In a recent survey, 77% of bipolar-I participants said living with the disorder made them feel isolated or alone, and 81% reported feeling like no one understands what they go through. This World Bipolar Day, connect and remind folks that they are not alone in what they’re going through. WBD is celebrated each year on March 30th, the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed as probably having a bipolar condition.
How Can a Family Support their Loved One Living with Bipolar Disorder?
Ask their loved one how they can be helpful. What is helpful for one person may not be for another.
Check in with them on a regular basis, especially if they are struggling.
Invite them for activities or a meal. Don’t get discouraged if they turn you down. Keep inviting. Sometimes the invite is enough for them to know you care, and that they are not alone.
Offer to run errands, get food, fill their car with fuel, take their kids off their hands for a few hours.
Be aware that people tend to get the most support in the time immediately following a crisis (initial few days-weeks) but the time after that (months-years) can be when they need you just as much.
Try not to “tell” the person what to do. Sometimes this can come off as judgmental or bossy without meaning to.
Be available to just listen and let them vent. You do not have to “fix” their situation.
Avoid statements like “well, I felt the same way when……” because this can be off-putting