How To Act Around Someone With Bipolar And What You Can Do To Help

Last updated by Katie M.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness that has an impact on moods. In order to best help a loved one who suffers from this illness, you need to understand more about the disorder and be able to identify the depressive or manic phases in order to adopt the best stance. Having a loved one with bipolar also means having to find support for yourself. Everyone should have someone to talk to, and no one should have to face this illness alone.

How To Act Around Someone With Bipolar And What You Can Do To Help
Contents:

What you need to know about bipolar to handle it best

If you live with someone who has bipolar, you probably know that it is a mental illness that affects temperaments and has an extreme impact on moods, which provokes instantaneous highs and lows. It is impossible for someone suffering from this disorder to manage their emotions and to take control of them. That’s why it’s important to be patient and above all avoid judging those affected. Helping someone with bipolar is indeed an important role that must be taken seriously. It is also a beautiful proof of love, but even the deepest devotion requires a support outlet. Plus, you mustn’t sacrifice your own mental health in the process of trying to help someone else.

>>> Find out how to reduce stress in children.

Be attentive to the depressive phase

During the depressive phase, the sufferer will have all the symptoms of depression, and these include; sadness, significant fatigue, loss of interest and lethargy. When you notice these signs, try to communicate with the person, listen to them, try to entertain them and urge them to consult their psychiatrist. If the depressive phase is already very advanced, you can take charge of daily tasks (shopping, meals, housework, bills, administrative procedures, etc.) and watch out for suicidal thoughts. Monitor your loved one discreetly, watch for hopeless intentions, and remain attentive to the signs of impending suicide. Talk to a doctor or psychiatrist if you are too worried.

Show patience and create distance during the manic phase

Unlike the depressive phase, during a manic phase, the bipolar sufferer experiences an increase in energy and can even go without sleep for several days. The person’s entourage will notice this high phase and will be able to alert the bipolar person, who will in fact feel rather well and in form. During this phase, it will be very difficult to reason with them, so express your feelings, but do not react to their provocations. Instead, remain passive, caring and if necessary, give them some space, while keeping an eye on them. If during this manic phase the bipolar person goes too far, endangers their health, is violent with you, aggressive, threatens to disrupt public order, then hospitalization may be necessary.

Interesting fact: Between the different phases, life goes on. Here, you should behave normally and shouldn’t attribute any strong emotion to the illness.

>>> Discover our tips on how to manage hypersensitivity.

Editor's note - Don't forget yourself in the mix

If you are one of the close relatives of a sufferer, it is important to find support from the people around you, from a support group, from professionals or even from a therapist. Your own well-being is also significant, especially since your loved one's illness can be a source of stress, anxiety or lead to depression. Try as much as possible to find time to relax, do what you like to do, and above all, never hesitate or be ashamed to ask for help.

Why not also check out:

Article presented by Katie M.

🌻 Discover the world through my eyes.

Read our latest articles here:

Are Narcissists Born Or Made? - Let's Settle The Debate

There you have it, the nature vs nurture debate is back, only this time I want to focus it on those deviously manipulative personalities we refer to as narcissists. Now, evidently these folks get bad press and rightly so because they are often at the root of plenty of harm, but is it really their fault? Can they really be blamed for their terrifying and perhaps inherent traits, or are they simply just products and in this case victims of their environments? Let’s settle this debate once and for all and figure out how and when this disorder becomes apparent. So, are you born a narcissist or is it developed?

Standing Up To A Narcissist Is Possible If You Follow These 9 Steps

If you’re anything like me, you’re no doubt sick of being manipulated and humiliated by the narcissistic vampires that surround you. Enough is enough! The time has come for you to stand up for yourself! No matter who is making you feel bad about yourself; you need to flip the tables and take back the power. Psychological abuse has deep and lasting impacts, but turning the page and moving on is the healthiest thing any victim can do. Here are 9 essential tips on how you can defend yourself against a narcissistic pervert.

Am I Too Demanding Of My Partner And Too Tough On Him?

Excessive expectations, intense routines and warped images of relationships often make our love stories difficult to manage and maintain. A relationship is one of life’s greatest balancing acts and requires compromises to be made regularly. In short, one cannot be too demanding or severe with their partner if they want a smooth sailing union. Being so tough is a way of testing our partner's feelings for us, yet this can lead to extremely toxic behavior. Although, thanks to our tips, you'll know how to turn things around.

