Looking after the patient
When you have to deal with a person who is out of control because of bipolar disorder, it can easily make you feel out of control too.
So what is the best way to respond to their symptoms?
Everyone is different, and every person with bipolar disorder will have a slightly different pattern of symptoms, behaviours and episodes. The best approach is often to have a discussion (and take notes) with the doctor and other professionals who care for them.
Talk about the types of behaviours they have displayed in the past. Ask what behaviours you have not seen but might see in the future. Ask for the doctor's advice about how to handle specific situations.
Learn as much as you can about the ways that someone might behave when experiencing an episode of mania or depression.
- Learn about episodes of mania
- Learn about episodes of depression
- How to recognise the warning signs
Here is an idea of the kinds of behaviours you could encourage to help the person with bipolar disorder.
- Do your best to get them to take all their medications properly.
- Encourage them to try psychotherapy, even if they do not like the idea. Regular medical visits to a trained professional are usually very helpful. Try to make sure they are getting the care they need.
- Help them reduce their stress levels. Stress may play a role in triggering relapses of bipolar disorder. Sit down together; try to work out how they can reduce stress at home and at work. How could they increase relaxation time and regular exercise? Make suggestions for shifting some of their responsibilities and avoiding arguments. What has been a source of stress for them in the past?
- Help the person realise the importance of going to bed and waking up at regular times.
- Take advantage of periods of stable moods to have frank, but gentle, discussions with the person about how best to handle future episodes of mania or depression. It is a good idea to talk about possible crisis situations. For example, you might consider bringing up the need to put safeguards into place during a manic episode. This might include temporarily withholding credit cards, banking privileges and car keys. Read more about handling emergencies.
- Talk about the future. Work out what needs to be done if they get hospitalised.
- Encourage and help the individual to explore a new interest or spend more time enjoying old favourites.
