How to help a friend with bipolar disorder

Why supporting someone with bipolar disorder is so important

People with bipolar disorder can lead normal, happy and successful lives when their symptoms are properly managed. Even so, they can go through some pretty serious distress at times, so it’s really important that they have support. There can be a lot of stigma attached to bipolar disorder, so acceptance and support from friends and family helps the person with the condition focus on managing it without having to worry as much about being judged.

How to be a supportive friend

Accept their diagnosis

Symptoms of bipolar disorder can be difficult to control at times. If someone with bipolar disorder is going through a phase where they’re experiencing symptoms, it’s not possible for them just to ‘snap out of it’. It won’t help to tell them to calm down or get over it.

Be informed

 It can be really difficult to understand what your friend is going through. Learning as much as you can about bipolar disorder can help with knowing what to expect and what you can do to help.

Be there to listen

 Give your friend opportunities to talk about how things are going. Ask them about what they’re going through and let them know you’re there for them. Try to find out what they find helpful during these times.

Encourage medication and discourage drugs and alcohol

 If your friend wants to stop taking their medication, remind them of its benefits. If they do stop taking it, encourage them to see their GP straight away. Consider activities you can do with your friend that don’t involve drugs and alcohol, which can have a negative impact on mood and interact with medication.

Look out for warning signs

 Sometimes, even when someone is on medication, they can start experiencing changes to their mood. You might notice some of the early warning signs; for example, if they’re experiencing low mood they may become more isolated and stop replying to messages or calls. If their mood is becoming more elevated they might become impatient, sleep less and express strange ideas.

If you’ve noticed something different about someone’s mood and you’re worried about their behaviour, let them know you’ve noticed a change and encourage them to talk to their GP or mental health professional. If you’re worried they might be at serious risk or unsafe, find help immediately.

Keep their mental health professionals’ phone numbers on hand

 Make a note of the contact numbers of their GP, psychiatrist or psychologist, in case something happens and the situation becomes unsafe. If you can’t get through, get in touch with an emergency contact.

The importance of self-care

It can be incredibly frustrating, exhausting and confusing to deal with someone who is experiencing bipolar disorder. The only way you can be there to support your friend is if you look after yourself first.

Don’t give up the things you enjoy

 Make sure you still have time to yourself to do your favourite things and to work towards your own goals.

Set boundaries

 You aren’t always going to be able to be there at every moment, and you can’t let helping someone take over your life. Set some limits on the things you’re willing, and unwilling, to do. For example, let your friend know that you won’t take calls in the middle of the night or while you’re at work. Plan with them what they can do if you aren’t available.

Make time to relax

Relaxation is a great way to deal with stressful situations.

Ask for support

Make sure you’re getting your own emotional support. Talk to people you trust about how you’re feeling. You might also want to talk about it in counselling or join a support group.