Caring for a loved one with bipolar disorder can seem like an emotional roller coaster. One moment everything is calm. The next moment, a sudden mood swing or change in behavior disrupts your home.
These unpredictable changes can leave you on your guard, not knowing what to expect.
Caregiving responsibilities can be overwhelming. Report caregivers of loved ones with bipolar disorder high stress levelsdepression and poor health in general.
Some have to cut back on work hours or quit their jobs to adjust to caregiver responsibilities, lowering their income and further increasing stress.
Spending most of your day caring for someone with a mental health condition leaves you with less time to focus on yourself. It becomes more difficult to manage the many needs of your loved one living with bipolar disorder if you are neglecting your own health.
Too much stress could affect your ability to help your loved one manage bipolar disorder. You may become so exhausted that you have to pass on caregiving responsibilities to someone else.
Here are some ways to find support to prevent caregiver burnout while providing the best care for your loved one with bipolar disorder.
Learn as much as possible about bipolar disorder. The more you understand about the condition, the better you will be able to make informed decisions about your loved one’s treatment.
Your loved one’s doctor is the best source for details about bipolar disorder. They can offer advice on how to handle difficult behaviors. They can also refer you to other trusted sources of information.
the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) conducts research and provides information to the public about mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder. NIMH provides various resources through its website, including:
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance provides information on bipolar disorder and other mood disorders. Your website offers:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) aims to make mental health services and information more accessible to the public. Your website offers:
Since 2007, the International Bipolar Foundation has offered various resources, educational tools, and connections to families affected by bipolar disorder.
His website has information on bipolar disorder, including:
Your doctor can direct you to other bipolar support resources in your area.
Support groups provide a forum to meet other people with bipolar disorder and their loved ones. You can share your experiences, ask questions, and learn strategies that have worked for other caregivers. Being part of a support group can make you feel less alone.
Volunteer caregivers run some support groups. Mental health professionals lead others. Today, these groups are available in person and online.
You can find a support group through these organizations:
Support groups can differ depending on who leads them and the topics they cover. If you join a group and find that it’s not working for you, it’s perfectly fine to switch to another.
The stress of caring for someone with bipolar disorder can build if you don’t find an outlet for relief. If you feel stressed, frustrated or worried, it is essential that you resolve these emotions.
You can start by talking to an understanding friend or family member. But why stigma surrounds bipolar disorder, it might be easier to open up to a professional.
Talk to a counselor, therapist, or other mental health care provider who has experience treating caregivers. Together you can work through any negative emotions, such as guilt or shame, that you may be feeling.
If talk therapy isn’t enough to relieve stress and anxiety, you may need medication.
You can find a mental health professional in your area by:
Taking care of another person can leave you with little or no time to take care of yourself. You can’t be of much help to your loved one when they feel drained, stressed, and drained.
Here are some things you can do to improve your own mental health and well-being:
Don’t forget to eat. Prepare well-balanced meals ahead of time or have ready-made options in the freezer so you don’t have to resort to junk food when you’re hungry.
Keep active. Exercise is important for your physical and mental well-being. If you don’t have time for a full workout every day, try taking a 10-minute walk or lifting weights while watching TV. Try to get the person you’re caring for to exercise with you, so you both reap the benefits.
Rest. A good night’s rest is essential to help you recharge. If your loved one has sleep disturbances that keep them awake at night, try taking naps during the day.
Do not isolate yourself. Caregiving is more than just a full-time job, which can make it hard to get out and see friends and family. Try to make time. If possible, ask a family member to step in or hire a caregiver for a few hours. Social interaction is important for your mental health.
To meditate. Research shows that practicing mindfulness (also known as meditation) helps family caregivers build resilience and better cope with their responsibilities. If you’re new to meditation, try one of these apps to help you practice:
Caring for someone with bipolar disorder can be stressful and sometimes overwhelming. It is important to take care of yourself too. The better you feel, the better equipped you will be to help your loved one.
