Support for bipolar is important, but the bipolar support you really need is even more. We are all different and so is the support we need. The problem is that it can be difficult to get the support we need when we need it. I would say that getting that support is actually a skill. So if getting the support you need for bipolar disorder is a skill, how do we learn and practice it?

Types of support for bipolar disorder

People don't necessarily realize that there are different types of support for bipolar disorder. Depending on who you are, your life circumstances and your illness, your support needs will be different. Support needs also differ over time – so support that worked for you two years ago may not work for you today. All this is completely normal, although it is not necessarily clear.

You may need some types of support for bipolar disorder:

• Help with things like cooking and cleaning
• Help with tasks like getting medicine from the pharmacy
• Help with emotional support
• Help with transportation, such as going to psychiatrist appointments
• Help with communication
• Help with treatment decisions
• Help solve the problem
• Help you remember to pay your bills or complete certain tasks take your medicine
• Help with finances
• In the health system, government programs, etc. help with navigation.

And I'm sure you can think of many more. When you have bipolar disorder, you may need many types of support. As I said, people won't see all these needs just by looking at you.

Why aren't you getting the bipolar support you need?

A refrain I hear a lot from bipolar people is, “My loved ones don't know how to support me.”

People who love you can understand that you need support. They may even offer support. The problem is that they generally don't offer the bipolar support you need. It feels like a bit of a miscommunication. Let's say your mom offers to help you make a treatment decision when you really need to cook dinner once a week. He may be willing to do that for you, but he doesn't know that you need that support.

It's Up to Us to Get the Bipolar Support You Need

I understood. It's frustrating when you can't get the support you need for bipolar from loved ones. The thing is, it's not all their fault. Your loved ones can't read your mind. You are the only one who can do it.

When people ask me how to support someone with bipolar disorder, I always say, “Ask them.”

As only the person with bipolar disorder knows the best way to support them. Yes, I can decline offers, but in the end we are all unique and I don't know the best way to help a stranger.

That means it's up to us to seek the help we need for bipolar disorder. I understand how difficult it is to ask for what we need in a sharp mood episode, but we have to do it. By this to ask We can actually do what we need to support our bipolar get he

Get the bipolar support you need by doing this

Consider the following when considering the support you need for bipolar disorder:

• Start with a list of the support you want to have. Include everything; don't edit yourself. Consider everything. (I tend to write things down so I can see it and make it more real to myself.)
• Put your support requests in the buckets: critical (can't live without it), essential (must have soon or often) and pleasant.
• Start with your critical bipolar support needs. Identify ways to obtain each. If you don't know how to get a particular support, call someone else for help. as a loved one or even your doctor. Think about how you can get what you need.
• Make a plan to address each critical need. For example, get help filling out documents for a new apartment. Follow up as needed. File an appeal if necessary. Don't hesitate to enlist a loved one to help you implement this plan. For example, a loved one can fill out paperwork or make phone calls to take this burden off your back.
• Communicate your support needs and plans to others so they can help you meet it.
• Go to your important bipolar support needs one by one.
• Go through your bipolar support needs one by one.

If you ever get stuck, ask for more help. In addition to your favorites, these may include:

• Clergymen
• Help lines
• Community resources
• Non-profit organizations
• Medical professionals
• Social workers

And hire anyone you can get your hands on. There is no shame in reaching out to anyone who can help.

The idea is to acknowledge your needs, make a plan to meet them, and reach out to meet them. Don't expect someone to fall from the sky and solve your problems. No matter how well-intentioned they are, don't expect your loved ones to know what you need. Only you can solve your problems and meet your needs.

I know that meeting critical needs in bipolar disorder is not easy. I know it could be For some of us, it's hard to find someone to ask for help. But it can be done. Even if you just chip in to cover a support need, that's fine at least. Over time, you can work on fulfilling another need. You can improve your life over time. But none of this will happen if you don't reach out and talk about the bipolar support needs you really have.

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