Ten Ways to Deal With Bipolar Family Members
Coping and living with a sibling with bipolar disorder
Apr 16, 2009
Bipolar disorder can range from extreme highs to extreme lows and often these shifts and changes can occur rapidly and last for long periods of time.
Watching a sibling or family member go from ecstatic to depressed in a short period of time can be confusing, but often knowing why it's occurring makes it devastating.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
There are many symptoms of bipolar disorder, for more in depth information visit WebMD or NAMI, both are extremely helpful websites in ways to get help for people who suffer from not only bipolar disorder, but other mental and mood disorders.
- Either an elated, happy mood or an irritable, angry, unpleasant mood
- Increased physical and mental activity and energy
- Racing thoughts and flight of ideas
- Loss of energy
- Prolonged sadness
- Decreased activity and energy
- Restlessness and irritability
Someone suffering from the disorder isn’t the only person suffering though; often times the family members have equal difficulty.
Frequent Family Questions Bipolar Disorder
All of these questions are valid and common questions running through someone’s mind after their family member has been diagnosed with a mood disorder such as bipolar disorder.
- Why is this happening to my family?
- What can I possibly do to help?
- Why can’t this family member see what’s happening?
The important thing to know is there are ways to help. The first thing that can be done is visiting the websites, ask a psychiatrist or doctor other ways to stay informed and get help for the family member
Ways to Support a Sibling with Bipolar Disorder
Ultimately, learn patience and not to get upset. Remember it's no one's fault and this person isn't in control.
- Learn as much as possible, it helps in being prepared for some things that will occur;
- Don’t expect any medication to change the patient instantly, it’s a process;
- Try to remain calm in the highest and lowest situations; becoming frightened or frantic only intensifies the situation that much more;
- Get a support system, whether it’s more family or a support group;
- Don’t blame anyone, bipolar is believed to be at least partly genetic;
- Don’t assume the patient realizes what’s going on;
- Be there when the patient needs someone to talk to or relate to, and;
- Don’t step into dangerous situations.
The most important thing to remember is sometimes the mood swings can be rapid and last for long periods of time. Be patient, it’s hard to watch a family member suffer and most of the time those suffering from mood disorders aren’t quite aware it’s occurring unless they’ve suffered from it for a long time.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, just because someone else is suffering from it doesn’t mean it doesn’t affect everyone close to that person.
Sources:
- WebMD-Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved April 18, 2009.
- NAMI-Bipolar Disorder
