Coping Methods for the Family - Bipolar in the Family

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Family Matters

Monitor Behavior

• Monitor behavior without being intrusive. Be discreet. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of mania will probably deny that there is anything wrong with them. People in depression will often isolate from the family. They need to know you still love them.
• Monitor any reckless or endangering activity.
• Pay attention to any extravagant expenditures or excessive shopping sprees. This could indicate a potential manic episode.
• Listen carefully to word choices to determine an impending episode. If you notice rapid speech, this could be hypomania. It is important to acknowledge the symptoms you see and confront the family member with how they are feeling to find out if there is a problem, or if it is just a normal fluctuation in mood.

Maintain a Close Relationship

• Tell your family member how much you love them and mean it. Give them a hug when they need one.
• Treat your family member with dignity and respect.
• Include your family member at family gatherings and outings. However, recognize that sometimes your family member may not feel able to attend because of symptoms associated with the disorder or their medications.
• If your family member does not live at home, contact them by telephone on a regular basis.
• Offer assistance. If they do not have transportation, offer to go shopping with them or to help do their laundry. Prepare frozen dinners that can be re-heated.

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