Living with someone with bipolar disorder

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Living with someone with bipolar disorder is not easy, it takes perseverance. Living with someone with bipolar disorder requires taking care of the patient physically and mentally, in addition to taking measures to treat bipolar disorder.

1. What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is an affective disorder characterized by a manic or hypomanic episode associated with depressive episodes during the course of the illness. Bipolar disorder is a condition that the person cannot control with his or her willpower alone.
The rate of bipolar affective disorder accounts for 1% of the population, there is no difference between the sexes, the age of onset is usually lower than that of major depressive disorder.
Bipolar disorder is a genetic disorder that is often passed down from one generation to the next. Therefore, the patient is not at fault for having this disease.

2. How to live with someone with bipolar disorder?

2.1 Understand that the patient's behaviors are related to the disorder For example, a person who rambles about himself arrogantly or selfishly is often seen as arrogant or self-centered. heart. This behavior in people with bipolar disorder is a sign of a manic state, as are other risky behaviors that cause discomfort to those around them.
Recognizing that this is a symptom of the disease and not an intentional behavior of the patient will help those around to understand the patient's condition. However, it's important to keep in mind that a loved one's emotions should not be linked to illness, and a person with bipolar disorder can still be happy or sad in a healthy way.
To effectively learn about the patient's condition and provide support, ask about the person's experience with the illness. However, before attempting to intervene, it is important to think carefully and realize if they would feel comfortable talking about the issue. If this seems dangerous, simply inquire about your loved one's condition and gather more information regarding the process they are going through.
2.2 Supporting the patient in the treatment of bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder can be effectively treated with medication and psychotherapy, so it is important to help the person through treatment, by their participation in psychotherapy.
Family therapy is a way to support someone with bipolar disorder:
Talk to the patient's psychiatrist. If the patient has signed a power of attorney to talk to the doctor, relatives can notify the doctor of concerns or problems that arise. In addition, loved ones can also get more information on how to support the patient. If the patient is not receiving treatment for bipolar disorder, family members can encourage or help them seek treatment. Find your local therapist or psychiatrist who specializes in bipolar disorder. However, patients should not be forced to seek treatment if they are not willing (unless the patient is at risk of harming themselves or others), this will make them afraid and affect the relationships of others. around.

2.3 Monitor patient compliance during treatment People with bipolar disorder experience the euphoria of a manic state that makes them feel good, so they usually don't take medication. If you notice a patient quit smoking, the first thing to do is to notify the doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will talk to the patient and inform the patient's family about how to handle it.
If communication with the doctor is not possible, encourage the patient to take the medication, or provide incentives such as: giving a special gift or doing activities that they enjoy, if the patient agrees. treatment adherence.
2.4 Helping the patient through a manic or hypomanic episode If the patient is aware of this condition, the loved one needs to convince them to reduce the potential harm:
Talk to the patient to minimize damage when dangerous behaviors occur (such as gambling, dangerous driving, wasteful spending, drug abuse). Isolate the patient from children, disabled people, and other vulnerable people to avoid disturbing them. Talk to a doctor or call an ambulance if the person is at risk of harming themselves or others. 2.5 Planning for possible crises Relatives need to develop an emergency action plan to minimize crises. Patients should be provided with important contact information so that help can be obtained when needed, eg phone numbers of relatives, doctors and hospital addresses; Write this information on paper for the patient. Relatives can plan with the patient when they are in a normal state.
2.6 Helping the patient avoid the triggers of bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder triggers are behaviors or situations that increase negative consequences, in this case a period of euphoria or euphoria. mild, or depressed.
Some potential triggers include substances such as alcohol, coffee and drugs. Triggers can also include negative emotions such as stress, sleep disorders (sleeping too little or too much), an unbalanced diet, and personal conflicts. .
If the patient has special triggers, relatives can help by preventing them from engaging in these behaviors, or prioritizing their responsibility to reduce stress, due to:
Critical actions and actions critical people are two common triggers for bipolar disorder. If the patient lives with a loved one, help them eliminate harmful substances such as alcohol. It is also possible to set up a relaxing environment by listening to music, adjusting the lighting, and energy levels. 2.7 Show compassion When understanding about bipolar disorder, relatives will be more sympathetic and accepting of the patient's condition. Living with a sick patient is not easy, but it can be considerate to support them.
One way to show care is to let the person know that there are people who care, are there for them, and want to help them through their recovery. In addition, relatives can also listen if the patient wants to discuss his or her medical condition.
2.8 Understand the right to confidentiality Remember that a patient's family member can talk to the patient's psychiatrist if they are young and in the care of the family, or have signed a written authorization to release information. However, if either of the above conditions is not present, the doctor will refuse to discuss with the relatives to protect the patient's right to confidentiality.
In short, bipolar disorder is an emotional disorder in which the person is unable to control his or her behavior. Therefore, when living with people with bipolar disorder, it is important to sympathize, share and understand them. In case of crisis, relatives need to call the hospital immediately, even have to call the helpline 113 when the patient intends to harm people around.

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