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According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), more than 10 million people in the U.S. are affected with bipolar disorder (BP). BP is also known as manic depression. The median age of BP is 25-years-old, and men and women are equally diagnosed with the disease.
There are two phases of the BP illness: the manic phase and the depressive phase. These cycles of highs and lows can last days or weeks.
It is very important for people with BP to seek proper treatment. Bipolar disorder can be treated with medications and regular therapy talk visits to a psychiatrist or support groups. Extreme cases of BP may include hallucinations or delusions. Also, bipolar disorder is associated with a high rate of suicide.
Like diabetes and hypertension, bipolar disorder can be difficult for family and friends. Family and friends have to manage a BP patient's behavioral issues which may include: severe depression, poor work or school issues, financial irresponsibility and frequent visits to medical professionals. The stress of your loved one’s disease can be exhausting mentally and physically.
A recent study states if a caregiver is under a great deal of stress, their loved one will have difficulty following a treatment plan. Here are some important tips to support your loved one who is affected with BP:
• Keeps tabs on your own mental health and take care of yourself. It is vital for caregivers to take care of themselves. To avoid burnout, set healthy boundaries. Take a timeout for yourself, even a vacation or two once a year. You are dealing with a great deal and you may need help processing your own feelings.
• Invite your friend or relative affected by BP out for positive distractions, such as walks and other activities. Sometimes just getting out of the house changes the perspective and mood of the BP patient.
• Find social support. Find sources of support such as a bipolar support group in your area.
• Research. Educate yourself about bipolar disorder. Also, learn about BP so you can understand what your friend or relative is experiencing. There are a variety of books, brochures and websites available on BP.
Add a Comment2 Comments
our daughter has bp and shes 15 in Pa. they won't trest her till 21 so what are we to do till then. She breaks things in the house, screams and yells for no reason and its diving up the house. Shes not happy till everyone is fighting with each other. What can we do' please give us some ideas ty
January 17, 2013 - 6:32pmThis Comment
She's been diagnosed and not treated? That makes no sense. There are treatment facilities in PA. Speak with her physician about referral to a psychiatrist for a med evaluation. The sooner she is treated the better the outcome if she adheres to the treatment regimen. Medication is the core treatment for this disorder optimally combined with cognitive behavioral therapy.
January 17, 2013 - 10:51pm