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Emergency Relief for Bipolar II

When a person with bipolar type II starts to experience symptoms of the illness, it can be difficult to know how to find relief. The reality of dealing with episodes and emergencies can feel daunting and discouraging, especially in the moment. Positively managing symptoms is a challenge, but not impossible, and it gets easier with practice.

  1. Take Action Early

    • Each individual with bipolar II has unique early warning signs that occur prior to a full-blown episode. Impulsive spending or a preoccupation with sexual thoughts might indicate a cycle is beginning. Become educated about bipolar II symptoms, and take action as soon as initial symptoms appear. It is easier to get relief from symptoms before they spiral out of control, so don't wait for symptoms to become an emergency. It's just as important for others to be aware of a person's triggers and stressors. At the first sign of bipolar II symptoms, be willing to cancel or postpone obligations, lighten the workload and reduce stress to find relief. Be rigid about regulating sleep. Let go of guilt and do whatever needs to be done to keep things as calm as possible until symptoms subside. Remember that it's easier to manage these things now rather than waiting and trying to contain an emergency situation.

    Emergency Response

    • Talking about thoughts (no matter how terrible) and feelings (no matter how irrational) can help reduce their intensity. Call an understanding spouse, doctor, clergy member, friend or hotline to help you address bipolar II symptoms and emergencies. Have a plan for those times when a bipolar II episode feels out of control. Suicidal or violent thoughts should be taken seriously. Call 911, go to the emergency room or call a pre-arranged emergency support person for help. Going to the emergency room or checking into a hospital not only ensures that everyone involved is safe, but it also gives a serious situation the appropriate level of care. Bipolar II episodes that escalate to this level require professional involvement. Resisting the urge to handle things alone may be difficult, but knowing everyone is safe should bring comfort.

    Plan Ahead

    • It can be hard to know what to do in the middle of a bipolar II emergency. Having a written plan to refer to will make it easier to keep a clear head and focus on the solution. Arrange for one or two trusted people to act as emergency contacts. They should be able to take loving but firm control of any emergency situation, offering support to the individual with bipolar, as well as the spouse and children, and making sure any agreed upon safety plan is carried out. This includes calling 911 or driving the individual to the hospital. If there is concern about resistance to the safety plan due to bipolar II symptoms--such as irrational thoughts and paranoia--an advanced care directive should be written up ahead of time and notarized by all concerned parties.

    Take Heart

    • Remember that bipolar II episodes, while frightening, do pass. Try not to be overwhelmed with negative thoughts or fears about the future. Don't worry if episodes and emergency situations aren't handled perfectly. Each incident offers opportunities to learn what works and what doesn't, to better identify triggers and stressors and to gain the confidence that comes from experience.

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