Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that can not only impact one’s mental health, but also relationships with others. Oftentimes, friends and family members may not know how to best help their loved one with bipolar disorder, unsure of how to best support them. In this article, you will learn more about how you can help a friend with bipolar disorder, so you can understand practical tips to support your friend.
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5 Practical Tips to Help a Friend with Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder where an individual experiences a shift from manic episodes or “highs” to depressive episodes or “lows”. Sometimes, bipolar disorder can be misunderstood, especially by those who do not know or have the condition.
Interested in learning how you can help a friend with bipolar disorder? Keep reading to learn more!
Learn About Bipolar Disorder
One of the best tips on how you can help a friend with bipolar disorder is educating yourself on the condition first. Unfortunately, some people believe bipolar disorder is just mood swings; however, bipolar disorder is a condition that shifts an individual’s mind and body from a state of mania to depression, otherwise known as episodes. During a manic episode, your friend may feel more energetic, whereas in a depressive episode, they may feel more “low” and less excited or energetic to do certain activities.
Understanding what bipolar disorder is as a medical condition, and the various symptoms your friend may experience during manic and depressive episodes, can help you be a better friend long-term. This is because you will be more understanding of their condition and what they experience on a day-to-day basis with this mental health disorder.
Support Them in a Non-Judgmental Way
As a friend, it is critical to be non-judgmental toward your friend with bipolar disorder. While your friend may have bipolar disorder, their condition does not define who they are as a person. Therefore, be sure to understand that while your friend may have this condition, they are so much more than their condition.
It is also important to be yourself and supportive of them, regardless of whether they may be experiencing a manic or depressive episode. For example, if your friend is currently experiencing a depressive episode, it is important to acknowledge how they are feeling and say that you are there to support them.
Encourage Them to Seek Professional Support
Bipolar disorder, left untreated, can further disrupt an individual’s health and quality of life. Therefore, it is important to encourage your friend with bipolar disorder to consider seeking professional support for their condition. Seeking treatment can help your friend better manage their symptoms, understand their condition, and lead a healthier quality of life.
It is also important to encourage but not pressure your friend into seeking professional support. Otherwise, pressuring your friend to seek professional help may run the risk of causing your friend to not feel supported, and may do the opposite and make them not want to seek help.
Establish Boundaries, And Respect Their Boundaries
Boundaries are a key component of any relationship, including your friend with bipolar disorder. It is essential to establish boundaries for yourself while also respecting your friend’s boundaries within the relationship. For example, if your friend with bipolar disorder is experiencing a manic episode and wants to constantly be doing activities with you or do activities you are not comfortable with, communicate and establish those boundaries with your friend clearly and concisely.
Similarly, if your friend has told you when they are going through a depressive episode to let them rest, it is important to honor your friend’s boundary that they have communicated. While it is okay to quietly check in with them to show your support, you don’t want to be bombarding them with plans and activities to do with them if they are going through a depressive episode.
Consistently Help Them & Build Your Friendship
As discussed above, your friend with bipolar disorder is not defined by their condition. There are so many qualities that set them apart. And that’s why it is important to be supportive of your friend and not let their condition get in the way of building your friendship.
From consistently checking in with them to being non-judgmental of their condition and being there to listen to what they may be going through, these are all simple yet effective ways you help a friend with bipolar disorder. Plus, it is critical, like in any other relationship, to continue to build upon your friendship with them.
If you or someone you know has bipolar disorder or another mental health disorder, it is essential to consider seeking professional support to help you effectively manage your symptoms so you can lead a healthier life.
Help Is Available
From educating yourself more about what bipolar disorder is, to supporting your friend in a non-judgmental manner, there are several simple yet effective tips you can use you help a friend with bipolar disorder. If you or someone you know has bipolar disorder or another condition, you should consider seeking professional support to help you safely progress in your recovery journey.
At Multi Concept Recovery, our top-rated rehab centers help patients safely and effectively progress in their recovery journeys so they can regain control over their health and quality of life. Whether you need addiction treatment programs or mental health treatment, our expert team of addiction specialists and mental health professionals is here to help you. Contact us today to learn more!
