Navigating Bipolar Disorder as a Family: Building Understanding, Support, & Resiliency
Roughly 5.7 million individuals above the age of 18 are diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder every year (National Institute of Mental Health, 2021). It can be defined as “dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels that affect a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks” (National Institute of Mental Health, 2021). Despite its prevalence in society, Bipolar Disorder continues to be stigmatized and often misrepresented in the media; however, with a good support system, acceptance of the disorder, and developing skills to recognize symptoms, it can be managed effectively and individuals with Bipolar Disorder can continue to live fulfilling lives.
How can Bipolar Disorder impact the family unit?
Having grown up with a parent with Bipolar Disorder, I learned from a young age what it meant for someone to have Bipolar Disorder and how that could impact our family differently than others. I learned to be flexible, understanding, and how to live in a household where some days would look different. Oftentimes, kids with a caregiver who has Bipolar Disorder may feel like they are "walking on eggshells" and operate in a constant state of trying to predict their parent's mood. To prevent putting this pressure on children, it is integral for the adults in the family unit to develop and continually practice clear lines of communication, to identify warning signs that a manic or depressive episode may be occurring, in addition to receiving comprehensive mental health treatment. When my mom had a long day, it was important for her to communicate that with us. This helped us understand that it wasn’t always her Bipolar Disorder that was causing a shift in her mood. My mom also taught me that struggling with your mental health is okay and that it doesn’t have to define a person; she is very open when discussing her diagnosis. Yes, she is a person living with Bipolar Disorder, but she is also a mother, a friend, and so many other meaningful things. Many other families have stories similar to mine, and deal with similar emotions when living with a parent who has Bipolar Disorder.
Impacted by a loved one with Bipolar Disorder? Getting your own support isn’t selfish!
IIt is common for family members of the individual diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder to feel fear, guilt, stress, and other difficult emotions (NAMI, 2017). These feelings may come up due to unexpected changes in moods a person with Bipolar Disorder experiences. Other individuals may experience guilt because they wish they could do more for their loved one, as it can be a challenging disorder to go through and to witness. So, while it is important for that family member to begin treatment to manage their disorder, it is also essential for the other family members to talk to a professional about the feelings and challenges they may be facing. It is hard for the family to be a good support system if they also feel like they are alone and struggling in the process.
How can Mala support?
At Mala Child & Family Institute, we have several experienced providers who work with individuals with Bipolar Disorder, as well as multiple modalities that can be beneficial for both individuals and their families:
● Individual therapy: Whether you yourself are living with Bipolar Disorder, or you’re impacted by a loved one with this mental health condition, individual psychotherapy can help clients develop coping skills, build resiliency, and identify patterns of behavior for future success.
● Family therapy & couples counseling: Communication is integral for a family unit impacted by Bipolar Disorder. Knowing this is helpful, but integrating it takes time, practice, and patience. Working with a family or couples counselor allows family systems to dedicate designated time towards fostering communication and navigating the relational impacts of this condition.
● Medication management: The good news is that there are many effective medications that can be used to manage the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder; the more difficult news is how long and arduous the processes of beginning care with a psychiatrist can feel. Thankfully, here at Mala our medication management team is continually expanding – supporting decreased wait times and comprehensive, collaborative care between our lead psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and clinicians.
Need Additional Support?
Whether you are waiting for care to begin, or just need additional support here are some websites and other helpful readings that can help!
● https://www.dbsalliance.org/
● https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-disorder-resources-1
● "The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know" by David J. Miklowitz
● "Bipolar, Not So Much: Understanding Your Mood Swings and Depression" by Chris Aiken and James Phelps
Closing Thoughts
Both living with Bipolar Disorder and loving someone with Bipolar Disorder is difficult, but it does not need to define you. Here at Mala Child & Family Institute, we are committed to helping you and your loved ones thrive despite adversity and build resiliency for long-term success. You are not alone in this journey!
Written By: Logan Gray
References
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2017). Living with someone with bipolar disorder. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/personal-stories/living-with-someone-with-bipolar-disorder/
National Institute of Mental Health. (2021, June). Bipolar disorder statistics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder