Live a better life through community

Aside from offering emotional support, the best way to help someone with bipolar disorder is by encouraging and supporting treatment. However, people with bipolar disorder tend to lack insight into their condition, so it’s not always easy to get them to a doctor. When they’re manic, they feel great and don’t realize there’s a problem. When they’re depressed, they may recognize something’s wrong, but lack the energy to seek help.

If your loved one won’t acknowledge the possibility of bipolar disorder, don’t argue about it. The idea may be frightening to the person, so be sensitive. Suggest a routine medical checkup instead, or a doctor’s visit for a specific symptom, such as insomnia, irritability or fatigue (you can call ahead to tell the doctor of your bipolar disorder concerns).

Things you can say that might help:

• Bipolar disorder is a real illness, like diabetes. It requires medical treatment.
• You’re not to blame for bipolar disorder. You didn’t cause it. It’s not your fault.
• You can feel better. There are many treatments that can help.
• When bipolar disorder isn’t treated, it usually gets worse.

Reprinted with permission ©Helpguide.org. All rights reserved.