Navigating Bipolar Disorder: Support & Coping Strategies for Families

Bipolar disorder is a disease that takes the emotions on a roller coaster ride. This ride does not only affect the person diagnosed, but emotions also affect the loved ones and significant others of the patient. Being a child of a parent diagnosed with bipolar disorder can be difficult to accept. Here are some helpful tips for coping with a bipolar parent.

Instructions

• 1

  Accept that this is no one's fault. This disease is no different than any other disease in that a person does not choose to have it, and they don't do anything to bring it on or keep it away.

• 2

  Learn about the disorder. Talk to the patient's physician, and educate yourself about the symptoms and treatment options.

• 3

  Encourage your parent to stay with a treatment plan and to take any medication as prescribed.

• 4

  Make preparations and plans for directive orders or a treatment contract. This planning should be done when the parent is not in a manic or depressive state.

• 5

  Talk openly with your parent about the disorder and how it has affected you. Emphasize that there is no blame being place on them.

• 6

  Make a point to do things with your parent, not for him or her. Avoid doing things for your parent that they can do themselves.

• 7

  Seek counseling or support groups that address the emotional demands of being a child of a bipolar parent.