How to Talk to a Bipolar Person

Bipolar disorder, sometimes referred to as manic depression, is a mental imbalance that causes drastic mood swings, ranging from incredible highs to unbearable lows. High mood swings are most commonly referred to as manic episodes, and can range from extreme happiness and energy to having unrealistic ideas and delusions of grandeur. Low mood swings, or periods of depression, can include an inability to get out of bed and perform normal functions as well as thoughts of death and suicide. Talking to a person with bipolar can be a delicate and complicated task for fear of sparking an emotional episode or mood swing, but you can take measures and steps to communicate more effectively.

Instructions

• 1

  Educate yourself about bipolar disorder to be better prepared. Just knowing the facts and symptoms will make it easier to communicate with the person and avoid dramatic confrontations. Ask the person's doctor for some pamphlets and information, and read up on bipolar disorder at the National Institute for Mental Health's website. Join a support group or talk with other people who are dealing with bipolar loved ones to learn about communicating from those who have been there.

• 2

  Be patient, and never tell someone with bipolar to "snap out of it." When a person with bipolar has a manic or depressed episode, what he or she feels is very authentic and real, and invalidating those feelings will only make the situation worse. Expecting someone with bipolar to react like an emotionally balanced person is not realistic or productive. On the same note, do not judge or criticize a person with bipolar, as this could cause a major upset to his or her delicate emotional state.

• 3

  Stay calm, particularly during manic episodes. Yelling, screaming or crying will only escalate the situation and upset the person even more. Engaging yourself emotionally encourages the episode to continue further. Do not attempt to physically stop a person with bipolar from doing something during an episode on your own; if you feel the person is a serious danger to himself or others, call for help.

• 4

  Do not lecture or make threats during manic episodes. Lecturing someone during a bipolar episode, whether manic or depressed, will only make the person feel like you do not understand. Telling a person with bipolar that you are sending him to a mental institution or ending your relationship will only confirm his feelings of paranoia or abandonment.