What should I do if I’m diagnosed with bipolar disorder?
What can I do to help my relative manage his/her bipolar disorder?
How can families with bipolar patients get help?
What should I do if I’m diagnosed with bipolar disorder?
- Learn about the illness and learn to recognise the early warning signs of a manic or depressive episode and how to respond.
- Stick to the treatment plan, even if you are feeling better.
- Keep a record of mood changes, new stresses, reaction to medications etc.
- Reduce stress.
- Balance periods of activity with time for relaxation.
- Get enough sleep, eat healthy food and try to take regular exercise.
- Avoid drugs or alcohol because of dangerous reactions with medications.
- Be patient but persistent and accept that it takes time for medications to work.
What can I do to help my relative manage his/her bipolar disorder?
Family members can encourage the bipolar patient to seek treatment for the illness because the patient may not recognize the symptoms themselves.
- Learn about the illness, be able to recognize the early warning signs for a manic or depressive episode and know how to respond.
- Encourage the patient to stay on medication.
- Reduce stress as much as possible and provide a structured environment.
- Offer emotional support (understanding, patience, affection and encouragement).
- Remind the patient you are available to listen, to talk and to help with anything.
- Take remarks about suicide seriously.
- Take action if your relative may benefit from hospitalization or any other medical intervention
How can families with bipolar patients get help?
Having a family member with bipolar disorder can be difficult. It is important to ask for help if needed. Ask your doctor or a mental health professional (such as a psychologist, psychiatric social worker or psychiatric nurse) for advice on how to cope with a family member who has bipolar disorder.
Speak about how you feel with your doctor. Family members or caregivers may need psychological help themselves.
The best way to reduce the burden, however, is to make sure that the patient sticks to their treatment. When properly treated, people with bipolar disorder are likely to have a much more stable mood, and can lead happier and more productive and fulfilling lives.
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bipolar disorder
Item code: NPR/08-0048
Date of Preparation: July 2009
