Loving someone with bipolar disorder can be tough, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Showing unconditional love to someone dealing with this condition isn’t always easy, especially when they might push you away, disrespect you, or even treat you poorly. It can be really challenging to support someone who has such a grand view of themselves at times, and it’s definitely not simple to care for and understand someone whose thoughts and feelings can be all over the place.

Getting to Know the Illness

The first step is really getting to know the illness. If you don’t grasp what your loved one is experiencing, it’s going to be hard to connect with them. Once you’ve taken the time to understand the ins and outs of their bipolar disorder, it’s time to come up with a plan to tackle any issues that arise.

Recognizing the symptoms is crucial. Remember, it’s not your loved one’s fault that they have bipolar disorder; they don’t have control over their actions or feelings. So, it’s important to learn about the various symptoms. Are they having trouble sleeping? Are they sleeping too much or not enough?

Keep an eye on their moods, actions, and interactions with others. It might help to jot down your observations so you can identify patterns and have a solid basis for discussions. If you start to notice symptoms that seem like they could be linked to bipolar disorder, don’t feel embarrassed about it.

Fostering Trust

Try not to view the illness as a source of shame. Loving someone means accepting them, illness and all. Bipolar disorder is just like any other medical condition that can be treated. If you let shame creep in, it won’t help your loved one recover; it could actually make things worse.

Building trust is another key element. Trust is vital for individuals with bipolar disorder. They need to feel that you believe in them, rather than relying solely on doctors or institutions for their care. There may be moments when you feel overwhelmed and think about calling a doctor to take them away because you’re struggling to cope. It’s important not to let them hear those thoughts, as it could worsen the situation.

To foster trust, keep communication open and honest. Once you’ve identified the symptoms, ask yourself how you can help. However, remember that not every idea you come up with will be beneficial, so it’s essential to talk to your loved one about it.

Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings. Ask them how they would like you to relate to them. Don’t bottle up your feelings, but find positive ways to express your concerns. Avoid nagging, lecturing, or preaching, as those actions can push them away. Instead, show them your care in a gentle and supportive way.

Above all, along with providing assistance, make sure to offer your love, understanding, and support. That’s what they truly need.

Until Next Time,

Stephanie Kay