Bipolar Supporter? Help Your Loved One Through These Times
Published: Tue, 12/29/09
Hi ,
How's it going?
I hope things are going good
for you.
The holidays are not always
easy for someone with bipolar
disorder.
All the excitement can "trip"
one into a bipolar manic
episode.
The let-down after the holidays
may "trip" one into a bipolar
depressive episode.
You really need to watch your
loved one at this time of year
especially.
And, of course, they need to
be watching themselves.
In my courses/systems, I teach
about the triggers to a bipolar
episode and how to avoid them:
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Two of the triggers to a bipolar
episode are anxiety and stress.
The holidays are full of both
these triggers for your loved
one.
One advantage you have is that
you can look back at last year
and see how the holidays
affected your loved one.
Did they get nervous?
Stressed?
Out of control?
Even gone into an episode?
If it happened last year, it's
probably a good indicator
of what will happen this
year.
So you need to be vigilant,
and not let down your
guard even though it is the
holidays.
Actually, you shouldn't
let down your guard especially
because it's the holidays.
If your loved one got anxious
or stressed last year at this
time, you will probably have
to help them through this
year as well.
You can help your loved one
through anxiety and stress.
Here are some suggestions:
- Be supportive
- Watch for signs or symptoms
of an episode
- Avoid too much excitement
- Keep the gatherings to small
ones
- Always have a Plan B
- Make arrangements so that your
loved one can leave a gathering
early if they get too anxious or
stressed
- Have a ready (plausible) excuse
for declining holiday invitations
so that your loved one doesn't get
overwhelmed or be uncomfortable
- Make sure that your loved one is
comfortable wherever you go, and
avoid those places (like the mall)
that cause them anxiety or stress
- Keep the home environment as
stress-free as possible
- Only have people over to your house
if your loved one is ok with it
- Occasionally check with your
loved one verbally to see if they
are feeling ok - but not so much
that they feel like you are bugging
them
- Be understanding if your loved one
doesn't feel up to company, or up
to going out to a gathering or party
(you may have to hide your
disappointment)
Although the holidays are a trigger
for some people with bipolar
disorder, your loved one doesn't
have to be one of these people
with a little forethought and
planning, as well as vigilance
on your part.
How was your loved one last
year at the holidays?
What happened?
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Well, I have to go!
Your Friend,
Dave
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