder. It affects approximately 4.4% of all U.S. adults at least once in their lifetime. It’s characterized by changes in mood and energy levels for significant periods of time, known as episodes. A manic episode, or mania, can lead a person to have heightened irritability and high energy. It’s followed by a depressive episode, which includes overwhelming sadness and low motivation. 

If you see a loved one struggling to manage their bipolar disorder symptoms, here are some ways to support them:

• Actively listen — Just being there for a loved one as they open up can make a difference. Create a safe space for them to discuss how they’re feeling and thinking without fear of judgment. Everyone deserves to feel heard and validated. By being an active and understanding listener, you can show them that there’s someone on their side. They’ll see that you are rooting for them.
• Educate yourself — Mental health disorders like bipolar disorder vary from person to person. There are also many stigmas and misconceptions surrounding them. If a loved one is struggling with bipolar disorder, learning about it can help you gain a better understanding of their emotional and behavioral patterns. You’ll also have a better grasp on triggers, warning signs and symptoms of potential episodes.
• Accept limits — Bipolar disorder is an illness. A person struggling with it can’t just “stop” their symptoms. Even with treatment, such as medication, bipolar episodes can’t be “cured.” It’s important to accept the reality of the disorder and not put unfair or unrealistic expectations on the person if they’re struggling.
• Offer to help with chores — Bipolar disorder can take an emotional, psychological and physical toll on your loved one. It can affect their ability to carry out their day-to-day responsibilities, especially during depressive episodes when they feel fatigued and unmotivated. Ask if they need help carrying out their chores or errands to ease possible stress that can be worsening their symptoms.
• Support them through episodes — Branching off the previous point is helping them through episodes by being considerate of their struggles, especially in terms of self-care during depressive episodes. You can encourage them to take care of their personal hygiene, and provide ready-made meals for them to eat when they are too tired to cook for themselves.
• Collaborate on a plan — When your loved one is experiencing emotional stability, work with them to create a plan for what should take place if an episode leads to a mental health crisis where they are in danger to themselves or others. This may include calling or texting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or calling for emergency services. It can be comforting to them to know that you will do what you can to keep them safe.
• Help them with treatment options — Proper treatment is essential for helping people with bipolar disorder manage their symptoms on a day-to-day basis. The most common treatment options for bipolar disorder are medication and psychotherapy. Explore options with them if they haven’t yet received any. If they already have a treatment plan in place, encourage them to stick to it, such as reminding them to take their medication or helping them schedule therapy appointments.

Lightfully can help your loved one with bipolar disorder with you by their side

A solid support system is essential for anyone facing mental health challenges. If you recognize that your loved one is struggling with their bipolar disorder, it can be helpful for them to know that not only are you by their side, but also that you want to understand how they’re feeling and that you believe in their strength.

At Lightfully, we encourage family and friends to take an active role in their loved one’s treatment through collaboration, education and therapy sessions in all of our levels of care. We provide four levels of care: Residential Treatment Center, Partial Hospitalization Program, Intensive Outpatient Program and Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program. Our framework consists of evidence-based, whole-person-centered care provided by deeply compassionate experts. 

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step toward supporting your loved one with bipolar disorder, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of them.