Bipolar disorder affects mood, energy, and daily functioning in general. With comprehensive treatment, bipolar disorder can be managed. However, central to treatment and management is awareness and understanding.
Mental health has taken leaps and bounds in the past century or so. Unfortunately, a veil yet remains. Stigma, discrimination, misinformation, and the lack of information still exist. This complicates complex conditions like bipolar disorder. Therefore, understanding the disorder can be beneficial for you if you are a client, a family member, a caregiver, or just someone looking to become more aware.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition. It is characterized by mood swings, ranging from highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
During the manic or hypomanic phase, one experiences heightened energy and euphoria. They can engage in risky behaviors and experience sleep disruptions.
During the depressive phase, one experiences feelings of persistent sadness, worthlessness, and emptiness. They can even lose interest in the once pleasurable activities.
Bipolar disorder is of three types:
- Bipolar I Disorder: This is characterized by at least one manic episode. This can be followed by hypomanic major depressive episodes.
- Bipolar II Disorder: This is characterized by at least one hypomanic episode and at least one major depressive episode. Full-blown manic episodes are absent.
- Cyclothymic Disorder: This is milder, albeit longer. Hypomanic and depressive phases can last for even two years.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a severe condition. It can even be considered a disability, as bipolar disorder significantly diminishes the ability to function in day-to-day life. In the ancient past, it was common to execute those suffering from this condition. However, today, we know better. There are different kinds of treatments available for those with bipolar disorder. Crucial to this is an accurate diagnosis. Bipolar disorder is diagnosed in the following manner:
- Psychiatric assessment
- Physical assessment and medical history
- Mood charting
- Diagnostic criteria provided in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR).
Bipolar disorder is majorly treated with medication. Medication management involves the use of:
- Mood stabilizers
- Antipsychotics
- Antidepressants.
Psychotherapy is also used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. When medication and psychotherapy are used in tandem, they offer maximum benefits. Common types of psychotherapy for bipolar disorder are:
- Psychoeducation
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Family-focused therapy.
Recognizing the Impact on Families
Family-focused therapy and family support are available to the family members of those struggling with bipolar disorder. These allow family members to understand and best support those with the disorder.
However, the impact on families often goes unnoticed in the discussion of the disorder. Family life is complicated, and it even takes effort to function as a cohesive unit. Bipolar disorder compounds these complications and efforts, especially with its extreme mood swings. It is common for family members to get frustrated many times and even say hurtful things they do not mean to.
Emotionally, family members are often impacted by intense bipolar disorders. For instance, those with bipolar disorder can lash out, belittle, and pack fights for no reason. During the depressive episodes, family members worry for the person’s safety, as suicidal thoughts and ideation can become common. Physically, family members can feel tired.
Bipolar disorder can also lead to financial difficulties, as manic phases can lead to reckless behaviors like heavy spending and other high-risk behaviors that can lead to legal troubles. Sometimes, this is so drastic that financial status can change overnight.
The bottom line is that living with someone with bipolar disorder is difficult. Many times, family members choose to sever all contact with the person. Family estrangement is an unfortunate consequence; this can be even more detrimental to the person with the disorder.
Supporting a Family Member with Bipolar Disorder
Social support is crucial to the health and well-being of a person with bipolar disorder. Specifically, from family members. Yet, supporting a family member can be difficult, given the extreme mood swings. Some steps that can be taken to support a family member with bipolar disorder are:
– Education: Learn about the disorder. The more you know, the more you will be able to support a family member with bipolar disorder.
– Active Listening: Sometimes, a listening ear is all someone needs. Being an active listener is one of the best things you can do for a family member with bipolar disorder. This will help them share and vent when they need to.
– Plan: Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings. So, a plan must be made to handle these intense episodes. For instance, the steps you can take when they are going through depressive phases and are having suicidal thoughts. Or something more regular, like how to handle chores when the person has low energy levels.
– Be Supportive: Sometimes, being supportive can come across as pushy. So, understand the boundaries, be supportive, and do not be pushy.
– Be Involved: Be involved in the treatment. This will help understand where the person stands, what can be done to improve, and so on.
– Do Not Neglect the Self: Do not neglect your self, self-care, and well-being. Know when it is too much and care for your own physical and mental health as well.
Self-Care for Family Members
Bipolar disorder is characterized by intense mood swings. This complex condition can be taxing on the family members and other caregivers as well. Therefore, self-care is important. Here are some self-care steps as well:
– Boundaries: Establishing healthy boundaries is crucial for healthy relationships. Know when it is too much and pay attention to your mental health.
– Diet and Sleep: Eat a healthy diet and establish a consistent sleep pattern.
– Exercise and Healthy Living: Get regular exercise and engage in healthy living practices, like meditation, mindfulness, and so on.
– Stay Active: Have a life outside, pursue passions and hobbies.
– Social Support: Have a social support system you can lean on. Surround and rely on your family members and friends.
– Ask for Help: If addiction is a factor, seek professional help, such as family-focused therapy, counseling, or addiction recovery programs, to navigate challenges effectively.
Final Reflections
Bipolar disorder is a complicated condition with extreme mood swings. While it is difficult for the person, it is taxing for the family members and other caregivers as well. This is not as acknowledged as it must be.
Being aware of the disorder can be beneficial to family members, as it allows them to be supportive and better prepared to meet the highs and lows of the disorder. Moreover, it is crucial to know when it gets too much and seek help as well. Without these things in place, family estrangement becomes all too common.
Author bio:
Dr. Ryan Peterson is a board-certified physician specializing in pain management and addiction medicine. With personal experience in recovery, he is dedicated to helping patients overcome substance use and manage pain with compassionate, personalized care.
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