By Hannah Rice Myers
Overview
Bipolar disorder is a medical condition that affects a person psychologically. The symptoms are expressed through his moods and behavior, which generally have an impact on his everyday life and relationships. Bipolar's primary symptoms are either moods of depression or mania: severe lows or highs that last for extended periods of time and impair a person's daily functioning. It affects his feelings, thoughts and perceptions. It can cause him to become irritable and act out in an aggressive manner, or cause him to have suicidal thoughts. All of these actions can have a tremendous impact on those who are closest to him, which is why it is so important for the loved ones of bipolar patients to learn how to deal with the condition.
Step 1
Educate yourself. Go to the library and check out books on the subject. Read as much as you can about the condition, how it starts and why bipolar people act out the way they do. The more you know, the more equipped you will be to handle the emotional situations when they arise.
Step 2
Be encouraging. Though you cannot force someone who is bipolar to seek medical treatment, you can encourage her to do so. This will let her know that you care, and at the same time, she will receive the help she needs to control her symptoms. In the long run, this will benefit you too.
Step 3
Be understanding. Let him know you are there for him every step of the way. Tell him you are there for him to talk to when he needs a shoulder to cry on, and let him know you will be there to help him with his treatment. You need to always remind yourself that this is not a condition he can control on his own, and neither are his actions.
Step 4
Be patient. While this can be difficult, especially during one of her extreme highs or lows, you need to remember that this condition will not improve overnight, even with treatment. If you keep in the back of your mind that it is a lifelong process, and prepare yourself for the setbacks that accompany it, you will be better able to cope with her condition.
Step 5
Find a support group. There are many support groups available for those who suffer from bipolar and for their friends and family members as well. Joining one of these groups will help you connect with people who are experiencing the same problems you are, and may even give you some ideas on how to better deal with the bipolar person in your life.
How to Deal With a Bipolar Person by customhealthinfo.com