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Helping to care for someone with bipolar disorder can be hard. It can be challenging to find the time, energy, and patience to cope. It’s important to realize you can be supportive while still caring for yourself.
Remember that you are not alone. Success stories from others show that a diagnosis of bipolar disorder doesn’t have to ruin lives or relationships. Find ways to take care of yourself to help you stay healthy and enjoy your life.
Your support system
Find ways to provide support for yourself, even while you are helping someone else. Consider the following:
Stay connected with the doctor or counselor. If the person you are caring for gives permission, the doctor or counselor may be willing to talk with you about your concerns. You can always share your concerns with the doctor or counselor, even if they cannot talk with you about these concerns.
Share the care. If it is okay with the person who has bipolar disorder, find someone to help, so you are not responsible for every detail of caring for someone with bipolar disorder. Perhaps, someone the person trusts—such as a sibling, adult child, or close friend—can help.
Consider joining a support group. Sharing your experiences, hopes, and failures with others who care for people with bipolar disorder may help you cope with your own concerns.
Consider talking with a counselor. Counseling (for you and possibly children affected by a sibling’s or parent’s illness) may increase understanding and help you cope.
Plan some activities just for yourself. Go to lunch with a friend. See a movie with family members. Set up a regular time to go to the gym. Or, simply take a walk in the park and enjoy the day.
Develop a list of people you can call for support. Include people you meet through support groups, trusted friends or family, clergy, your doctor, or counselor.
Look for resources through work. If you or the person with bipolar disorder works, you may have access to special support programs or resources as part of your employee health benefits package. Talk with your human resources representative to find out what resources are available.
One of the ways you can help someone with bipolar disorder is by taking care of yourself and your own needs as well.
Finally, don’t take on too much. It’s not healthy for you and it’s not healthy for the person with bipolar disorder. Talk with your loved one about how important it is to have a network of trusted friends and family who can help.
Also of Interest
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