BIPOLAR DISORDER: 12 Tips For Friends & Family Who Want to Help!

Bipolar disorder is a team effort - especially when our friends, family, or spouse become an important part of our support system. Even though these people love us deeply and want to be there for us, that doesn't always mean they have the tools needed to be up to the task. Educating those who we depend on for support can be invaluable to our treatment *and* prevent certain "relationship-straining" resentment that can develop by them not understanding our behaviors. In this Bipolar support video, we're going to talk about 12 tips to help our friends and loved ones be there for us in more effective ways. There's a difference between caring ABOUT someone with Bipolar Disorder and caring FOR someone with Bipolar Disorder. We hope this video will help others - to help you - in a more efficient way.

Welcome Polar Warriors! This channel is dedicated to helping individuals, families, and friends who struggle with, or know someone living with Bipolar Disorder. My goal is to provide actual tools, tips, and discuss topics that can potentially help individuals grow to live a more balanced, peaceful, and fulfilling life. I truly hope my videos inspire & educate those interested in knowing more about this serious mental illness. PLEASE remember to subscribe so you don't miss a video that could impact your life in a profound way!

-Rob Whittaker, Polar Warriors: Bipolar Support

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-Rob

[laledavidson]

I would love it if you'd post a few videos to help non-bipolar people deal with bipolar relatives and loved ones. It's not just the depression that's a problem, it's when bipolar people go on the attack. Give us some tips on how we can protect ourselves without getting draw into the fight. Give us some tips on how we can heal ourselves from the hurts we've suffered as a result of being related to someone who suffers from this disorder.

[bialumaelectronica]

The fifth point, "When we push you away, that's probably when we need you the most" is incredibly helpful and important. Being pushed away can cause pain, which can make it more difficult to be compassionate. But remember that the pushing-away is caused by suffering that often has nothing to do with you.

[milkycow]

Trying to understand bipolar disorder for a friend that I care about a lot. She's going through some stuff but I'm determined to listen to her and make her feel better.

[spartaeus]

The destructive behavior of someone who is bipolar cannot be tolerated. My wife was diagnosed as bipolar. She constantly did horrendous things, like going into our bank account and spending every penny we had. She also stole $12, 000 dollars from my father who kept it in his house. She spent it all somewhere. She would never tell us where. She would impulsively shop lift. She would think that people in public were talking badly about her. She wanted to viciously confront them. I had to physically restrain her on several occasions. That was just a few of the things she did. That kind of behavior cannot be tolerated. It was as if she had a complete lack of conscience at times. Yet she had a high IQ. She had worked her way through school to become a nurse practitioner. And after all that struggle to become one, on her third week on the job she used someone else's DEA number to order herself drugs, and got arrested at the pharmacy. I had no idea how destructive someone with bipolar disorder was until I married her. It was 20 years of hell.
Now I have to deal with my daughters who inherited bipolar disorder from their mother.

[laverdadesmejor]

After years & years of dedicating myself and caring for one woman who was not open to professional help, I have moved on,
left her behind and have come to the realization that some people will never change even if it makes their own life better.

[christinaalexander]

My favorite tip was just be there and listen. Honestly, just knowing someone is there is all I need sometimes.

[danielschloss]

My ex wife, who had bipolar, crashed and kicked me out of her life and wanted a divorce. She pushed me so far away it was beyond repairing. I had to divorce her but I still want to understand this disorder to this day.

[jenniferjackson]

All this is great... but it’s no vacation for the person dwelling with the person with bi-polar as well ... it’s extremely draining and sometimes seems not worth the fight

[dawngartner]

The 1 tip that stood out to me was that my boyfriend who has bipolar said when he angrily episodes and is lashing out verbally to me calling me names and blaming me for things HE himself did he wants me to love on him. Cuddle and hug him. And I'm thinking that's really hard since his episode puts me in the self defense mode at the time. The last thing I want to do is love on you! But I learned to do it as soon as I recognized it. I didn't always recognize it right away but when I did I would just walk away and let him rant til he got it out of his system. What I did realize is that most of the time it really wasn't something I had to fight back about. He was just using me as his verbal punching bag because he couldn't control it at that moment. Then when I figured it was safe I would hug on him and say I'm sorry whether it was my fault or not. Then he would calm down and apologize and say, "I'm sorry love. You didn't deserve And he would seemingly level out. We were together for 5 yrs. And just recently broke up. But I love watching your videos!! OMG I wish I would've discovered these sooner! You're gonna save so many lives and relationships Robert! Thank you so much for doing these! It's so hard to find good help for this! I know it's a bit challenging for you but what a phenomenal way to help others! You are better than any psychologist or counselor we ever went to!! And we've been thru 4 years of them!

[kerrysuzanne]

Wow, I have a bipolar partner. I desperately want to help. I feel so sad listening to this video. It must be hell for anyone going through this disorder, let alone their loved ones. Thank you

[kaykay]

I like them all but the one that stuck out to me most is just be there to listen and not give advice. I have a tendency to automatically put my two cents in. I'm gonna do better and try to just be there ans listen. Thank you for this channel.

[naomibrist]

My sister is bipolar and is going through a crash right now. Thank you so much for saying she still loves me. I know it's true deep down, she just can't express it right now.

[dawnneas]

#6 is my favorite. When I'm crashing and someone tries to give me advice, I completely lose it! It makes me feel like they think I don't know how to do things right. I know what's the right thing to do, but I just can't seem to get there....no matter how hard I try!!

[denisepaulsenful]

My sons are Bipolar. When they're well you can't imagine them not remaining well. Until.it happens. And It's difficult to remember it will happen again. And again. It affects the whole family unit when one of them is ill. We all just hunker down best we can until the storm passes thru. As it always has in the past. They're twins and 24-yrs old. Nice lads. It's just endlessly heartbreaking. And hard. But I try only to think of them and how difficult it must be for them at their age. And not knowing how to deal with what the future may have in store. But we safeguard them as best we can. And try to find the best medical options available. Your channel really helps. Thanks for all you do. You're amazing.

[kayannanorthover]

By the way all of this that was just said is true, sometimes all they need is friends and family and love, don't let them kill themselves pls 😢

[jeanmjones]

When we are wiped out and unable to do much of anything please listen when we tell you this. It is not an excuse to get out of things for we would gladly do them if we could. Instead of making a face or getting mad if we can’t cook a meal please be kind and go the extra mile and cook the meal with a good attitude. Please be kind to us, but mostly please still love us.

[soniarand]

#12. My husband of 35 years who suffers from bipolar says that it’s painfully lonely for him when I’m away, but when I come home he will just sit in the same room as me and not talk at all. Thanks for explaining in #4 that all his feelings are super intense and even painful. This makes more sense now.

[sicilyny]

Forgot the #...but when we isolate..dont answer the phone....or texts...or emails...or dont visit....we just can't handle that at that particular time..don't take it personal.
Also..we do need you family and friends..just to be there and know we love you.

[yorkiemm]

my favorite tip is the one that says the BP person still loves the family/friend under all the profanity and slamming doors and the "I'm done's" and the "you'll never see from me agains".