9 Ways to Help a Friend With Bipolar Disorder
Living with a Bipolar Disorder isn’t easy.
One moment you feel deep despair, the next, you're high on euphoria. This roller coaster ride of emotions can be overwhelming. It doesn't only affect your mood but also every other aspect of your life.
I’ve had clients share that they felt powerless over this condition. Your friend might feel the same.
However, as a mood disorder therapist, here's one truth I always like to share. Having Bipolar Disorder (BD) doesn't mean you're doomed to living an erratic and unmanageable life. There are plenty of things you can do to cope with this condition so that you can live happily. Below, I've listed strategies to help you and your loved one win against Bipolar Disorder.
Do research
How much do you know about bipolar disorder? Learning about the condition will help you better understand it and what you can do about it. The best way to conquer new ground is to educate ourselves. Knowledge is power.
2. Keep track of the condition
Is your friend or loved one showing signs and symptoms of depression or mania? The sooner they get treated by their doctor, the better. People with BD often need adjustments in their medication due to stress and seasonal changes. Need an app to keep track of mood swings? Try eMoods.
3. Know the triggers
What usually leads to your friend having an episode? Try to find a pattern in your loved one's habits. Common triggers that affect people with BD include:
Financial problems
Relationship issues
Stress
Lack of routine day-to-day
Seasonal changes
Not every person with Bipolar Disorder has the exact same triggers. By learning what applies to your loved one, you can help them avoid it and better manage their condition.
4. Follow a plan of action
What should you do during an episode? The key is to act fast and do wellness activities that induce a more stable mood. These could include things like meditation or yoga. In fact, there are many coping techniques that work. The key is to find one that best fits their unique situation.
5. Manage medication
Proper medication is a crucial step in dealing with Bipolar Disorder. A great way to ensure that your friend or loved one has taken their medication is by using a pill box. You can also suggest the use of an alarm or an app so your loved one stays reminded for the rest of the day.
6. Put sleep on the priority list
Losing hours of sleep can worsen your friend's mood. The best way to counter this trigger is by following a consistent sleep schedule. Your loved one can develop healthy sleep habits with these tips:
Follow a regular sleep-wake pattern.
Take a warm bath or listen to calming music before bed.
Eat healthy, balanced meals throughout the day.
Lessen daily caffeine intake.
Avoid alcohol and substance use.
7. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is all about bringing one's attention to the present moment. It’s a great strategy for remaining grounded during an episode. This can be done by taking slow, deep belly breaths or paying more attention to your surroundings.
8. Encourage them to reach out
Bipolar Disorder can be very overwhelming. Your friend or loved one needs to know that they have people who care about them. A simple way to get your friends to share their feelings is by checking in on them occasionally. You can also refer your friend to try online counseling or to get in touch with a cognitive behavioral therapist.
9. Work with a specialist
Learning to accept Bipolar Disorder isn’t easy. That's why your friend needs professional support. Regular individual and/or group counseling is vital for mental health. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one great way to learn skills for coping with BD. This approach to counseling teaches your friend the skills they need to live a happier and more adjusted life.
Would you like to learn more about how this approach and/or holistic counseling can help your loved one? Contact me today.
