Some people may jokingly say they’re “a little bipolar” or “schizo” when describing themselves, even if they have not been diagnosed with a mental illness. In addition to being inaccurate, this type of language trivializes the experience of people who have bipolar disorder. Be respectful when discussing mental illness.It’s important to remember that people are more than the sum of their illness. Don’t use totalizing phrases such as “I think you’re bipolar.” Instead, say something like, “I think you may have bipolar disorder.”Referring to someone “as” their illness reduces them to one element about them. This promotes the stigma that all too often still surrounds mental illness, even if you don’t mean it that way.
Trying to comfort the other person by saying “I’m a little bipolar too” or “I know how you feel” can do more damage than good. These things may make the other person feel as though you aren’t taking their illness seriously.
 You might be worried about talking to your loved one for fear of upsetting him/her. It’s actually very helpful and important for you to talk with your loved one about your concerns. Not talking about mental illness promotes the unfair stigma around it and may encourage people with a disorder to wrongly believe that they are “bad” or “worthless” or should feel ashamed of their illness. When approaching your loved one, be open and honest, and show compassion.Reassure the person that s/he isn’t alone. Bipolar disorder can make a person feel very isolated. Tell your loved one that you are here for her/him and want to support him/her in any way you can.
Acknowledge that your loved one’s illness is real. Trying to minimize your loved one’s symptoms won’t make her/him feel better. Instead of trying to tell the person that the illness is “no big deal,” acknowledge that the condition is serious but treatable. For example: “I know that you have a real illness and that it causes you to feel and do things that aren’t like you. We can find help together.”
Convey your love and acceptance to the person. Particularly while in a depressive episode, the person may believe that s/he is worthless or ruined. Counter these negative beliefs by expressing your love and acceptance of the person. For example: “I love you, and you are important to me. I care about you, and that’s why I want to help you.”

, When talking with another person, it’s crucial that you not seem as though you’re attacking or judging your loved one. People with mental illness may feel as though the world is against them. It’s important to show that you’re on your loved one’s side.


For example, say things such as “I care about you and am worried about some things I’ve seen.”
There are some statements that come across as defensive. You should avoid these. For example, avoid saying things like “I’m just trying to help” or “You just need to listen to me.”

, You may be concerned about your loved one’s health, and feel willing to make sure they get help “by any means necessary.” However, you should never use exaggerations, threats, “guilt trips,” or accusations to convince the other person to seek help. These will only encourage the other person to believe that you see something “wrong” with them.Avoid statements such as “You’re worrying me” or “Your behavior is odd.” These sound accusative and may shut the other person down.
Statements that attempt to play on the other person’s sense of guilt are also not helpful. For example, don’t try to use your relationship as leverage to get the other person to seek help by saying something like, “If you really loved me you would get help” or “Think about what you’re doing to our family.” People with bipolar disorder often struggle with feelings of shame and worthlessness, and statements like these will only make that worse.
Avoid threats. You cannot force the other person to do what you want. Saying things like “If you don’t get help I’m leaving you” or “I won’t pay for your car anymore if you don’t get help” will only stress the other person out, and the stress may trigger a severe mood episode.
 Some people may be reluctant to acknowledge that they have an issue. When a bipolar person is experiencing a manic episode, s/he is often feeling so “high” that it’s hard to admit that there’s any problem. When a person is experiencing a depressive episode, s/he may feel like she has a problem but not be able to see any hope for treatment.You can frame your concerns as medical concerns, which may help.


For example, you can reiterate the idea that bipolar disorder is an illness just like diabetes or cancer. Just as you would encourage the other person to seek treatment for cancer, you want him/her to seek treatment for this disorder.
If the other person is still reluctant to acknowledge there’s an issue, you can consider suggesting s/he visit a doctor for a symptom that you’ve noticed, rather than for a “disorder.” For example, you may find that suggesting the other person see a doctor for insomnia or fatigue may be helpful in getting him/her to seek help.
 It’s easy for a conversation to express your concern to turn into you preaching at your loved one. To avoid this, invite your loved one to tell you about what s/he is thinking and feeling. Remember: while you may be affected by this person’s disorder, it isn’t about you.For example, once you’ve shared your concerns with the person, say something like, “Would you like to share what you’re thinking right now?” or “Now that you’ve heard what I wanted to say, what do you think?”
Don’t assume you know how the other person feels. It can be easy to say something like “I know how you feel” as reassurance, but in reality, this can sound dismissive. Instead, say something that acknowledges the other person’s feelings without claiming them as your own: “I can see why that would make you feel sad.”
If your loved one is resistant to the idea of acknowledging that they have a problem, don’t argue about it. You can encourage your loved one to seek treatment, but you can’t make it happen.
 Even if a feeling of worthlessness is caused by a depressive episode, it feels very real to the person experiencing it. Outright dismissing a person’s feelings will encourage him/her not to tell you about them in the future. Instead, validate the person’s feelings and challenge negative ideas at the same time.


For example, if your loved one expresses the idea that nobody loves him/her and s/he’s a “bad” person, you could say something like this: “I know you feel that way, and I’m so sorry that you’re experiencing those feelings. I want you to know that I love you, and I think you are a kind, caring person.”

, Mania and depression are both hallmarks of bipolar disorder. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance’s website offers free, confidential online screening tests for mania and depression.Taking a confidential test in the privacy of one’s own home may be a lower-stress way for the person to understand the need for treatment.
 Bipolar disorder is a very serious illness. Untreated, even mild forms of the disorder can get worse. Encourage your loved one to seek treatment immediately.Visiting a general practitioner is often the first step.A physician can determine whether the person should be referred to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional.
A mental health professional will usually offer psychotherapy as part of a treatment plan. There is a wide range of mental health professionals who offer therapy, including psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors. Ask your doctor or hospital to recommend some in your area.If it’s determined that medication is necessary, your loved one may see a physician, a psychiatrist, a psychologist who’s licensed to prescribe medicine or a psychiatric nurse to receive prescriptions. LCSWs and LPCs can offer therapy but cannot prescribe medicine
Avoid hurtful language.
Talk about your concerns with your loved one.
Use “I” statements to convey your feelings.
Avoid threats and blame.
Frame the discussion as a concern about health.
Encourage the other person to share his/her feelings and experiences with you.
Don’t dismiss your loved one’s thoughts and feelings as “not real” or not worth considering.
Encourage your loved one to take a screening test.
Emphasize the need for professional help.
{"src": "wikihow-all_test", "title": "How to Tell if Someone Is Bipolar2"}