Being around or caring for a person coping with bipolar disorder can feel like a turbulence of feelings.
This person’s ecstatic highs and crushing lows aren’t just their own – their loved ones get swept along too.
Possibly the hardest part of this is when the bipolar individual distances themselves from those who love them most.
If this narrative resemble yours, remember, you’re not isolated. There are means of steering this stormy journey. Let’s explore some tactics and understandings.
Bipolar Disorder: What is It?
Let’s understand bipolar disorder. It’s a mental illness with serious mood swings. Sometimes, there’s emotional highs (mania or hypomania).
Other times, there’s severe emotional lows (depression).
These moods mess with sleep, energy, behavior, judgment, and clear thinking. Mood swing episodes could happen rarely or many times annually.
When Love Becomes Distant
Bipolar Push-Pull Relationships
People with bipolar disorder often retreat from those they care about, notably during extreme ups and downs. They’re not showing less love or concern for you — it’s their disorder that is affecting them.
They might isolate themselves, refuse help, or become irritable and difficult to communicate with. First, realize this act is part of the broad problem to cope.
What to Do When Someone With Bipolar Pushes You Away? – Navigating the Push-Away
Here’s what to do when someone with bipolar pushes you away.
1. Stay Calm and Patient
It’s hard when someone you love distances you from them. But staying composed and patient is a must.
Getting all worked up and reacting with strong feelings can make things worse. It can make your loved one feel even unseen and unheard.
2. Communicate Openly and Compassionately
Being honest in a kind manner is important. Speak your mind and emotions without pointing fingers or bringing guilt in.
Make sure they understand you’re there for them and support them unconditionally, regardless.
3. Set Boundaries and Respect Theirs
It’s essential to set good boundaries for your peace of mind and the other person’s.
Here’s how to set boundaries with a bipolar person – understand your limits and communicate them clearly. Likewise, remember they may need space and independence.
They may have set limits that should be respected too.
4. Educate Yourself
Knowing about bipolar disorder helps handle difficult situations better. There are tons of helpful resources out there. They provide a glimpse into your loved one’s experiences and give guidance on supporting them.
5. Seek Support
Looking after a person dealing with bipolar disorder can be tough, both on your mind and body. Don’t see asking for help negatively.
It could be from friends, family, support circles, or counselors. It shows strength and is a necessary step in ensuring you’re okay too.
Also See: How To Deal with Someone Who Is Bipolar and Angry and How They Think?
Taking Action: Encouraging Professional Help
1. Approach the Topic Gently
If a person shuts out their close ones, the thought of asking for expert advice could seem scary or be outright rejected.
If you’re bringing up the topic, do it gently and avoid insistence.
It could be helpful to put forward your advice as stemming from a heart of affection and worry, not from a negative viewpoint.
2. Offer to Assist in the Process
It’s tough to seek and get assistance. Simple acts like helping to find therapists, making calls, or going with them to appointments can make a big impact.
3. The Role of Self-Care
Remember, looking after yourself is as important as helping others. Do things you love and relax.
Staying healthy and happy can help you take better care of your loved one.
Explore Timely Psychiatry
Dealing with the puzzling parts of bipolar disorder can be tough. That’s where Timely Psychiatry comes in, ready to help.
With us, you’ll find a team with care and knowledge about bipolar disorder and more.
We aim to help and understand, with personalized treatments for everyone. If you, or someone close to you, needs help or wants to talk about mental health, don’t wait.
A simple conversation with an expert can be an important step to finding your balance and achieving wellness.
Asking for help shows your inner strength.
Visit Timely Psychiatry’s website today and begin your journey towards understanding, support, and healing.
Make an appointment today.
FAQs
Why is my partner with bipolar disorder saying hurtful things?
If your partner has bipolar disorder, they may use harsh words due to extreme emotions and pressure felt in manic or depressive phases. This conduct is a sign of their condition, not a real indication of their sentiments for you. It’s vital to tackle the situation with endurance and empathy.
What to do when bipolar partner ignores you?
When a bipolar person ignores you, try giving them some space while gently letting them know you’re there for them.
What is bipolar ghosting?
‘Bipolar ghosting’ refers to when an individual with bipolar disorder abruptly ends communication without giving any explanation. This typically happens when they are feeling overwhelmed.
What do I do if my bipolar friend is pushing me away?
Respect their need for space, but let them know you’re there for them.