Female Masturbation

That’s right, masturbation isn’t exclusively reserved for men, and us girls can enjoy the benefits of this practice too. It may seem like a very taboo subject, although over time it is becoming more and more talked about online, but that’s not to say that women feel comfortable with the idea… Many women run away from this pleasure and refuse to take care of themselves because they feel a cocktail of shame, fear, and embarrassment. Masturbation is all about self-care and making love to your body, and it’s one that no one should feel too guilty to practice.

Who Do Narcissists Target?

If reading up on narcissists terrifies you, you probably already realize how dangerous their toxic personalities can be. Although, that being said, I’m probably going to add to the list of reasons as to why you should be ultra wary of these abusers, by revealing who they prey on. One thing that can be said about narcissists is that they certainly aren’t predictable people! 😱 Plus, spoiler alert, they don’t necessarily always choose to emotionally abuse seemingly weak people, no, in fact, they often choose bigger fish to fry because they love a challenge. Discover the types of personalities they hone in on and why.

Overinflated Ego

“No, but in any case, I’m better than you.” Honestly, who likes hearing this kind of sentence? Sometimes, it’s not put so bluntly, but clearly, if we read between the lines, that’s what is meant. An overinflated ego is what defines a megalomaniac, along with a need to put yourself before others… Dealing with a megalomaniac isn’t easy, especially when it’s a daily occurrence! So, if you want a peaceful life, discover the true meaning of this disorder, and follow our tips to making this relationship just that little more bearable.

Should You Really Confess Your Feelings?

Who hasn’t had a crush in their life? You know, it’s when you fall for someone and have feelings for them even though you don’t really know them. I’m one of those people who have had lots of crushes, and sometimes I’ve even admitted my feelings. In fact, a recent example was just before I started my relationship with my current partner. I offloaded what I was feeling all of a sudden… I’ll tell you why I did it and how to go about it.

How Does A Narcissist React When They Can't Control You? 10 Things They Do

You probably know by now that narcissists only ever look for one thing and one thing only; and that’s control! Whether in their personal or professional life, folks with this personality disorder need to be in the driving seat and the one calling the shots, otherwise all hell breaks loose. 😨 Although their cunning and manipulative nature means they are often hard to escape, it is still possible to turn the tables on them and take the upper hand. Yet, you’ll need a thick skin to do so because when they feel their power slipping away, they become even more dangerous and abusive; here’s how they react when that happens.

I Still Suck My Thumb As An Adult

In general, thumb sucking ends around the age of 6. I say “in general” and not “normally”, because as an adult I don’t feel weird or particularly bothered by it. When I get stressed, I allow myself to let go and return to my childhood self by sucking my thumb. Those who know about it or catch me by surprise make me realize I should be ashamed… But is this habit a big deal? What if it makes me feel better? It’s certainly no worse than lighting up a cigarette or biting your nails…

Are Narcissists Lonely?

Loneliness is one of society’s biggest enemies, and none of us are exempt from it, not even the most devilish of narcissists out there. In fact, throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, 36% of Americans claimed that they have never felt lonelier, which sets a scary benchmark for the wider population 😔. Now, lots of us would no doubt immediately assume that narcissists are too independent and strong-willed to feel alone, however, the truth is they are often the biggest victims of loneliness, yet simply have trouble expressing their inner malaise.



Wengood's favorite tunes 🎵

Wengood's playlist

wengood

  1. Only LoveBen Howard
    4:08
  2. Invalid date
  3. Fix YouColdplay
    4:55
  4. Beautiful DayU2
    4:08
  5. Thinking out LoudEd Sheeran
    4:41
  6. White FlagDido
    4:00
  7. Lay Me DownSam Smith
    4:13
  8. Nine Million BicyclesKatie Melua
    3:17
  9. Put Your Records OnCorinne Bailey Rae
    3:35
  10. Summertime SadnessLana Del Rey
    4:24
  11. Imagine - Remastered 2010John Lennon
    3:07
  12. Shake It OutFlorence + The Machine
    4:37
  13. Space Oddity - Love You Til Tuesday versionDavid Bowie
    3:46
  14. What A Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong
    2:17
  15. With Or Without YouU2
    4:56
  16. HelloAdele
    4:55
  17. Don't Stop Me NowQueen
    3:29
  18. Skinny LoveBirdy
    3:21
  19. WingsBirdy
    4:12
  20. Californian SoilLondon Grammar
    3:41

How to detect a narcissist

How to detect a narcissist

How to soothe an anxiety attack

How to soothe an anxiety attack