NavigatingFriendships with Bipolar Disorder: Offering Essential Support
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that can result in extreme shifts in mood, with different types existing. This article aims to provide insight into the various subtypes of bipolar disorder and offer advice on how to support a friend who is living with this condition.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar I Disorder is characterised by at least one full manic episode lasting at least 7 days or so severe it requires hospitalization. Manic symptoms include elevated or irritable mood, excessive energy, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, increased talkativeness, reckless behavior, and grandiosity. Depressive episodes often occur but are not required for diagnosis. Manic episodes may involve psychotic symptoms during severe mania.
Bipolar II Disorder involves at least one hypomanic episode (a milder form of mania) and at least one major depressive episode. Hypomania includes elevated or irritable mood lasting at least 4 days, with symptoms similar to mania but less severe, not causing significant impairment or hospitalization. Depressive episodes tend to be longer and more dominant than hypomanic episodes, often causing greater impairment. No full manic episodes occur in bipolar II.
Cyclothymic Disorder is characterized by chronic mood fluctuations lasting at least 2 years in adults (1 year in children/teens). Periods of hypomanic symptoms and mild depressive symptoms that do not meet full criteria for hypomanic or major depressive episodes occur. Symptoms are less severe than in bipolar I or II but can cause significant functional impairment.
Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders (including Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified – BP-NOS) cover conditions with bipolar symptoms that do not precisely meet criteria for bipolar I, II, or cyclothymic disorder. These may include subthreshold manic or hypomanic episodes, rapid cycling, or atypical presentations.
Supporting a Friend with Bipolar Disorder
Communicating suitably and being patient, understanding, and a positive influence can help support a friend with bipolar disorder. During manic episodes, it can be helpful to try not to make assumptions and instead look for consistent signs and patterns. Avoiding being critical and trying to be patient and understanding is important. During depressive episodes, providing support and being open about depression and difficult emotions can help.
Taking a break when necessary can help prevent a person from feeling overwhelmed when supporting someone with bipolar disorder. Speaking with others and sharing feelings can help a person feel supported when supporting someone with bipolar disorder. Recognizing early symptoms of an episode can help a friend seek treatment before it gets serious.
Setting boundaries and being realistic about the help an individual can offer is important when supporting someone with bipolar disorder. Prioritizing self-care, such as joining local support groups, exercising, getting sufficient sleep, and contacting mental health professionals, is crucial for those supporting someone with bipolar disorder.
During manic episodes, offering to help with self-management can help a person better manage their symptoms. During episodes with mixed features, it is important to listen and remain patient and understanding.
Treatment Options and Resources
Treatment options for bipolar disorder include medications and therapy, which can help a person experience long periods of stable mood or only mild symptoms. The National Alliance on Mental Illness suggests tips such as effective communication, recognizing symptoms, and reacting calmly and rationally to support a friend with bipolar disorder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration suggests learning more about bipolar disorder, being patient and attentive, listening without judgment, and creating a support plan.
A Psychiatric Advance Directive is a legal tool that allows a person with bipolar disorder to state their preferences for treatment in case of a crisis. During manic episodes, gently expressing any concerns without sounding critical or accusatory can be beneficial.
People with bipolar disorder can maintain strong and healthy friendships and relationships, but symptoms may cause relationship difficulties. It is essential to remember that with understanding, support, and appropriate resources, it is possible to navigate the challenges that come with supporting a friend with bipolar disorder.
- Bipolar I Disorder, a type of bipolar disorder, is characterized by at least one full manic episode lasting seven days or requiring hospitalization, accompanied by symptoms like elevated mood, excessive energy, and decreased need for sleep. These manic episodes may include psychotic symptoms during severe mania.
- Cyclothymic Disorder is characterized by chronic mood fluctuations that last at least two years in adults or one year in children and teens, involving periods of hypomanic symptoms and mild depressive symptoms that do not meet full criteria for hypomanic or major depressive episodes.
- Offering support to a friend with bipolar disorder involves effective communication, patience, understanding, and being a positive influence. During manic episodes, paying attention to consistent signs and patterns and avoiding criticism is helpful. During depressive episodes, providing emotional support and openness about depression can be beneficial.
