It can be challenging to understand how to support someone with bipolar disorder. When a family member or friend suffers from an episode, knowing how to help is not always straightforward.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorders are mental health conditions that can cause dramatic mood swings and can affect a person’s thoughts, behavior and personal relationships. Once called manic depression, bipolar disorder is a mental illness. It results in severe moodiness and energetic highs and lows, according to the American Psychiatric Association.
These shifts are commonly known as a “mood episode.” They can range from intense feelings of euphoria and energy levels during manic episodes to deep periods of sadness and fatigue during depressive episodes.
If you or someone you know is showing warning signs or struggling to manage their condition, make an appointment with a mental health professional.
Understanding bipolar disorder
Although people sometimes combine them as a singular “bipolar disorder,” many types of bipolar disorders exist. They are a group of mental illness conditions that can cause drastic shifts in mood and behavior.
The most common types of bipolar disorders are:
- Bipolar I: At least one manic episode that lasts for at least seven days or requires hospitalization
- Bipolar II: Alternating depressive and hypomanic episodes
- Cyclothymic disorder: Alternating periods of hypomania and depression mixed with normal moods
- Unspecified bipolar disorder: Periods of elevated moods that don’t fit in with the other types of bipolar disorders
Two primary mood states in bipolar disorder exist:
- Manic episodes: These are characterized by elevated or irritable moods, increased energy, racing thoughts, impulsivity and decreased need for sleep. People in manic episodes often exhibit risky behaviors, such as excessive spending, substance abuse or poor decision-making.
- Depressive episodes: These episodes involve prolonged periods of sadness, hopelessness, low energy and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. During depressive episodes, individuals may feel physically fatigued, struggle with concentration and experience changes in appetite and sleep patterns.
How to support someone during a manic episode
When someone is experiencing a manic episode, they’ll likely have a huge energy shift, making them feel invincible and like they can accomplish anything. This may sound like a good thing, but their energy levels can reach a point where they can spiral into risky behavior, damaging behavior or even self-harm.
Several ways to offer support during an episode exist.
Set boundaries
Manic episodes can cause people experiencing them to engage in impulsive behavior, like overspending or starting numerous projects without finishing them. It’s essential to gently remind them of the consequences of these actions. Do not encourage the behavior or participate, if possible.
Encourage sleep and rest
Increased energy levels during manic episodes can result in individuals not sleeping normally, even missing sleep for days on end. The extreme change in sleeping patterns could lead to exhaustion or poor decision-making. Encourage them to take breaks and avoid activities during these episodes.
Offer emotional support
Your loved one can become easily irritated or anxious during manic episodes. Be patient, listen actively and provide reassurance. Avoid arguing or escalating conflict, as this can worsen their mood. Encourage them to attend bipolar disorder support groups, if they’re available in your area.
Their overall safety is important
People experiencing a manic episode can engage in behaviors that are unsafe to themselves or those around them. Help them avoid these activities by gently encouraging them to do something safer.
How to support someone during a depressive episode
When a loved one experiences a depressive episode, it’s essential to be a source of comfort and stability. Here’s how you can help:
Listen and empathize
Let your loved one express their feelings to you. Try to listen without judgment and validate their feelings and experiences actively. Depression can make someone feel isolated and misunderstood, so having someone offer understanding will alleviate some of the burden they’re feeling. Spend time trying to understand their thoughts, feelings and mood.
Encourage them to seek professional help
Depression can make someone feel like even the simplest decision can be overwhelming. Gently encourage them to attend therapy or check in with their psychiatrist to adjust their treatment plan. Even offering to attend a support group with them can help lift the burden.
Having these conversations when they’re not in the middle of an episode is also a good idea.
Find small, manageable tasks
Feeling extremely overwhelmed is common in people with bipolar disorder during a depressive episode. Encourage them to break tasks down into small, achievable steps, whether it’s getting out of bed, eating a healthy meal or taking a short walk.
Having a manageable ‘to-do’ list will help everything not feel so out of control.
Understand their sleep patterns
Bipolar disorder often disrupts sleep, with people either sleeping excessively or struggling with insomnia. Help them create a calming environment for sleep as a subtle but significant way to offer support. Be patient with how their sleep can affect your plans.
More support options
Every person is different, so it may feel difficult to know exactly what your loved one needs. There are plenty of practical steps you can take to offer meaningful support to a loved one with bipolar disorder.
Spend time together
Whether it’s something simple like a phone call or text or just having dinner together, spending time with your friend or family member can create a feeling of connection. Remember not to take it personally if your loved one needs space during or after an episode, as it’s just part of the illness.
Encourage them to attend a support group
Support groups can be extremely valuable for people with bipolar disorder. They offer a safe space to share experiences, learn effective strategies for coping and build a supportive community with others who understand their unique experiences.
Find a group for them and even offer to attend a few meetings with them.
Encourage treatment
Bipolar disorders require ongoing professional treatment that can range anywhere from medication to behavioral therapy, or a combination of both. Encouraging your loved one to stay consistent with their treatment plan is crucial to managing their condition.
How we can help
There’s no one way to support a person with a bipolar disorder. Every case is different and every case is complex. Your care and understanding can make a world of difference. The best way to help is to educate yourself to understand the disorder better so you can try to foster an environment of support.
Working with a mental health professional is an essential piece of treating bipolar disorder. However, if you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call the national mental health hotline by dialing 988.
Learn about the behavioral and mental health services we offer at Mercy Health.
