HealthCentral
Bipolar Disorder
Top 10 Ways to Support Your Partner With Bipolar Disorder
The HealthCentral Editorial Team Sep 7, 2012 (updated Dec 18, 2013)
1 of 10
If your spouse or loved one has recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you may be wondering what exactly to expect and how to best show your support. HealthCentral's Expert Patient G.J. Gregory shares his tips for helping a loved one cope.
2 of 10
Boost your partner's confidence
Boost your partner
If you can make your partner or loved one feel good about him or herself, treatment and both of your lives will be so much easier.
3 of 10
Take an active role in biopolar treatment
Help and remind your partner to take their pills. Don't count on your partner to be faithful to their medication, as they may slip from time to time. If they are seeing a psychiatrist or counselor, joining him or her for a session could be helpful. At minimum, if you have questions or concerns, write them down so your partner can take them to doctor's appointments.
4 of 10
Recognize there are things we can't do
Recognize there are things we can
Some everyday tasks are difficult for people with bipolar disorder to do. For example, bill paying can be stressful, creating anger and frustration. Try to be understanding and help your partner.
5 of 10
Remember your partner's strengths
Remember your partner
Appreciate your partner's strengths and super-hero abilities that come from bipolar disorder. Go along during a hypomanic phase when he or she wants sex multiple times per day. Take advantage of the situation. You might even go so far as to say "Paint the house I'll fulfill the fantasy you've been hinting at." Also, understand that medication may lead to a reduced sex drive at times.
6 of 10
Be there during bad times
When he or she is in a bad frame of mind, don't be afraid. Don't put up a defense or brace yourself for something bad. Be there to talk and support your loved one. While they may be mean during a bad phase, stay with them.
7 of 10
Embrace your partner's bipolar diagnosis
Embrace your partner
Accept your partner's bipolar diagnosis. It's going to change. His or her condition may not improve. Medication can control bipolar, but your partner won't be "cured." Realize that a bipolar diagnosis is not always a bad thing. Your loved one is the same person he or she has always been.
8 of 10
Your partner may embarrass you at times
Your partner may do something bold, brash or stupid. Step up and support them in a non-condescending way, even though you may be embarrassed. Don't say "that's the bipolar disorder talking" or openly blame it on the condition. Accept your loved one, don't dwell on it, give them a hug to show that you understand, and move on. Your partner will be grateful.
9 of 10
Remember that life won't be easy
A bipolar diagnosis takes its toll on every realtionship. Remember that things may not be easy. When bad epiodes come, they may be more dangerous and volatile than before. Rather than using his or her old coping techniques, after a bipolar diagnosis your partner may try harder to rein in their behavior. This could make the phase worse.
10 of 10
Watch for triggers and behavior changes
Watch for clues of upcoming changes to your partner's mood or frame of mind. You are in the best position to recognize the signs and help us identify and understand it.
