How do you go about someone that has bipolar disorder?

Answer 1

You would talk to them like you would anybody else - they are people too, not some type of alien or a different "breed" of people. They just have a disorder, and there is nothing wrong with that, because everybody has something wrong with them, either mentally or physically, in one way or another.

Answer 2

Treament is a combination of medication and psychotherapy. It is important that you make sure the person suffering from bipolar takes their medication. Many avoid taking their medication, or prefer to use alcohol as a substitute.

Answer 3

learn as much as you reasonably can about bipolar first and be very patient with their problems, everything that happens to them is easily exaggerated emotionally out of any resemblance to reality.

They often need a friend they can say anything to without them overreacting (because they are already overreacting).

Answer 4

Note: I am not a mental health professional. Your best advice would be to go to a mental health professional (possibly the one working with the person you're concerned about), and talk to him/her.

Basically keep in mind that a bipolar person is a person. Between bouts of illness, he is likely to be just like anyone else. In other words, when he's feeling OK, you don't have to treat him differently from anyone else.

During bouts of illness, this could change. Be aware that during the manic phase, he may become noisy, chaotic, disorganized, etc. He may begin to drink or take drugs in an effort to calm himself. He may spend money unwisely, or become sexually promiscuous. I don't know of much you can do at this time, except try to remind him of consequences of his actions. This probably won't work. The problem is that for many, the manic phase feels great, so they have no desire to tone it down. If he is under treatment, you may remind him to take his medicine or to call his therapist or psychiatrist. It is unlikely he'll become violent, but if he does you may need to call the police (but make sure you explain that he's mentally ill).

During the depressive phase, he may become uncommunicative, withdrawn, sad, morbid, suicidal, and (again) may drink or take drugs to try to feel better. If he doesn't live with you, you may not see him or hear from him for a while. If he suddenly drops off your radar, I suggest reaching out to him and trying to keep in contact.

If he lives with you, he may refuse to talk, may not eat, may not leave his room or his bed. You can let him know you care, but it is probably not possible to cheer him up. You may keep an eye on whether he's eating at all, and possibly call for intervention if he refuses to eat for a long time - but this would be something to discuss with a health professional. If he becomes suicidal (including talking about it), you should get help.

Answer 5

There are several places to learn about bipolar manic depression. You can take a course at your local community college, there are books describing the symptoms and causes of this condition, or you can research it on the internet.

Answer 6

Make sure they see a doctor. Treatment is a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

Answer 7

Is he in depression or mania? Make sure he gets and he takes treatment.