The Stigma Behind Bipolar Disorder
When your loved one has undiagnosed bipolar, the world can feel cold and judgemental. According to the NIMH about 4% of adults have experienced a bipolar symptom at some point in their life. So why do families feel ashamed, guilty, and ignored? The stigma of Bipolar could have something to do with it, we all love the energetic person until it becomes too much and they call us all throughout the night because they “don’t need sleep”, or we think they are being rude because they WON’T stop talking and there’s no way to get a word in, do Bipolar people just need to talk and not breath?
How to Manage Bipolar Disorder
How to manage, first having a prescriber who really understands the complexities of Bipolar and the sensitivities that go with medications for people with Bipolar will be a main factor, it’s hard to change behavior when a person has a chemical imbalance. Next, I recommend my clients with bipolar disorder to have a consistent sleep and wake routine keeping a bedtime and a wake up time can help keep the circadian rhythm. A disruption in sleep can lead to an increase of bipolar symptoms (NIH). In my work with people with Bipolar disorder routine is important! This symptom make can have mood swings and impulsivity having a routine can help set a foundation, we’re not entirely sure why people with Bipolar disorder are sensitive to routine changes and I can attest that in my time, my people had more favorable outcomes and reported higher life satisfaction when they had a schedule and a routine to stick to.
Supporting Loved Ones with Bipolar Disorder
When supporting people with Bipolar disorder it’s important to look at the person because each person will present something different or need something different from a professional, family, and friends. Having a game plan and clues to when someone’s brain starts to be “off” is a way to help manage the symptoms of Bipolar, this is another reason that routines can be helpful to identify when the foundation starts to crack.
In the end Bipolar is a chemical imbalance that can benefit from therapeutic behavioral changes. Remember to meet each other with love, non-judgement, and compassion.
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About the Author: Aleenia Nakamura
Aleenia Nakamura, LMSW
I have always wanted to see people live the life they want. Since 2015, I have worked in the mental health field specifically in clinical practice, case management, and crisis ...
