In Touch Introduces Penelope Case Management System
We are pleased to announce that our Penelope Case Management system is now LIVE.
Graduate Intern
Bipolar disorder has had many creative depictions of it in the media we consume every day. As such, society has a general idea of what it may entail. “A roller coaster of emotions” or “instability of mood” are just some of the ways that people generally describe it. However, while this does touch upon some manifestations of bipolar disorder, it may not always be an accurate description for everyone who struggles with it.
There are distinct forms of bipolar disorder, the most familiar of which are bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. Just like for any other psychological disorder, the experience of bipolar disorder varies from person to person and even from one moment in time to another. This is unsurprising given that the bare minimum requirement for a diagnosis of bipolar disorder leaves a lot of room for individual differences. Mania is the defining feature of this disorder, while a depressive episode is required only for a diagnosis of bipolar II. Interestingly, this means that – although uncommon – some people with bipolar I will only get manic symptoms in their lifetime (i.e., getting the highs without experiencing the lows).
Offering support
As family, friends, and even acquaintances of someone who may have bipolar disorder, there are a lot of ways we can extend our help. First and foremost, it is important for us to remember that the person is not their disorder. Our family member, our friend, our acquaintance is not a “bipolar person” but someone who is struggling with a bipolar condition. Separating the disorder from the person can positively affect how we interact with them and increase our willingness to extend help.
Beyond this, here are some other concrete ways we can support someone with bipolar disorders:
Encourage them to seek professional help and maintain their treatment plan.
At the first signs of bipolar symptoms, it is important that the person be encouraged to seek professional help as soon as possible. Early detection for bipolar disorder increases the likelihood of positive outcomes and averts the possibility of harm to both the patient and those around them. Once a treatment plan for the person has been established, we can offer encouragement for them to continue with it or even offer instrumental help such as driving the person to their doctor’s appointment and reminding them to take their medications (if any was prescribed).
Educate yourself and seek to understand.
Unsurprisingly, the more we know about something, the easier it is to find ways to help. For example, we may be better able to see warning signs or patterns, and as such, be able to provide support for a manic or depressive episode in a more timely manner. We can also learn many techniques that could help during these episodes. Even when we are at a loss on what to do, seek to continue learning and to understand. Use the person themself as a source of knowledge and ask them about how you can best be of help to them.
Reach out and do things together.
Having a strong support system and social connections have proven to be a great help for those with bipolar disorder. Sometimes, it may be difficult for the person to reach out to others. We can make it easier for them by being the ones to reach out to them and offer to do things together. Being a listening ear, an exercise buddy, a food trip partner, a coffee date – we can help by just being present.
Help minimize stress (when possible).
We do not have control over all the stressors that may afflict the person with bipolar disorder. However, whenever a stressor does fall under our control, finding ways to minimize this for the person can be extremely helpful. This may be as simple as encouraging a friend to rest when they seem tired or overwhelmed, or joining them in a meditation session. It could also be an offer of instrumental help such as making dinner or driving them to where they need to go during particularly stressful moments.
Practice self-care.
Especially if you are the primary carer of the person with bipolar disorder, it is important to know your boundaries and embrace your limitations. Ask for help, make time for yourself, take care of your own mental health, and cultivate your other relationships. Cliche as it may sound, you cannot pour from an empty cup.
Looking forward
Though bipolar disorder is classified as a lifelong condition, with continuous treatment and proper self-management, many people who struggle with it are able to live full and healthy lives. A crucial factor is the person’s commitment – i.e., their willingness to continue receiving professional help, to responsibly take medications (if any was prescribed), to be self-aware, to adhere to a healthy lifestyle, and to adjust as needed. It is not easy, but it is not impossible either. And the payoff is often worth it when the person is able to experience long periods of normalcy and more manageable symptoms when they occur.
Many people who have struggled with this disorder have become huge successes in their various industries – lawyers, doctors, professors, authors, and celebrities to name a few.
Many more have lived their success stories quietly. Some attest to the strong link between their diagnosis and their achievements – whether this achievement was brought about by the nature of the disorder (e.g., hypomanic episodes that give way to increased energy and creativity) or by the resiliency and discipline they have developed from having to live with the disorder.
Accordingly, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is not a reason to fear and lose hope. It does not define a person, but rather, is a condition that can be managed and overcome. An early diagnosis, a comprehensive and appropriate treatment plan, a commitment to self-betterment, and lots of support from others – these are the keys that can unlock an encouraging prognosis and a more optimistic future.
About the Author
Yna Sta. Maria is a graduate intern currently completing her Master in Developmental Psychology at the Ateneo de Manila University. She is passionate about education and community interventions, and advocates for the psychological well-being and holistic positive growth of children, the youth, and those who are most vulnerable in society. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, trying out new food, and watching anime
References:
Kring, A. M., & Johnson, S. L. (2018). Abnormal psychology: The science and treatment of psychological disorders (14th ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Segal, J., Robinson, L., & Smith, M. (n.d.). Helping someone with bipolar disorder. HelpGuide.org. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/bipolar-disorder/helping-someone-with-bipolar-disorder.htm
Smith, M., & Segal, J. (n.d.). Bipolar help: Living with bipolar disorder. HelpGuide.org. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/bipolar-disorder/living-with-bipolar-disorder.htm
Speirs, B., Hanstock, T. L., & Kay-Lambkin, F. J. (2023). The lived experience of caring for someone with bipolar disorder: A qualitative study. PLOS ONE, 18(1), e0280059. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0280059
WebMD Editorial Contributors. (2021). Helping a loved one with bipolar disorder. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/helping-loved-one-with-bipolar
We are pleased to announce that our Penelope Case Management system is now LIVE.
In Touch has specially designed the training to ensure takeaways included learning different tools that will help trainees provide a safe space for people to work out their stressors and learn the benefits of workplace counseling.
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Keeping In Touch: (from left) In Touch Head of Psychological Services Unit Dr. Julian Montano, Mental Health Services Lead Myrtle Almando, US Embassy Medical Unit rep Mimi Thein, US EMU Regional Medical Officer Psychiatrist Andrea Ross, In Touch Executive Director Mike Calleja, In Touch Foreign Liaison Program relationship managers Marielle Mikkelsen and Daisy Pope-Brien.
Bipolar disorder has had many creative depictions of it in the media we consume every day. As such, society has a general idea of what it may entail. “A roller coaster of emotions” or “instability of mood” are just some of the ways that people generally describe it. However, while this does touch upon some manifestations of bipolar disorder, it may not always be an accurate description for everyone who struggles with it.
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