Take Care of Yourself, Too
When you are caring for someone with bipolar disorder, it's very common to feel stress, anxiety, and tension. If you can reduce your stress and take care of your own needs, however, you can become a more effective caregiver.
Here are some ways to support your own well-being:
Take time for yourself
Set aside time for hobbies, socializing, or just relaxing. Anything that makes you feel good will benefit your loved one in the long run—you'll have more energy to give. Download the caregiver diary to record your daily observations and write down your feelings.
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Be honest
If you need time to yourself, be open about that with your family member or friend. When you keep quiet about your feelings and needs, anger and resentment can build.
Talk to a therapist
A therapist can help you deal with feelings about your loved one's diagnosis, and help you work through difficult issues as they come up.
Share responsibilities
Let other friends and family members step in and help out. Ask someone else to help with grocery shopping or cleaning when your loved one is too depressed to manage day-to-day chores.
Join a support group
It can be reassuring to spend time with people who understand what you're going through. And you may pick up some useful information about treatment or living with bipolar disorder.
Here are several mental health advocacy and support groups that can help you learn more about bipolar disorder and how it can be treated and managed. Email addresses and hours of operation are shown where available.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
120 Wall St, 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10005
Phone: (888) 333-AFSP (2377) or (212) 363-3500
Fax: (212) 363-6237
Email: inquiry@afsp.org
www.afsp.org
Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF)
1187 Wilmette Ave
P.M.B. #331
Wilmette, IL 60091
Phone: (847) 256-8525
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 AM - 5PM (CST)
Fax: (847) 920-9498
www.cabf.org
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
730 N. Franklin St, Suite 501
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: (800) 826-3632
Fax: (312) 642-7243
Email: questions@dbsalliance.org
www.dbsalliance.org
National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI)
Colonial Place Three
2107 Wilson Blvd, Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: (800) 950-NAMI (6264) or (703) 524-7600
TDD: (703) 516-7227
Fax: (703) 524-9094
www.nami.org
National Mental Health Association (NMHA)
2001 N. Beauregard St, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone: (800) 969-NMHA (6642)
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM (EST)
TTY: (800) 433-5959
Fax: (703) 684-5968
