What Not to Say to Someone with Schizophrenia
August 20, 2021How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work for OCD?
September 3, 2021How to Help Someone with Bipolar Disorder
If you are living with someone with bipolar disorder, then you understand how challenging this condition can be.
The erratic behaviors and extreme shifts in mood can be difficult for a person with this condition, as well as for their loved ones. It’s important for those with bipolar disorder to better understand how to cope with their symptoms so they can live full and happy lives. However, it’s equally important for the people in their lives to learn how to help someone with bipolar disorder. Our mental health rehab in Florida is sharing ways that you can help a loved one with this condition.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental disorder that causes extreme shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts or changes affect the person’s ability to carry out their day-to-day tasks, making things like grocery shopping or working nearly impossible. Bipolar disorder usually develops in older teens and young adults, with the average onset at 25 years.
There are six types of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I disorder
- Bipolar II disorder
- Cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia)
- Substance/medication-induced bipolar and related disorder
- Bipolar and related disorder due to another medical condition
- Unspecified bipolar and related disorder
The most common symptoms of bipolar disorder are phases of intense emotions called “mood episodes” or “manic episodes.” The person can switch from extreme happiness to extreme depression and hopelessness. Sometimes, people with bipolar disorder who are in a mixed state of emotions may experience extreme joy and severe sadness at the same time. With these shifts in mood also comes other symptoms, like severe changes in their energy and activity levels, sleep patterns, and other everyday behaviors. Psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions may also occur during manic episodes, which can be frightening for the individual and the people around them.
Bipolar disorder doesn’t usually go away. While many people with this condition may have periods in their lives where they don’t experience symptoms, these symptoms can return at any moment for any given reason. Sometimes people with bipolar disorder become anxious about their symptoms returning because they’re unsure of when they’ll experience another shift in mood. Oftentimes, loving someone with bipolar disorder means that you’ll look for these changes and motivate your loved one to speak to a therapist if their symptoms become too severe. Banyan Mental Health offers bipolar disorder treatment that can help your loved one learn how to manage their symptoms and regain control over their life.
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Our admissions coordinators are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have as you consider whether treatment at Banyan is right for you or your loved one.
How to Help a Bipolar Person
Living with bipolar disorder isn’t easy, but you can make a huge difference in someone’s life just by showing your support, especially during mood changes. Below are ten examples of how to help someone with bipolar disorder live a happier life despite their condition.
Don’t Say Things Like: “Why Are You Acting Crazy?”
Crazy, cuckoo, nuts, and basketcase are a few of the many hurtful and flat-out rude names you should avoid saying to someone with schizophrenia. Unfortunately, movies and TV shows have contributed significantly to the many misconceptions about schizophrenic behavior and symptoms. In an attempt to entertain, the media often makes people with schizophrenia seem crazy, violent, or aggressive. In reality, they’re just struggling with their mental health. Avoid using hurtful or derogatory language when talking to someone with schizophrenia to avoid hurting their feelings or making them feel ashamed about their condition.
Don’t Discuss Their Conditions With Others
While this tip may not involve communicating with the person, it’s still important. When dealing with a family member with schizophrenia, it can be tempting to spill the beans or release your concerns or frustrations with others. However, this can quickly go south. A person’s mental illness is a sensitive topic, and discussing their condition with others without their permission or knowledge can perpetuate harmful rumors and misconceptions.
Many people don’t understand schizophrenia, so when they hear of the person’s condition, they may treat them differently or say certain things that can be insensitive or hurtful. Unless they give your permission, ask you to, or if they bring up the conversation themselves, don’t discuss your loved one’s condition with other people.
#1: Educate Yourself About Bipolar Disorder
The more you know about bipolar disorder, the more you’ll be able to help your loved one. Learn about the symptoms and treatment options offered for this condition. Research various facilities and find out basic ways that you can help the individual when they’re experiencing a shift in mood. The more you know about this condition, the more you’ll know how to be there for someone with bipolar disorder.
#2: Listen More Than You Speak
Encouraging someone isn’t always about knowing the right thing to say. It could even be not saying anything at all. In fact, simply offering your undivided attention is one of the best things you can do for someone with bipolar disorder. They may want to talk about their challenges or vent about their day, and that’s normal. Offering your understanding can go a long way in making someone with this condition feel heard and understood. Whenever they’re venting or talking to you about their struggles, actively pay attention, stay calm, avoid arguing, and avoid any topics that may irritate or frustrate them.
