“loving someone with bipolar disorder”
Bipolar disorder doesn’t just affect the person who is struggling with the disease. Bipolar disorder also affects the people involved in their life. This can be difficult for many reasons. As I have said before it is so important that you and everyone involved have a plan of action for certain phases of bipolar disorder. Everyone reacts to phases differently and everyone’s phases are different.
A valuable resource that my therapist recommended for family and friends, and even myself, is the book “Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder”. It talks about a “partner” but the book also is very helpful for anyone involved in the life of someone who has bipolar disorder. The book helps build healthy relationships by better understanding and using helpful concepts to manage it when dealing with someone with bipolar disorder. You will be able to see bipolar disorder in a new way and remove the stigma that is associated with it.
Throughout the book it explains and talks about “treating bipolar first”. What does this mean? In my opinion it means something that I hear all the time, “if you don’t take care of your bipolar disorder first you cannot take care of yourself”. I believe this 100% from my own experience. This may mean something different to you which is totally okay. I’ve experienced many manic phases and depression phases and putting aside treating my bipolar disorder has only heightened these episodes. Here is an overview of the book.
Overview:
Maintaining a relationship is hard enough without the added challenges of your partner’s bipolar disorder symptoms. Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder offers information and step-by-step advice for helping your partner manage mood swings and impulsive actions, allowing you to finally focus on enjoying your relationship while also taking time for yourself. This book explains the symptoms of your partner’s disorder and offers strategies for preventing them and responding to these symptoms when they do occur.
This updated edition includes a new section about the medications your partner may be taking so that you can understand the side effects and help monitor his or her bipolar treatment. As a supportive partner, you deserve support yourself. This book will help you create a more balanced, fulfilling relationship.
Improve your relationship by learning how to:
• Identify your partner’s symptom triggers so you can prevent episodes
• Improve communication by stopping irrational “bipolar conversations”
• Handle your partner’s emotional ups and downs
• Foster closeness and connection with your partner
About the Author:
Julie A. Fast, freelance writer and Web master of www.juliefast.com, lives in the Pacific Northwest. She believes that with the right tools, bipolar disorder is a predictable and treatable illness.
John D. Preston, PsyD, ABPP, is a licensed psychologist, and author or coauthor of twenty books. He is professor emeritus of psychology at Alliant International University, and has also served on the faculty of the UC Davis School of Medicine. He has lectured widely in the United States and abroad. He is the recipient of the Mental Health Association's President's Award for contributions to the mental health professions, and is a fellow of the American Psychological Association.
If you have someone in your life with bipolar disorder, I urge you to read this book. Sit down with that person, talk about the book, talk about a plan, ask questions. If you are the one struggling with bipolar disorder, ask friends and family to read the book and discuss it with you. Loved ones are the most important people for support, understanding, acceptance and love. The more we understand this disease the better we are at helping ones in need.
Remember, you are never alone in this fight! XO, Whit Web 💖