Living With Someone Who Is Bipolar

Sufferers of bipolar disorder often vacillate between periods of having lots of energy, which causes them to act cheerful,and periods of very low energy, which makes them seem exceptionally depressed. Living with someone who is bipolar can often be confusing and stressful; but there are several ways you can maintain balance in your own life and help him through the rough times in his.

Seek Professional Treatment

• If the bipolar sufferer you are living with is exhibiting substantial mood swings and is not already in treatment, encouraging her to seek professional help is the first and most important step. There is a high successful cure rate in people treated for bipolar illness; however, the process is not an easy one. It will take months or even years to balance out chemicals in the brain that are affected by the illness. The two of you will, most likely, not be able to fix the problems on your own. The bipolar person may often seem depressed about her life and you may be tempted to counsel her about her concerns, but it is not the concerns themselves that are the real problem. Under a physician's care, your friend can get the medical help she needs to be able to address concerns in a more effective way.

Manic State

• A bipolar person in a manic state may be able to convince you that everything is great. Typically, he will be full of energy and motivation and will be making grandiose plans. It is under the manic influence that the bipolar loved one needs to be carefully monitored. He may go out and wander the streets aimlessly for days at a time. He may make huge purchases or large-scale decisions that may negatively affect other aspects of his life. You should keep an eye on a bipolar person in a manic state to make sure he doesn't do anything perilous or detrimental. If the situation gets too much for you to handle, you should call the doctor or even a hospital.

Depressive State

• When the depressive state of bipolar illness sets in, your loved one may not have the energy it takes to get out of bed. She may miss work or school and appointments with doctors and loved ones. Often, these disappearances have a negative effect on her life. She may mention suicide or talk about death or hurting herself. If these subjects come up, you should be very vigilant. Any threats of suicide should not be ignored. Your loved one may confide in you and ask for you to not tell anyone that she is thinking about ending her life. Keeping suicidal threats a secret is never a good idea. You should assist her in calling a professional for help right away.