For anyone with a mental health condition, support is absolutely key. That’s certainly the case with bipolar disorder, with those living with the condition experiencing significant mood swings, from depressive lows to incredible highs.
Supporting loved ones living with bipolar can be challenging, but what is incredibly important is to ensure they remain as independent as possible. It’s vital for self-esteem, growth and overall wellbeing and encouraging that can be a great way to ensure that they achieve the most fulfilling life possible.
So, if you’re supporting a loved one who’s living with bipolar, here’s how you can empower them to be more independent, while also maintaining your support…
Understand Their Condition
First and foremost, the key to promoting independence is by getting a firm understanding of bipolar as a whole. This will allow you to know where to push independence and where a loved one may require additional support.
Get to know the symptoms, key triggers and potential effects of the condition and how that affects behaviour and decision making. From there you need to understand the part they play in your loved ones condition as bipolar disorder is highly individual by its very nature. You can then tailor your support, as well as being better equipped to manage mood episodes, be more empathetic in your responses and provide the right level of support without overstepping any boundaries.
Encourage a Consistent Routine
Helping provide a consistent and structured routine to your loved ones life can really aid the management of bipolar disorder as well as encouraging them to take ownership of their schedule and thus promoting independence.
Encourage your loved one to keep to a regular sleep pattern, eat health and well-balanced meals and engage in regular physical exercise as these can have a significant positive impact on overall mental health.
The development of a structured routine and daily plan should come as part of a collaboration between you and your loved one, and indeed healthcare professionals and giving your loved one plenty of say can help them keep control of their life, daily routine and hobbies and interests.
Support Their Treatment Plan
For anyone living with bipolar disorder, treatment is really important for managing symptoms and mantaining levels of independence. This usually involves both medication and therapy. You should encourage them to maintain their treatment plan and provide any support they want, such as attending therapy together.
However, it is just as important to respect them in making their own treatment decisions. While you should of course have a say, you should encourage them to take responsibility for their health and provide them with the confidence to manage their condition.
Promote Open Communication
Actually, a big part of independence is just being open and honest in communication with each other. Create an environment where your loved one feels safe and comfortable in expressing their feelings and thoughts around their condition, and indeed anything else.
It’s important to be an active listener, while you should also respect boundaries and avoid prying or offering any advice without them asking for it. By encouraging this type of communication you can provide them with the autonomy for their actions, treatment and overall wellbeing, while also making it clear you are there for them.
Encourage Goal Setting and Decision-Making
It can be really useful for those living with bipolar to have goals and something to aim for. It can help them regain a sense of control over their condition and lives. Encourage your loved one to set goals and targets. They could be around work, hobbies, personal development or anything else, but what’s important to note is that they should be realistic.
Support their decision making and provide guidance on goals rather than taking over and telling them what to do. For example, if they are wanting to take on a new responsibility, discuss the pros and cons of that but allow them to make the decision, again in full knowledge that they have your support.
Respect Their Independence
It can be tempting to step in and take charge, especially during difficult times, but over-involvement can hinder your loved one’s independence. Respect their ability to make their own choices, even if you don’t always agree with them.
This doesn’t mean abandoning them during challenging periods. Instead, focus on being a source of encouragement and reassurance while allowing them to navigate their journey. For example, rather than managing their finances for them, offer to help them create a budget or discuss financial planning.
Be Patient During Setbacks
Living with bipolar disorder often involves ups and downs, and setbacks are a normal part of the process. During these times, it’s essential to remain patient and supportive. Offer reassurance without taking away their agency, and remind them that setbacks don’t define their progress.
Encourage them to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, reinforcing their ability to bounce back. This approach helps them build resilience and confidence in their independence.
Connect Them with Resources
Empowering your loved one to access resources can strengthen their sense of independence. This might include connecting them with local support groups, online forums, or educational materials about bipolar disorder. These resources can provide them with valuable insights and a sense of community.
Encourage them to seek professional guidance if needed, such as a therapist or a career advisor. These professionals can offer tools and strategies to help them navigate life independently.