#3: Express Your Support
For people with bipolar disorder, sometimes it can feel like everyone is against them. There’s a lot of stigmas about mental illness that make it difficult for people with conditions like bipolar disorder to speak about their struggles and ask for the help they need. While you may not have to agree with all of their choices, verbally assuring the person that you’re on their side and you have their back will mean a lot to them. People with this condition often feel worthless and hopeless, so affirming their strengths and ensuring them that you’re around for the long haul can help them in their recovery.
#4: Be Mindful of Your Language
No, this isn’t about cursing, but rather about using words like crazy, psycho, nuts, or cuckoo. So much of the prejudice that people have for those with mental disorders stem from the language people use to describe these individuals, as well as a lack of education on the topic. It’s important to educate yourself on this condition and be mindful about the language you use around your loved one and when you’re talking about them with others. Our jokes often stem from a place of truth, so be mindful of your words.
#5: Be Active in Their Recovery
It’s easy to say, “I’ve got your back,” and then never actively contribute to their recovery. Mental health treatment usually consists of many therapy sessions and doctor visits. While you shouldn’t always attend these appointments, offering to pick them up and drive them to their visit or calling them after they’ve finished their session to see how it went will mean a lot. You can even visit them after their appointment or take them out for a bite to eat. These appointments can sometimes be complicated and stressful for people with bipolar disorder. Having someone there for them who shows up consistently can give them something to look forward to and encourage them to continue.
#6: Make an Emergency Plan
The most challenging aspect of bipolar disorder is its unpredictability. It’s important to have an emergency plan set in place in case it’s needed when the person is experiencing severe mood episodes. This plan should include what to do and say if the person feels suicidal or if they physically get out of control. You should also have daily plans set in place that can help the person get through the anxiety and other challenges that may occur during the span between episodes. These plans can include coping mechanisms, things the person can do when they feel a shift in mood happening, or ways to complete chores and tasks when they’re feeling low in spirits.
#7: Support Without Pushing Them
Your support means a lot, but it goes from supportive to pushing when you’re pressuring the person to do certain things. It’s important to know when to step back and get the person professional help. While people with bipolar disorder are perfectly able to make conscious decisions, you also have to understand that they may not be themselves when their mood or behaviors get out of control. It’s not them. It’s their condition. It’s imperative that you don’t pressure them or try to push them into doing something when they’re in an elevated emotional state.
#8: Be Patient and Understanding
It can be difficult for people with mental disorders to understand what they’re experiencing. They could have the same condition for years and yet, every day still feel like they’re learning something new about themselves. Those with bipolar disorder may not understand why their moods or behavior change. That’s why it’s important to practice patience and be understanding about their situation.
#9: Practice Self-Care
It’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself when you’re taking care of someone else. But before you help someone with bipolar disorder, you need to make sure you have the time and the energy to do so. If you do decide to help someone, do not neglect self-care. This means getting enough sleep, eating properly, and exercising regularly.
#10: Recognize When It’s Too Much
Unfortunately, helping someone with bipolar disorder sometimes gets to the point where it becomes too much, and that’s okay. No one knows how to treat this condition other than the specialists trained to treat it. If you’re dating someone with bipolar disorder and it feels like things are becoming too difficult to manage, get them professional help. Call 9-1-1 if the person becomes abusive or threatens to hurt themselves or someone else.
Learning how to help someone with bipolar disorder can be a challenge. The person’s moods and behaviors may be unpredictable, making it difficult to know how to react. But if you make an effort to be there for that person, this can make a world of a difference. Knowing they can rely on you for your help and support can further encourage them to get help and stick with treatment.
What Should Caregivers Do When They Feel Like Giving Up?
Feeling overwhelmed or wanting to leave a caregiving situation is not uncommon. However, addressing these feelings constructively is crucial for both you and your loved one.
Talk to a Professional
First and foremost, seek guidance from a behavioral health professional. They can help you navigate your emotions and provide strategies to manage stress and burnout.
Harness Your Resources
It's important to marshal all available resources. Reach out to support groups, both online and offline, where you can share your experiences and gain insights from others in similar situations.
Maintain the Fight
Despite the urge to leave, remember that running from the problem won't solve it. Staying committed shows strength and resilience, which not only benefits your loved one but also fosters your personal growth.
Help Others
When the opportunity arises, offer assistance to those who may be struggling. This act of kindness can reinforce your own sense of purpose and give you renewed strength.
