How to Cope With a Bipolar Friend

Having a friend who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder may be difficult to accept. However, understanding the cause behind mood swings and depression is important in the support of your friend. Here are some tips to help you support a bipolar friend and to help yourself cope with a mental illness that affects you both.

Instructions

• 1

  Educate yourself about the disorder, what causes it and what treatment options exist. Learn the warning signs of a manic episode. You may be able to recognize signs and symptoms before your friend and help minimize an episode.

• 2

  Talk openly with one another about how the illness has affected you both. Discuss what methods you are willing to incorporate during an episode so both you and your friend are prepared for your response.

• 3

  Support your friend's treatment options, and encourage that medication be taken as directed. Missed dosages or suddenly stopping a medication can have side effects.

• 4

  Encourage independence and partnership. Be willing to help your friend with recovery, but avoid doing things for your friend.

• 5

  Join a support group, and take advantage of the resources a group can provide you. Talk with other friends and family members of your friend. Having a cohesive group of people concerned and invested in your friend's health is critical to their support.

• 6

  Develop a treatment contract with your friend. This contract contains instructions for treatment and when and where to activate the instructions in the contract should you need to take a more hands-on approach or take control with your friend to get needed help.