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BIPOLAR DISORDER AND FAMILIESBipolar Disorder can have a devastating affect on families. Family members living with a person who is depressed are four or five times more likely to become depressed themselves. Among couples where one partner is Bipolar, the divorce rate is nine times higher than the national average. It is important for family members to educate themselves, and allow the person to take responsibility for their own illness. When a person is suffering from an episode, it distorts their thinking, and they really aren't themselves. They may become irritable, uncooperative, and oblivious to the possibility of recovery. This is a part of the disease, and you cannot take their moods personally. If you push too hard on a person who needs treatment, it may cause them to withdraw. At the same time, ignoring the problem could cause the person to feel neglected or unloved. There are several things you don't want to do where a family member with Bipolar Disorder is involved. First, do not exclude the person from family discussions and decision making. He or she needs to be involved in matters regarding the family. Also, do not try to do everything for the person. This does not help the person's self esteem, and could cause you to feel resentment towards them. One of the most important things is not to criticize or blame the person, or expect him or her to just "snap out of it." Doing so may cause the person to become isolated and withdrawn, or possibly hostile. Family members cannot sacrifice their own lives for the sake of the Bipolar needs. It is important for them to do three things. The first is to have someone to talk to, second, maintain the usual routine, and third, do things that you enjoy. You can influence how someone feels, but you can't control it. Bipolar Disorder is a disease, and as such, requires special attention in a way that does not severely impact normal family life.
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 BipolarConnection
2001 - 2008
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