Preserve Your Energy
While sharing your strength with your loved one is crucial, it's equally important to reserve some for yourself. Practicing self-care and setting boundaries can help maintain a balance.
By taking these steps, you'll be better equipped to handle the challenges of caregiving while ensuring that you don't deplete your own energy and well-being. One day, you may find that someone steps up for you in your time of need.
How Can Caregivers Advocate for Their Loved Ones with Bipolar Disorder?
As a caregiver, understanding bipolar disorder as a brain disease rather than merely a mental illness is crucial. Focus your frustration on the illness itself, not on your loved one who suffers from it.
Here's how you can advocate effectively:
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Education
Learn about bipolar disorder from reputable sources. Understanding the condition helps you provide better support and advocate effectively. -
Medical Advocacy
You have the power to ensure your loved one receives the necessary medical care. Speak up during medical appointments and make sure their medical team is attentive to their needs. -
Consistency in Support
Maintain a consistent and stable approach in your interactions, even during stressful times. Your steady presence can be a beacon of stability for your loved one. -
Emotional Support
Provide the emotional backbone they need to face their condition. Listen, empathize, and offer comfort, helping them feel understood and supported. -
Empowerment
Encourage your loved one to be an active participant in their treatment plan. Help them to understand their condition and the importance of adhering to their treatment.
By using these strategies, you can be a powerful advocate for your loved one, fostering a supportive environment that promotes their well-being.
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How Can Caregivers Manage Feelings of Guilt and Shame Associated with Bipolar Disorder?
Caring for someone with bipolar disorder can be incredibly challenging, often leading to feelings of guilt and shame. These emotions are natural but can be overwhelming if not properly addressed. Here's how caregivers can manage these complicated feelings:
1. Seek Professional Help
Engaging with a behavioral health professional can provide a safe space to discuss these emotions. Therapists are skilled in offering strategies to cope with guilt and shame, making it easier to navigate the caregiving journey.
2. Understand Guilt and Helplessness
Feelings of helplessness are common when caring for someone with bipolar disorder. It's important to recognize that these feelings can morph into guilt. Remember, these emotions are not indicators of failure but rather a sign of deep compassion. It's crucial not to face these feelings alone.
3. Acknowledge the Nature of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a complex, hereditary condition. Accepting that it is passed down genetically and is not anyone's fault can alleviate some guilt. Your actions as a caregiver are not responsible for the disorder’s presence or progression.
4. Foster Open Communication
Having open and honest conversations about your feelings with trusted friends, family members, or support groups can be incredibly therapeutic. Sharing your experiences can lighten the emotional burden and provide new perspectives on handling guilt and shame.
5. Practice Self-Compassion
Self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend. Remind yourself that you are doing your best under challenging circumstances, and it's okay to lean on others for support.
6. Educate Yourself
Knowledge about bipolar disorder can be empowering. Understanding the science, symptoms, and treatment options helps demystify the condition, reducing feelings of frustration and inadequacy.
By taking these steps, caregivers can better manage the complex emotions tied to bipolar disorder. Remember, it’s okay to seek help and lean on others—both professionally and personally.
The Impact of Stress on Caregivers of Individuals with Bipolar Disorder
Caring for someone with bipolar disorder can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Over time, the consistent stress faced by caregivers can significantly erode their overall well-being.
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Physical Fatigue: Constantly managing and responding to mood swings and crises leaves caregivers drained, impacting their physical health. Prolonged stress can lead to chronic fatigue, weakened immune systems, and other health issues.
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Emotional Strain: The emotional toll is profound. Caregivers often experience anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness. The ongoing emotional burden can lead to burnout, where individuals feel completely overwhelmed and unable to continue their caregiving duties.
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Hope and Positivity: Even small positive changes can provide much-needed relief and a sense of hope. These moments act as fuel, helping caregivers maintain their strength and resilience during tougher times.
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Mental Health Breaks: It is crucial for caregivers to recognize the need for regular mental health breaks. These can include taking time off, engaging in self-care activities, or consulting with mental health professionals to regain balance and ensure their well-being.
In summary, the impact of stress on caregivers of individuals with bipolar disorder is multifaceted, affecting both their physical health and emotional stability. Regular self-care and professional support are essential to mitigate these effects and sustain their caregiving roles.
If you’re searching for mental health services for yourself or a loved one, call us today at 888-280-4763 to learn how our inpatient mental health rehab in Florida can help.
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