How to Deal With a Significant Other's Bipolar Disorder

Learning how to handle a significant other's bipolar disorder can be more than frustrating. Bipolar disorder can affect spouses and other family members just as much as the sufferer. With patience and persistence, you can help make this condition more manageable. Supporting someone with bipolar disorder can help him feel better about himself, making the disorder easier to deal with for everyone in the family.

Instructions

Learn About Bipolar Disorder

• 1

  Read stories about bipolar disorder by people with the condition. Reading about how a bipolar disorder sufferer actually feels in his own words can make you more empathetic to your significant other's bipolar disorder.

• 2

  Recognize manic phases and depressed phases. These are the two extreme emotions of bipolar disorder. When a person is manic, he may be happy and lively, but he also may be excessively impulsive and reckless. While in a depressed phase, he might feel hopeless and refuse to do anything requiring much energy.

• 3

  Differentiate between the disorder and the sufferer. A significant other's bipolar disorder is what causes his manic and depressed behavior. It is something he cannot control.

Seek Treatment

• 4

  Find a bipolar disorder specialist. It is extremely difficult to deal with a significant other's bipolar disorder alone. Find someone who is qualified to professionally treat the condition. This will open up discussion about medication and possible therapy. Getting professional treatment for bipolar disorder is the single most important step in dealing with the condition, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

• 5

  Go to the doctor together. This is a way to remind each other that you are both in this together and that neither of you is alone.

• 6

  Talk to the doctor yourself. Tell the doctor how you have been coping with your significant other's bipolar disorder up until now and ask if there's anything more you can do. Feel good knowing that you're doing everything you possibly can to help your loved one.

Be Supportive

• 7

  Talk every day about the bipolar disorder. Try to get as comfortable as possible talking about it. Finding out how you both feel can be inspiring if your loved one feels OK telling you what works and what does not. Don't force conversations, however. Try to ease into them.

• 8

  Work out specific problems together. Instead of trying to "cure" your significant other's bipolar disorder, try to improve small aspects of it. For example, try to help him remember to take his medication or help him with his cleaning habits, if these are affected by the condition. This can lead to significant improvement without becoming overwhelming.

• 9

  Be more encouraging than disciplinary. Show confidence in your loved one. Show support for him doing well instead of reacting negatively to a mistake or sudden mood swing.

• 10

  Develop trust. Be an ally instead of a probation officer. If your significant other sees you as someone he can talk to about his bipolar disorder, your relationship will fare better than if he feels guilty about upsetting you.

• 11

  Prohibit alcohol and drug use. While intoxicated, both bipolar sufferers and their loved ones will often feel worse about their situation. Be extremely wary around these substances and avoid them entirely if you can.