10 Ways to HELP Someone With BIPOLAR DISORDER

-A large number of people who reach out to me are the friends, partners, and family of someone struggling with bipolar disorder. Many have scoured the internet – looking for solutions to a seemingly impossible situation. I know there's a lot of information out there on what bipolar disorder IS, but not so much on “what to do about it.” Polar Warriors is all about “what to do about it,” so today I'd like to talk about 10 ways you might be able to help a loved one with bipolar disorder.

Keep in mind that timing is so important. If the person you care about is too symptomatic, you might have to wait and try these techniques again at a later time. For more videos like this one, check out our playlist dedicated to family and friends.

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-My channel is completely 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 “Polar Warriors” grow to live a more balanced, peaceful, and fulfilling life.

-Rob Whittaker, Polar Warriors: Bipolar Support

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HELPFUL LINKS & ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

[PolarWarriors]

➡️ Contact me directly
➡️ Join LIVE support groups
➡️ Access exclusive content
➡️ Support a good cause ❤

-Rob

[te]

Helping a loved one is what brought me here.

[tyfooods]

1) 00:50 - Strategic activities based on their mood (particularly incase of hypomania).
2) 02:05 - Set boundaries for bad behavior.
3) 03:13 - Simple clear plan for the bad times when they are feeling down.
4) 04:26 - Help them notice changes in their behavior.
5) 05:27 - Learn as much as you can about Bipolar Disorder
6) 06:54 - Document their mood if you are permitted by them to do so.
7) 07:58 - Know your place, don't play doctor.
8) 09:24 - Have a plan in case you have to call the police.
9) 10:45 - Take care of yourself! Avoid caretaker burnout.
10) 12:13 - Take advantage of the functioning times by encouraging them to move forward with their care.

Thank you very much, Rob.
Your channel is fantastic.

[xmleokr]

Yes, I’m tired, but I will continue to help him as much as I can.

[ericacamp]

I had a psychotic episode and the police were called. It was probably one of the worst moments in my life and just caused me to break further. I could have been fine if they had just called my husband. But my sister who was there didn’t know what to do. It lasted two hours of throwing up in fear, thinking people were trying to kill me, and running from the police. (Big no no) PLEASE don’t call the police unless it is last resort. It mostly causes more harm than good. I had a paramedic that showed up trained in mental health emergencies and was able to save my life. It’s because of him that I am here today.

[bossfine-aura]

I need people to talk to when my partner, the love of my life, who has bipolar disorder is having a bad day or week. There's times I feel like I'm going to have a mental breakdown.

[reefkeepers]

This was helpful for me.
I am an employer of someone who has been diagnosed as bipolar. It has been so difficult dealing with what's been going on.... the go to is that the person is "on drugs" .... I hate going there with my own thoughts.... this has helped to restore some trust between us and I want to help them try to get a handle on this. They are an important person, and important to the company. Wish there were more resources for not just those that suffer, but for those that suffer with them.

[OTheRingmasterO]

I was in denial for years after my diagnosis, and I had a mental breakdown after a manic episode last week and I found your channel right afterwards. Thank you for giving me the vocabulary to help me understand my condition. Seriously. I wept for hours watching your videos♥️ please keep doing what you're doing.

[waterhomie]

You know Robert, there are so many videos and articles that are just copying information from the DSM, essentially not communicating anything useful. You actually structure incredibly helpful videos in a way that is easy to absorb. Truly, you are a beacon of light to the world. Sincerely. Thank you Robert.

[terriz]

I was diagnosed 15 years ago and still struggle, but the highs aren't as high and the lows aren't as low, so I see it as a win. But my 32 year old son exhibits many of the same symptoms as I have. I've talked to him about seeing someone, but he refuses to do anything. It's so sad because his life seems to be on hold. He can't seem to move forward. I ache for him and want to help him in any way I can. But he grew up with a mom that was ill and I think he doesn't want to admit that he might be bipolar as well. I don't know what else to do but keep the lines of communication open with him. When he is very depressed I try to be there even more to make sure he doesn't hurt himself. i wish he would at least talk to someone.

[marlojones]

My husband with BP is in a mixed state. One week ago I was loved and protected by him. Today I am hated and need protection from him. We’ve been here before many many times. When it lift, he doesn’t emerge until it is safe. I make it safe by apologizing for my emotions, over-reactions, and for making everything about me. Then we start over. I happened across this channel this morning and I feel less alone already. Just getting started, but thank you. Finally something is making some sense!

[niteowl]

This is my favorite channel on bipolar disorder. I just found out a man that I love has bipolar disorder. This channel is helping so many things make sense. Tfs. To everyone reading this, Jesus loves you.

[brendanmichael]

Thank you man. That visit to a shrink changed my life, and your vids changed it again for the better. Even at 43 finding out this was the reason for the things I never understood about
myself was really scary. You have made that far less so by having good information. You should be very proud. You are a very good person. Thanks.

[chrisp]

I have bipolar 1 . Thanks for helping me more than my psychiatrist

[dgunn]

Love your content. 👍 I was undiagnosed for 50 years. In denial for 8 months. Then things started to make sense.

[superespiritual]

Thank you so much for this. I'm distancing myself from a bipolar person after 4 years of support, giving thousands because she didn't have food to eat, preventing homicide -suicides as she went into episodes and threatened to kill her baby and herself.... I realized I actually did a lot and helped get on meds, therapy and re-establish contact with estranged family members for more support. I felt guilty about distancing myself, but she showed up after years of being no contact with me, which was her choice. Even so, she was in crisis and I took her back, even though I noticed I had nothing in common with her anymore. After four years of continuous crises ...I feel I can set these boundaries and protect myself.

[PleaseNThankYou]

A car wreck in slow motion... ON LOOP ! Thank you Robert for your words of encouragement.

[RG-irid]

I am the parent of a 27 year old daughter with bipolar 1 who is still learning how to manage it so we're still learning how to help her too. She is able to live on her own with help from us. We recently helped her move and that was super stressful as you can imagine. I ended up losing my patience and now feel guilty for not being supportive and understanding like I should be for her. What an emotional roller coaster so I've been doing more research today and your videos have been so very helpful as reminders of what people with bipolar are going thru and how best to help them. This is pretty frightening from a parents perspective - I worry about her all the time and want to do everything that I can to help her. Thank you so much for your candidness and if anyone else out there has supportive parents that are doing the right thing - let me know what's working! Thanks again for sharing!

[WouldntULikeToKnow.]

Thank you for reminding the caretakers to care for themselves too. I have a husband with bipolar disorder and it can be a challenge, but he's worth it.
I always look forward to your videos as they give valuable insight to something I don't experience firsthand and ideas to help me help him. Take care.

[karenmoser]

My husband of 38 years has been diagnosed with bipolar about 7 years ago. We both enjoy your insightful discussions as they encourage us to reach out to one another in a positive way. Thanks for your heartfelt advice.