- I have bipolar disorder and I'm exhausted. How long do I have to keep a constant check on everything I say and do? I take my medication correctly, I see a psychologist and a psychiatrist, and yet…
- How can I help someone who is experiencing a mixed episode?
- How is bipolar disorder detected? I mean, are there any medical tests that can identify it?
- Why is bipolar disorder so difficult to diagnose?
- Can diet have a positive influence on health? Aside from a healthy diet, are there any foods to avoid or any foods that are particularly recommended?
- Why can't I stay stable for long periods of time and why do I easily fall into depression?
- How should the family act when an affected person begins to experience euphoria without yet being aware of the onset of their euphoria?
- Is it positive for children to know that one of their parents has bipolar disorder, or is it better to hide it?
- My relapses aren't of euphoria or depression, but I do have very strong relapses of intense anxiety that turn into panic attacks where the feeling of impending death leads me to act irrationally. I'd like to know if this is normal and how I can manage it.
- In which episode is there the greatest risk of suicide?
- Why is it difficult for these people to adhere to their treatment?
- How can you support the family of a person affected by bipolar disorder?
- What is the risk that an affected person will "use" the disorder to manipulate people or conditions to achieve their own benefit?
- In altered states of consciousness, that is, when the person presents symptoms of delusional ideation, can psychotherapy help?
- Why is the medication dosage lowered for people over 65?
- Is lithium production related to inactivity?
- Can a person with bipolar disorder have relapses despite taking medication?
- How can you tell if you're having a relapse?
- As a professional, what is the best way to address relapses in people with bipolar disorder?
- Is it normal to not remember anything when you have a relapse?
- How can you help someone with bipolar disorder who is depressed without putting pressure on them?
- Is there an app where I can talk to and consult with an expert when I have a relapse?
How can I help someone who is experiencing a mixed episode?
Helping someone who is suffering always means being there for them. Empathy means trying to put yourself in their shoes. Putting yourself in the place of someone going through a crisis can be difficult if you haven't experienced it yourself, but thanks to experience and having information from those close to them, you can help.
The work should begin earlier, when everything is going well. This involves establishing a bond of respect and understanding between both parties, learning as much as possible about bipolar disorder, and, above all, asking the person how they would like to be supported during potential crises. This preliminary work is the most important.
If the person trusts you, you can suggest, for example, accompanying them to their appointment with their therapist and first asking them the series of questions they have to ask the therapeutic team.
Going through a mixed episode is very uncomfortable. Often, there's irritability and low mood at the same time. It seems to me that if you live with the person experiencing it, just like with any other kind of crisis, you should simply be there for them. And try to encourage them to maintain their routines: sleep schedules, mealtimes, walks, etc. It's also important to remember to take care of yourself so you can be better able to support them.
