How to Take Care of Someone Who Is Bipolar

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance cites that 5.7 million American adults age 18 and older are affected by bipolar disorder annually. Further, one in five bipolar patients commit suicide. A bipolar person's moods fluctuate between highs (mania) and lows (depression), resulting in severe changes to her thoughts, moods, energy and actions. Caring for a bipolar person is an extremely trying experience; to provide effective care, the caregiver must know how to care for the patient.

Instructions

Caring for the Bipolar Patient

• 1

  Accept the long-term responsibility of caring for a bipolar patient, particularly if you are a family member. Bipolar is a long-term illness. There are times when the patient will behave perfectly normal and exhibit signs of wellness; however, periods of illness will return and it is difficult to predict their extremity or longevity. Acknowledge that it is your responsibility to care for patient and know that there will be good and bad times.

• 2

  Learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder. Your goal is to capably care for your patient; you cannot achieve this without having solid knowledge of her illness. Visit the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance websites (see Resources), which provide comprehensive insight into the disease. Read books such as Psychology Today: Taming Bipolar by Lori Oliwenstein so you can learn how to avoid the pitfalls of care giving.

• 3

  Understand that you are a part of team who has the patient's best interest at heart. Besides you, the patient may have a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatrist nurse, therapists, social worker, plus family members and friends. Report any notable changes, such as periods of wellness and illness, or worsening symptoms to the appropriate team member. Although you may feel alone in your burden to care for the patient, others are there to help you.

• 4

  Accept that you are not to blame for the patient's illness. According to the National Association of Mental Health, bipolar disorder is a mood disorder caused by chemical imbalance in the brain, which is completely out of your control. Do not doubt your ability to care for the patient and do not fear the physician and mental health professionals. They want to be kept informed about the patient's progress, and value your opinions and updates.

• 5

  Work on your own well being while caring for the bipolar patient. You may become stressed and overwhelmed by the patient's illness and your duties. To effectively care for your patient your own mental health must be in tact. Have someone else relieve you of your duties periodically so you can tend to your own needs.