Supporting People Struggling With this Mood Mental Health Issue
Watching a loved one struggle with extreme mood swings, unpredictable behavior, and emotional highs and lows can be challenging. Whether they’re experiencing a manic episode full of energy and impulsivity or a depressive period marked by exhaustion and sadness, you may feel unsure of how to help.
While bipolar disorder is complex, your support can make a meaningful difference in their stability and well-being.
In this guide, we’ll explore seven practical ways you can offer support, encourage treatment, and help your loved one navigate life with this condition. From improving communication to recognizing warning signs, these steps will empower you to be a source of strength and understanding.
What is bipolar?
Bipolar Disorder was once called manic-depressive illness or manic depression. It can be a serious problem if not treated, leading to suicidal ideation and/or drug and alcohol abuse.
It is marked by extreme shifts between low and high moods, or energy levels. These dramatic “mood swings” can vary in duration and severity. The National Institute of Mental Health says about 10 million U.S. adults, or roughly 4%, will experience bipolar I, bipolar II or Cyclothymia.
What are the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder?
People with bipolar disorder experience intense emotional states called mood episodes. These typically occur during distinct periods of days to weeks. These mood episodes are categorized as manic/hypomanic (abnormally happy or an abnormally irritable mood) or depressive (a sad mood).
The first step in helping a loved one who has bipolar disorder is understanding the condition and what they may be going through.
Treating Bipolar
Major depressive episode
The depressive part of bipolar disorder is a period of at least two weeks in which you have at least five of the following symptoms (including at least one of the first two symptoms):
- Intense sadness or despair
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Changes in sleep and eating patterns
- Slowed speech
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Trouble concentrating
Mania
A manic episode is a period of abnormally high energy or mood, or irritability that lasts for at least one week, disrupts your daily life, and is obvious to your friends and family.
You will know that you are in a manic episode if you experience at least three of the following symptoms in addition to abnormally high mood and energy:
- Distractibility
- Less need for sleep
- More activity than usual (for example, doing several things at once)
- Racing thoughts
- Risky behaviors (excessive spending or gambling, acting out sexually)
- Rapid speech
- Grandiosity, a feeling of being superior to others
Psychosis
Some episodes of mania or depression can become so severe that the person experiencing the mood disturbance loses contact with reality.
Signs of psychosis include delusions (a false belief or judgment that is held despite incontrovertible evidence to the contrary) and hallucinations (hearing voices, seeing visions, or experiencing something that is not real).
The situation can take a grave turn if the person is abusing alcohol or other drugs. “When a person enters a manic episode, their brain struggles to register any consequences” says Thomas Fryar, LPC- Associate and Prasad Counseling and Training therapist.
“This can be especially dangerous when they are dealing with another diagnosis, such as a substance use disorder. In a manic phase the consequences of any behavior, including drug use, can fail to register and cause the individual to use substances again. When considering this, it is important to remember that a manic phase is a glitch in the brain’s chemistry and actions taken during that time don’t necessarily reflect the moral character of the individual,” he adds.
Being able to separate the individual in a manic episode from the individual in a normal state can help them and those around them to understand and forgive their actions.
Helping A Loved One Get Therapy
When trying to motivate someone with bipolar disorder to seek therapy, it’s important to use compassion, understanding, and patience. Here are some helpful strategies:
1. Show Empathy and Support
- Express genuine care and concern without judgment. Let them know you’re coming from a place of love and wanting to help them feel better.
- Validate their feelings and experiences, acknowledging that bipolar disorder is a challenging condition that isn’t their fault.
2. Educate Gently
- Share information about bipolar disorder and the benefits of therapy in a non-confrontational way. Share stories of the success of others.
- Highlight that therapy can provide tools for managing mood swings, improving relationships, and enhancing overall quality of life.
3. Address Potential Barriers
- Listen to their specific concerns about therapy. They might fear:
- Stigma around mental health treatment
- Cost of therapy
- Feeling vulnerable or weak
- Side effects of potential medications
4. Offer Practical Support to help them:
- Find a therapist specializing in bipolar disorder
- Help them schedule the first appointment
- Accompany them to their initial visit if they’re comfortable
- Research insurance coverage or sliding-scale options
5. Avoid Pressure and Criticism
- Don’t use accusatory language or try to force them into treatment
- Respect their autonomy and decision-making process
- Make it clear that you’re offering support, not demanding they do something
6. Focus on Specific Benefits
Discuss how therapy can help with:
- Mood stabilization
- Developing coping strategies
- Improving personal relationships
- Managing work or academic challenges
7. Suggest Alternative Entry Points
If traditional therapy seems intimidating, suggest:
- Group psychotherapy
- Initial consultations with a primary care physician
Frame therapy as a tool to help them reach their goals. Ultimately, the decision to seek therapy must come from the individual. Your role is to provide support, information, and compassion, creating an environment where they feel safe exploring treatment options.
If the person is experiencing severe symptoms or you’re concerned about their ability to take care of themselves or work, don’t hesitate to reach out to Prasad Counseling and Training for psychotherapy or a referral to a psychiatrist.
