What You the family member's should know
Dealing with bipolar is difficult for the person with the disorder and the people that live and love them. I hope that the information held on my site will help you to help your relative/friend. Do not try to live their life for them, it isn�t possible and it will only make them pull away. My two friends with bipolar are completely different, while one wants me to tell her when she's manic or depressed, the other one doesn�t want to know and will get very angry if you try to tell her where in her cycle she is. They are both rapid cycle bipolar�s, they both take meds and nether one of them wants to!
Some Bullet points to help you on your way to helping:
Educate yourself (like being here )
Find out What the differences are in Your friend or family members
Watch for signs and symptoms of mania, depression, and suicide And get them to treatment
Help with medication compliance
BE SUPPORTIVE
Find someone to talk to about how you feel. Outside of the person with bipolar (although some can and will want you to talk to them it depends on what they can and cant handle.){this helps to relive stress and prevent burn out and/or stops you from trying to take over for your friend or family member}
Caring for someone with bipolar can be difficult it takes: time, patience and understanding
You are there to be supportive NOT make them better you alone cant do that it takes: doc, family, friends and sometimes meds. None of these work alone only together can they be effective
KEEP WATCH FOR SUICIDEAL THOUGHTS: DO NOT JUDGE JUST GET THEM HELP!!!
