How to Cope With Someone Who Has Untreated Bipolar

Bipolar disorder affects nearly 6 million people in the United States. Both the person with bipolar disorder and his or her family members must learn how to cope with the illness. People with bipolar disorder are often unwilling to seek treatment because they may not realize they have a problem. This makes coping techniques important.

Instructions

Preparation

• 1

  Research bipolar disorder online or at the library, and find out what the classic symptoms of the disorder are. The two major stages of this illness are mania and depression, although mixed stages are possible too. Manic stages involve an elevated mood, irritability and possibly out-of-control thinking or behavior. Depressive episodes are quite the opposite, with sadness and hopelessness being the major symptoms.

• 2

  Learn to recognize the symptoms of bipolar disorder in the person with whom you're living. Recognizing the features of this illness is important when trying to prepare for what will come next in the bipolar cycles.

• 3

  Tell your family member that you are there whenever he or she needs you. Someone with bipolar disorder will need extra support during manic and depressive stages.

Coping Strategies

• 4

  Make time for yourself and follow through with your own activities. Even though bipolar people do need support, creating space and a separate time for yourself is crucial so you'll stay healthy mentally and have your own identity.

• 5

  Manage stressful times effectively by creating your own relaxation exercises. For example, taking a step back during times of stress with your bipolar family member is important to your overall well-being. A couple effective coping methods are visual imagery techniques or meditation.

• 6

  Reach out for support from your friends or others in your community. There are many other people who have to live with a bipolar family member. Recognizing that you are not alone may help ease the stress of the illness.

• 7

  Encourage your bipolar family member to seek treatment. Tell him or her that what they're feeling doesn't have to be extreme and that successful treatment options are available if he or she is willing to get help.

• 8

  Create a plan for emergency situations. During the bipolar manic stage, many people find themselves out of control and do things they would not otherwise.

  For example, suicidal tendencies are common, and family members must know how to respond in a crisis. If you decide to call 911 for help or a local mental health community, write down the phone numbers of each emergency responder you will contact in a crisis.