Bipolar disorder can be challenging to deal with. Nobody likes to see their loved ones suffer from a mental health disorder and suffer. You may want to help them but do not exactly know how. You may also want to avoid doing or saying something and accidentally causing more damage. In order to help one with bipolar disorder, it is important to understand it first.
The good news is that bipolar disorder patients can stabilize their moods with proper treatment and medication. Moreover, the support, care, and love of their close friends and family members can play a significant role in one’s treatment and recovery. You can help your loved one by consulting with Dr. Ronald P. Winfield.
Steps to take if your loved one is suffering from bipolar disorder
- Learn more about bipolar disorder.
There are various myths circulating about the condition. Bipolar disorder is not the same as having mood swings. It involves depressive and hypomanic or manic episodes, where the symptoms last for a number of days. The symptoms and how they present themselves can vary from person to person. Only a professional knows what bipolar disorder looks like and can diagnose a patient. To help your loved one, try to support them instead of diagnosing them.
- Encouraging the person to get help.
One of the best things you can do to help your loved one suffering from bipolar disorder is to encourage them to get help in the right way. It is important that they seek professional treatment from experienced and qualified mental health experts rather than consulting their friends or family, who may have misleading information.
Do not wait to see if they can get better without treatment. Even if their condition is not serious, a professional can prevent it from progressing.
- Listen.
Being a good listener does not mean providing solutions or advice to be helpful. Sometimes, your loved one is not asking for answers from you, but they are looking for someone who will listen to their innermost feelings without judging them. They may want to talk to you about the challenges they are facing. Saying that you understand and accept them can go a long way.
- Help them prepare for their appointment.
Encourage them to get help from a professional. Once they are ready, help them schedule an appointment. Finding the right professional can be complicated and frustrating. They may also be nervous about going to their first appointment. Help them prepare for it and drive them to the appointment, if possible.
Mental health is as important as physical health. Seek help today.
