5 Ways to Support Someone With Bipolar Disorder

Due in part to rampant myths and misconceptions that can scare people away, living with bipolar disorder can be very isolating. That’s why showing up for a friend or relative with the condition can really help them live their best and healthiest life.

“When someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder has the support of family or friends, it can make a significant difference in their ability to successfully manage their symptoms,” says Meghan Marcum, PsyD, chief psychologist at A Mission for Michael, a dual-diagnosis treatment center in San Juan Capistrano, California, for people with mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and concurrent disorders.

Support from loved ones can also help protect a person from engaging in destructive behaviors, says Andrea Wittenborn, PhD, a professor of human development and family studies and of psychiatry and behavioral medicine at Michigan State University in East Lansing.

“Bipolar disorder can make people feel invincible and lead them into dangerous or destructive activities, such as unsafe sexual behaviors, using high quantities of drugs and alcohol, and overspending,” Dr. Wittenborn explains. “It can also cause suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Managing these symptoms alone can be dangerous, but having a supportive network can be lifesaving.”

If someone you care about deeply has bipolar disorder, staying by their side through the ups and downs can play a vital role in their treatment.

That said, it’s not always easy to know exactly how to help. Here, experts share five ways to effectively support someone with this mental health condition.

1. Learn as Much as You Can About Your Loved One’s Diagnosis

Educating yourself about the different types of bipolar disorder, their symptoms, and how they are treated is one of the most helpful steps you can take. “Information is a powerful way to provide support, because it creates a foundation of knowledge from which to ask helpful questions or better understand your loved one,” says Dr. Marcum.

Knowing how symptoms of bipolar disorder can affect someone can help you know what to expect and watch for, adds Steven Guglielmi, a licensed professional clinical counselor at LifeStance Health in Hilliard, Ohio.

When talking about symptoms of bipolar disorder, the word “mania” is used to describe a mood episode in which a person is abnormally upbeat, energetic, or irritable, according to the American Psychiatric Association. And “depression” is used for an episode in which a person feels intensely sad, low, or hopeless.

“When friends or family members take the time to learn about mood cycles and how to effectively respond to mood cycles, it can reduce the amount of distress for everyone involved,” says Marcum.

Resources with credible information about the types of bipolar disorder, as well as symptoms and treatment options, include:

2. Ask What Would Be Most Helpful to Them

Everyone is different, which is why the best way to support someone with bipolar disorder is to ask them directly what would be helpful, Marcum says.

For instance, treatment for bipolar disorder often includes frequent visits to a therapist or psychiatrist, which can feel overwhelming. Ask if there’s anything you can do to ease the stress, such as driving them to an appointment or checking in with them before or after an appointment, she says.

Other ways you might lend support include offering to run errands, take care of some household tasks, or watch their kids, according to the DBSA. “Small actions can go a long way in showing you care,” says Marcum.

3. Suggest Ways to Help Your Loved One Manage Their Treatment

Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition that requires medication throughout life. But up to 50 percent of people with bipolar disorder don’t take their medication as prescribed, according to one study.

Stopping the medications that balance mood can dramatically increase a person’s risk of relapsing or causing a minor mood episode to become severe, even dangerous, according to Mayo Clinic.

Asking gently — without pushing — if your loved one would feel supported if you remind them about their medication dose and schedule, along with their therapy appointments, can help them avoid setbacks, say DBSA experts.

And if they’re comfortable with it, encourage your loved one to adopt positive habits and self-management strategies that may enhance their treatment plan, Guglielmi says. According to the International Bipolar Foundation, helpful habits and strategies include:

• Fueling up on healthy foods, such as vegetables, fruit, fish, and whole grains, which may help stabilize mood
• Keeping the body and brain active with old and new hobbies — hiking, gardening, cooking, writing, or even volunteering at an animal shelter or other venue
• Exercising daily to help boost mood and get rid of excess energy during a manic episode
• Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule — going to bed and waking up at the same times every day — to help prevent mood swings
• Sticking to a regular schedule throughout the day, which can help promote mood stability

4. Offer to Let Them Know if You Notice Any Concerning Symptoms

It can be challenging for people with bipolar disorder to notice escalating symptoms in themselves, because these changes often occur somewhat slowly, over days or weeks, says Marcum. Asking your loved one for permission to let them know if you notice any concerning changes could stop a potentially troublesome mood episode in its tracks, she explains.

For example, if they appear more energetic, upbeat, irritable, or depressed than usual, the DBSA advises calmly voicing your concerns, explaining to them exactly what you’re noticing, and encouraging them to see their doctor.

“Don’t be afraid to talk about bipolar disorder,” Guglielmi says. “Having a trusted loved one who can be transparent in identifying changes and concerns can and will have a profound positive impact.”

5. Get Help if You Think Your Loved One May Be in Danger

Do not leave them alone, Marcum stresses, if it seems a crisis may be brewing. This can include your loved one being a danger to themselves or others due to sudden and intense shifts in mood, engaging in reckless or self-harming behaviors, or talking about suicide. “Call 911 or bring them to the emergency room, so they can be evaluated and treated for bipolar disorder.”

Don’t let what they say or do prevent you from seeking help. And understand that their escalating bipolar symptoms may cause them to speak and act in ways that are out of character and may be hurtful, says Guglielmi.

“These are not to be ignored or condoned, but it is during these times that your loved one needs your guidance and support the most,” he says. “A trusting relationship can play a key role in getting someone the help they need.”