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Your Guide on How to Help Someone With Bipolar Disorder
How to help someone with bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder can be a debilitating condition. Knowing how to help someone with bipolar disorder is challenging, especially if they're unable to articulate their needs on their own.
If you want to be a supportive friend to someone who's managing bipolar disorder you're in the right place. We want to help you help them.
Keep reading for more information.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder
is a mood disorder characterized by extreme highs and lows. Some people refer to it as manic depression (a now-outdated term).
When the bipolar person is in a high, they're in a manic state. They may be easily agitated, excitable, uplifted, and hyperactive. They also might engage in risk-taking behaviors like gambling, adrenaline-fueled activities, spending too much money, and more.
In the depressive state, the bipolar person is likely moody, low, sleepy, and potentially suicidal.
People with bipolar disorder benefit from counseling
and medication.
How to Help Someone With Bipolar Disorder
If a loved one has bipolar disorder it's important that they know that they're being supported. It can be an isolating condition as the people who suffer from it are pros at pushing others away.
There are a few ways that you can contribute to their growth and healing.
Be Willing to Listen
You don't have to burden yourself with every issue that the bipolar person has, but it's good for your loved one to know that you're a supportive shoulder to cry on and a safe place to land.
Set appropriate boundaries to ensure that you aren't brought down by your support.
Encourage Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Trying to manage bipolar disorder alone is incredibly challenging, but seeking treatment can make the healing process smoother.
There are many treatment options available to bipolar patients. Many people with mental health conditions find it draining to see a doctor in person, making the treatment inaccessible. Fortunately, there are telehealth options.
There are mental health services available so that counseling can be done from the comfort of the patient's own bedroom. It's easier to access and it can work around the patient's schedule.
Someone with bipolar disorder will likely have very low days from time to time, and those periods can make it impossible to even get out of bed. Telehealth can ease some of the problems associated with that.
Telepsychiatry can even allow the patient to access medication
without seeing a doctor in person. Many people resist medication
because they don't want to face a doctor. When it's all done through a computer screen it's safe, easy, and accessible.
Do You Know Someone Suffering From Bipolar Disorder?
When you're trying to figure out how to help someone with bipolar disorder it's never a bad idea to suggest professional help. For some people, this can be offensive, but it may also be the quickest path towards healing.
With telehealth counseling and psychiatry, getting help for bipolar disorder is easier than ever. There's no need to be afraid.
To learn more about our telehealth programs and mental health services, visit our site.
Most people can benefit from exploring counseling services. Speaking with a therapist can help you talk through feelings and problems with an objective person.
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