bipolarsupport

It makes sense that neurotypical people don’t know how to support someone with bipolar.

The traditional form of support is a practical approach. Often, people are reactive in wanting to support you by problem-solving, regardless of what the issue is.

The most effective way to support another human is simple: just be present, listen, witness.

I’ve been drafting in my mind a letter to my family about my bipolar for months and I finally wrote and sent it to them yesterday.

A I wrote it, it sunk in how complicated and “crazy” living with bipolar is. To try to explain what it is, what it is to manage it and how it impacts people with it and how it impacts you, specifically, is tricky.

This is a part of the email:

Your support and understanding mean a lot and will also help me through this. I’m happy to share anything you’re curious about or if you have questions.

I can tell you what doesn’t help - telling me that there are things to be happy about and all will be ok or suggesting practical solutions like getting sun or going for a walk. I know these things. I know that these comments come from a loving place but they make my experience feel invalidated and misunderstood. The best thing you can do is just be there for me, listen and not think I’m a freak. You don’t need to say a thing.

One of the most damaging things you can do to someone with a mental illness is to apply your experiences to ours and not try to understand us. Our experiences are not the same. It may not make sense to you but please try to understand. Sharing all of this with you will help in that regard, I hope.

#Bipolar #BipolarDisorder #bipolarsupport #MoodDisorders #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness