Topic Tuesday // World Bipolar Day with Bipolar Australia // Tues 29th March, 7:00-8:30PM AEDT

Question 6: Where can carers go to find more information to support a loved one?

‘Coming home with Bipolar’

handbook on our website was developed to help friends and carers who don’t know how to support their loved one. It’s been published in English and simplified Chinese.

If you want to go a step further, I suggest you speak with the person you’re caring for, discuss the details and personalise the booklet. Not every symptom applies to each person, and not every course of treatment will suit each person. It’s important you adapt to what applies and works for your loved one. Sometimes what they need is so personal, the only way you will know is by asking and starting an open dialogue at home.

If you’re a carer, it’s important to take care of yourself. I know how stressful it can be from looking after my daughter. You can’t support another if you’re not looking after yourself.

A prevention plan can be written up with close interaction between the patient, family and healthcare team. It aims to keep a person safe from the risk of future episodes and prepare for the worst scenarios with instructions of who to call, what to do or what not to do. It also helps to keep track of any known triggers and early warning signs for relapse.

@Jacques tagging you here because this might be helpful for you based on the questions you asked today

Question 6: Where can carers go to find more information to support a loved one? @cloudcore

You can check out our comprehensive booklet developed for carers of people who have recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder: http://www.bipolaraustralia.org.au/resources/coming-home-with-bipolar/

The booklet is called ‘Coming Home with Bipolar’ and it focuses on information about the illness, communications skills, and self-care strategies that carers may need when supporting someone on their road to recovery. By empowering carers with the information, they need about Bipolar, we hope to reduce the risk of hospitalisation for people with the condition.

Here are our tips for open communication

Open communication is a very useful thing you can do as person living with bipolar and to help a loved one to recover from bipolar. Below are some key steps you can take:

• Keep learning - Finding out as much as you can about bipolar means you can understand what your loved one is experiencing and what you can do to be supportive of their recovery.
• Be patient - Some days will be better than others, and it will take time for your loved one to make progress in their recovery journey.
• Be understanding - Listen when your loved one talks with you or shares their feelings. Try not to react when if your loved one says things that hurt you; people with bipolar often try to push their loved ones away when they are unwell.
• Encourage realistic goals - After an episode, it is important to get back into a normal routine and reconnect with things like education, work, and friendships.
• Encourage self-management - Work together with your loved one to identify their episode triggers, and times when they should see their doctor or counsellor.
• Access peer support - Get involved with a support group that lets you meet other carers. You and your loved one may also wish to join a bipolar support group together.
  
  

Be sure to look after yourself. Don't underestimate the impact of your loved one's episodes on you. It is important to have positive friendships and support, and to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. You can't help your loved one if you are unwell or exhausted.

Self-care is also important

Caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your loved one. You won't be able to give them your best if you're not at your best. Caring can be stressful, so it is important that you take care of your own physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Remember your wellbeing is an important part of your loved one's recovery.

When I am in a certain mood, probably manic, I put headphones on and listen to fast music as loud as it goes. I do this for a few hours. Probably not the best self care but brings me into better state

Great you found your way over here @grayhorn !