Family Help for Bipolar Disorder

An individual with bipolar disorder isn't the only victim of the brain disease. Family members who must deal with the roller coaster emotional swings might suffer as well. Being supportive when a loved one has bipolar disorder can strain family ties and lead to disruptions and conflicts. Learning some coping skills and techniques for dealing with a parent, a child or a sibling with this condition can make life easier for the entire family.

The First Steps

• Learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder and how the disease affects people. Mental conditions carry a stigma that can make family members uncomfortable and tense around the victim. By educating every member of the family about the symptoms, treatment and prognosis of this brain disease can lead to more supportive family relationships. Once everyone's feelings and concerns are addressed, the entire family can start working toward a recovery plan.

Sharing in Recovery

• Because bipolar disorder targets the emotions, the victim might not be in the best position to notice when he is behaving erratically. A family counselor can assign responsibilities to even young children, such as reporting a "bad mood" to a parent. Having a bipolar family member means recovery and treatment will be less traumatic when everyone knows their duty and follows a general plan.
  Recognizing the early warning signs of an approaching depressive episode can assist in reducing the severity of the phase and alert family members to potential problems. Anger is a common symptom of bipolar disorder and young children are especially vulnerable to a family member's bout of rage. Teaching a child to identify the signs of an impending episode relieves them of any thoughts of responsibility and allows them to feel as though they are a part of the solution.

Caring for the Caregivers

• Even with education and planning, living in a family with a bipolar individual can be stressful. Joining a support group for families who live with mental illness can be reassuring and comforting. The National Alliance on Mental Illness maintains a database of all its member groups.