How to Help a Family Member Living With Bipolar Disorder - Bipolar Journey

Posted by Bipolar Journey on January 6th, 2020

Did you know that one in four people is likely to experience a mental health problem every year? People who experience mental distress are our family, co-workers, neighbors, friends, church affiliates and business associates. It is vital for all of us who suffer from mental distress or know someone, may know someone or will know someone who suffers to make sure they are heard by those who influence change. It is imperative that we are assured of high standards in mental health recovery care and that we stand strong against stigma and discrimination wherever it may occur. Educating ourselves is the first step and then help educate others. Our loved ones are counting on us. 

If you are someone who suffers from a mental health recovery, please help us all to understand you better. Bipolar awareness Patch teaches scouts about the brain and its influence on thoughts, feelings, and behavior. The first step is to monitor you and be honest with health care providers and friends. There are so many people who truly care about you, but don't have any idea how to help. Please tell us how.

Bipolar Disorder is one of many various mental health disorders.

It has not been determined exactly what causes bipolar disorder, although most experts think that it has much to do with genetics. There is also documentation that many people who have this infliction have suffered childhood abuse or some type of trauma and there is also documentation that supports the theory of patient seizures which set off the episodes of manic and depressive moods.

The symptoms are varied and different for each individual, although they can generally be described as manic, hypo-manic, depressive and mixed. Many times you can find individuals who exhibit more than one type or who fluctuate back and forth between the types.

There are quite a few different types of treatments that range all the way from drug therapy such as lithium or anti-convulsing mood stabilizers to anti-depressants. It has also been suggested that many people find acupuncture to work well as an adjunctive therapy. Psychotherapy and counseling can really help and many people hold testament to that. It is in these types of stable confidential relationships that patients feel the most secure and are able to open up. This often takes time to develop into that trust, but both client and practitioner must be patient and consistent. For loved ones this can be a particularly trying time as it is hard to watch your friend or relative going through this with so much accompanying doubt.

For the person who is affected, it is important to be aware of their own individual triggers of bipolar disorder. There are however some common ones to avoid. These triggers include, but are not limited to, stress, substance abuse, lack of sleep, and a decrease in exercise.

Stress can bring on an episode rapidly. Substance abuse is another trigger, although often this is a result of people trying to self-medicate. Some people find certain medications should be avoided. You will be able to tell your doctor and he/she can adjust or change the medication accordingly. It is also very important to make certain that you are getting enough sleep and to keep a regular sleep schedule. You must be very attentive to discover what your particular triggers are and to take steps to educate yourself about the illness. It is highly recommended to keep track of your moods so that you can get a better understanding of how this affects you as an individual.

One of the biggest risks and tragedies that we face with mental health issues is the risk of suicide. Bipolar disorder is one of the top statistics with all the mental health disorders out there.

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Bipolar Journey

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Bipolar Journey
Joined: January 6th, 2020
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