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Frequently asked questions about bipolar
What should I do when I’m diagnosed with bipolar disorder?
- Learn about the illness and learn to recognise the early warning signs of a recurrent manic or depressive episode and how to respond.
- Stick to the treatment plan, even when he or she is feeling better.
- Keep record of mood changes, new stresses, reaction to medications etc.
- Reduce stress.
- Balance periods of activity with time for relaxation.
- Get enough sleep, eat healthy food and try regular exercise.
- Avoid drugs or alcohol because of dangerously reactions with medications.
- Be patient but persistent and accept that it takes time for medications to work.
What can I do to help my relative manage his/her bipolar disorder?
Family can encourage the bipolar patient to seek treatment for the illness because the patient self does often not recognize the symptoms.
- Gain enough knowledge of the illness, be able to recognize the early warning signs for a recurrent episode and know how to respond.
- Encourage the patient to stay on medication.
- Reduce stress as much as possible and provide a structured environment.
- Offer emotional support (understanding, patience, affection and encouragement).
- Remind the patient you are available to listen, to talk and to help with anything.
- Take remarks about suicide serious.
- Act accurate when a patient in the mid of a severe mania or with strong suicidal thoughts needs to be hospitalised for his or her own protection and for adjusted treatment.
How can families with bipolar patient get help?
Having a family member with bipolar disorder is a serious burden. It is important to ask external help. Ask mental health care professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatric social workers and psychiatric nurses for advice on how to cope with a family member with bipolar disorder.
Speak about how you feel with your doctor. Family members or caregivers may need psychological help themselves.
The best way to decrease the burden, however, is to make sure that the patients are loyal to their therapy. When properly treated, people with bipolar will have a much more stable mood, and become less of a burden to their families and caregivers.
