Things Not To Say To A Bipolar Person – Some of you have asked me to post about my experiences with bipolar disorder. So I think this year I will try to write about it at least once a week (maybe more depending on the week).
I will say that it is easier to write and talk about these things when I feel healthy and the conflict is manageable. The sad thing is that just because I’m healthy now, doesn’t mean I don’t have it or it will magically go away. I like to think of it as “in remission”. Hopefully it will continue, but like cancer, I need constant check-ups with my doctor and for myself, make sure I take my medicine and always try to 10 habits.
Things Not To Say To A Bipolar Person
There can still be many side effects that don’t go away. And that doesn’t mean that the things people say (with good intentions) don’t affect me negatively.
Racing Thoughts And Bipolar Disorder
So today I thought I would give you some advice on what NOT to say to someone with bipolar disorder.
1. You look normal. This is probably the thing I hear the most and get frustrated because just because I look or feel the same doesn’t mean I’m not struggling. Plus, you never know if someone is in the middle of a cycle of mania or depression. And some people are just too good at hiding it or wearing a mask. Imagine what it would be like if you said that to someone with cancer! It is a lack of understanding in my honest opinion. A better way to go about this would be to say. “Looks like you’re fine now, what can I do to cheer you up?” Just being careful and acknowledging that it is a conflict will go a long way.
2. I saw that the other day and he was acting crazy, I thought he was bipolar! First, we are not the problem, we have the conflict. Second, the feeling that someone is in conflict because of their violence and disrespect.
Remember how I discussed your message yesterday? When you say that, it makes us think that you think that for them, then you must think that we are all liars! It is a generalization that does not help the situation. And more often than not it just surprises us. A better way is to say, “I saw so-and-so the other day, he looks like he’s really suffering, he could be mentally ill. Is there a monster?” What do you want to say that will help? Be serious.
How To Help A Loved One With Bipolar Disorder
3. Come on, let’s go shopping, you just have to go out. It is not easy to walk away from it. This is a real battle for those who are suffering, and just coming out can’t make it go away. Many times he felt that the body could not do the simplest tasks. However, I will say that regular support is very helpful. Check in often ask honestly how they feel that day and if they want to go out? And then will encourage and understand if they refuse. Again, a little understanding can go a long way. Caring for the real person and not making it seem like what we are going through is fake or caused by something we do or don’t do. Don’t give up on us.
4. You act crazy, mental, insane, out of control, delusional, or other negative words used to describe someone who may be very difficult to control. Again, just be careful about detail and imagination. Be honest. Be honest. Be honest.
A better way to deal with this problem is to gently say, “I feel like you’re not being yourself today. Is there anything I can do to help?” Prepare for someone to protect. And if that happens, it’s best to give them time to do your research. The last thing they want to happen is for the conflict to enter them. Pointing out the observation and giving them time to adjust and complete it will be a good way to solve it. And again, more and more support. Do not leave and do not return to him. Give them time and try to fix it when they are ready.
Personally, when this happened to me, I found it therapeutic to write down how it made me feel in a journal, just let it out on paper. It saved me from saying something I would regret.
Living With Bipolar Disorder
5. And finally… You are only doing all this to get attention. Although it may seem counterintuitive to you, it often makes sense to someone with bipolar. Bipolar disorder is a mental illness, so it makes sense that sometimes certain behaviors or statements can seem inappropriate. When you see behavior that isn’t normal, brushing it off with a blanket of words like this doesn’t help. Acknowledging the person by saying something like, “I understand that what you are seeing/saying/doing is important to you, what can I do to help you with that?” Again you will encounter some resistance, but be gentle. Yelling and trying to get your points across is really just a way to support the symptoms they may be experiencing.
I hope this has helped you a little and made you think about your words and how you can support someone with bipolar disorder. It is very difficult for a loved one to see someone who will oppose him and not be like himself. Give each other grace and be gentle. And support them in the best way to get the help they need. They need your support more than ever during difficult times. Regular and honest check-ups are a great way to help someone with bipolar disorder. And most importantly, don’t give them up!
Welcome to the blog about hope! I’m so glad you found me. In this blog I share thoughts about my personal journey of living with Bipolar. I love sharing things that I hope will help you and others on their journey. But I’m not defined by Bipolar. I have many. I am a wife, a sister, a daughter, a mother, a grandmother, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and so much more! I hope you will join me on this journey to find happiness in everyday life. Although we may suffer every day from various illnesses or situations, there is joy. It is not elusive. We can point our compass to hope. We can choose to live! View all posts by Wendy Bertagnolli I always enjoy reading lists about what not to say and what to say to someone with mental illness. I read them and nodded in agreement, because I can relate very well. There are words or comments that may seem useful, but in fact are not, because they do not follow our thoughts and feelings or can make us more anxious. I made my own list and wanted to share it.
To add some context to some of the things on the list, being insecure just makes me feel bad for my family and friends. It’s hard to decide because I’m sitting there weighing the pros and cons of each option and getting lost in the process.
Please Stop Saying
I don’t want my anxiety to be seen as an excuse to get out of situations. Trust me, it’s not a fun ride to experience panic and fear leaving the house because you’re stressed. If someone is unable to attend the event because of their feelings, it should not matter if it is due to physical illness, physical injury, or stress. or depression. We need to balance mental and physical health.
I don’t stress myself out. I can’t predict when I will be stressed. I will never believe anyone who tells me that everything will be fine, because I am the truth and I just ask: How do you know?, even though I know that there are moments without stress. I just don’t like traditional words.
I will end on this note: happiness, acceptance, and recovery are all journeys. I can’t answer why I’m not happy all the time, why I feel anxious or depressed even in the summer or why anything. What I do know is that it is my journey and I have to have it.
To read more from Melanie, check out her blogs, her blogs for Healthy Minds Canada, or visit her personal blog at PS I’m Bipolar.
Flight Of Ideas In Bipolar Disorder
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