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Bipolar Disorder: Preventing Manic Episodes
By Jennifer Bradley, Staff Writer
Don’t fight fire with fire
The first rule of preventing an outburst
is simply not being the flame that starts one. The four
big communication no-no’s, according to Bipolar Disorder
for Dummies, Second Edition, are criticism, blame,
judgment and demand. The guide says to keep them out of
interactions with a loved one who is bipolar. Honing
these skills is essential, and how a caregiver (or
anyone for that matter) says something makes a world of
difference in the outcome of an event or gathering.
While some people tend to yell
when they are upset, and if a caregiver is one of those
people, it is imperative to find another way of
expression. Yelling at a person with bipolar disorder
puts them on the defensive and increases aggression, and
possibly hitting the trigger point of stress. Fighting
fire with water is much better.
Here are some examples of phrases that may be taken the
wrong way by someone with bipolar disorder, but not
affect someone else.
· Who said life was fair?
· It’s all in your head.
Snap out of it.
· Shouldn’t you be better by now?
· Stop acting crazy.
And things to say:
· What would you like to do?
· This episode won’t last forever.
· We’ll get through this together.
· What can I do to help you have fun?
· I wouldn’t change anything about you.
Caregivers willing to jump on the rollercoaster of
bipolar disorders certainly will find loops and dark
tunnels along the way. It’s a guarantee. Taking the big
dip over the hill can be a blessing, in knowing someone
who needs love and compassion is being given it. The
loved one with a bipolar disorder is looking to their
caregiver to be a friend who enjoys life with them.