People with a mental illness can be difficult to deal with.Someone with a mental illness might be so depressed that they can't get out of bed one day and then seem so positive the next, that no one can keep up.If you know a person with a mental illness, you may want to help them recover from it.If the person seems violent or suicidal, you should seek emergency medical help.
Step 1: You should watch for symptoms.
If the person has already been diagnosed with a mental illness, you may be aware of the symptoms.There are periods of mania and depression for the disorder.During manic phases, someone may seem to have boundless energy and during depression, that person may not get out of bed for days.Manic phases may be characterized by high levels of optimism or irritability, unrealistic ideas about one's abilities, feeling energetic despite getting little sleep, speaking rapidly and going quickly from one idea to the next, not being able to concentrate, making impulsive or poor decisions, and even hallucinatingDepression is characterized by hopelessness, sadness, emptiness, irritability, losing interest in things, fatigue, lack of concentration, appetite changes, weight change, difficulty sleeping, feeling worthless or guilty, and considering suicide.
Step 2: There are different types of bipolar disorder.
There are four different types of bipolar disorder.Mental health practitioners can use these definitions to identify the disorder.There are four types of disorder.The person needs to be hospitalized if they have manic episodes that last for seven days.Depression episodes last at least two weeks.There is a disorder called Bipolar II Disorder.Mild manic episodes are not severe enough to warrant hospitalization.There is a disorder that is not Otherwise Specified.This is when a person does not meet the criteria for a bipolar I or II diagnosis.It's called cyclothymia.The symptoms are mild when someone has had symptoms for two years.
Step 3: Speak to your concerns.
You should say something if you think someone is suffering from a mental illness.Make sure that you approach the person from a standpoint of concern and not judgement.The person can't control their behaviors if they have a mental illness.Say something like, "I care about you and I have noticed that you have been struggling lately."I want you to know that I am here for you.
Step 4: Offer to listen.
Someone with a mental illness may feel comforted if they have someone who is willing to listen to them.If the person wants to talk, make sure that you are willing to listen.Don't try to solve the person's problems when you listen.Listen and offer some encouragement.You could say, "It sounds like you have been having a really hard time."I care about you and I want to help you.
Step 5: Make an appointment with the doctor.
One way that you can help is to offer to make a doctor's appointment for the person who is unable to do so on their own.Don't try to force the person to seek help for the disorder if they are resistant to it.If the person feels compelled to ask the doctor about the symptoms they have been having, you could make an appointment for them to have a general health check-up.
Step 6: The person should be encouraged to take their medication.
If the person has been prescribed medication to control their symptoms, make sure they take it.It is common for people with bipolar disorder to stop taking their medication because they feel better.The person should be told that the medications are necessary and that stopping them may make things worse.
Step 7: Be patient.
Recovering from bipolar disorder can take years even though there may be some improvement after a few months of treatment.Try to be patient with the person as they recover, there may be setbacks along the way.
Step 8: Take some time for yourself.
It's important to take time for yourself when you're supporting someone with a mental illness.Take some time away from the person every day.You could go to an exercise class, meet a friend for coffee, or read a book.Counseling can help you deal with the stress and emotional strain of supporting someone with a mental illness.
Step 9: You should be a calming presence.
A person with a manic episode may become over stimulated by long conversations or topics.Try to talk to the person in a calm way and avoid arguments.Don't bring up anything that could cause the person's mania.For example, you might want to avoid asking about a goal that the person has been trying to accomplish, or something that is stressed out for the individual.Talk about the weather, a TV show, or something else that isn't likely to stress the person.
Step 10: Encourage the person to rest.
A person may feel like they only need a few hours of sleep during a manic phase.Not getting enough sleep may make things worse.If you can, encourage the person to sleep as much as possible at night and take naps during the day.
Step 11: You can go for walks.
Taking walks with the person during manic episodes can help them use excess energy and give you a chance to talk as well.If you can, invite the person to go on a walk with you at least a few times per week.Try to encourage exercise no matter what the person's mood is because regular exercise can help when someone is having symptoms of depression.
Step 12: It's a good idea to watch for impulsive behavior.
Drug use, shopping in excess, and going on a long trip are some of the impulsive behaviors that can occur during manic episodes.When there is a manic episode, try to encourage the person to think a bit longer before making any major purchases or starting a new project.If overspending is an issue, you might encourage the person to leave their credit cards and money at home.If drinking or using drugs seems to intensify the situation, you might encourage the person to avoid them.
Step 13: Don't take comments personally.
A person in the middle of a manic period may try to start arguments with you.Don't argue with the person if you take these comments personally.These comments are due to the illness and do not represent how the person really feels.
Step 14: It's a good idea to work towards a small goal.
It may be difficult for a person to accomplish large goals during a depression, so setting small manageable goals may help.A small goal can help the person feel better.If a person complains that she needs to clean her whole house, you might suggest tackling something small like a coat closet or bathroom.
Step 15: Positive strategies for dealing with depression are encouraged.
It's tempting to turn to negative mechanisms when someone is depressed, such as alcohol or not taking medication.Try to encourage the person to use their strength.Call their therapist, do a little exercise, or engage in a hobby if they feel depressed.
Step 16: Provide support.
Encouraging the person will help them to know that someone cares.When you encourage your friend or the person, make sure you don't make promises or rely on clichés.Don't say "everything will be fine," "It's all in your head," or "When life give you lemons, make lemonade!"
Step 17: Establish a routine.
The person may prefer to stay in bed or watch TV all day.If you can, help the person establish a daily routine so that they always have something to do.If you set a time for the person to get up and shower, take a walk, read a book or play a game, they will be more likely to do it.
Step 18: There are signs that a person may be suicidal.
People are more prone to thoughts of suicide during depression.You should take any comments about suicide seriously.Emergency services should be contacted if the person is acting suicidal or indicating that they have plans to kill themselves or others.Don't try to help someone who is suicidal or violent on their own.