Living with bipolar disorder can be a burden on a person. Additionally living with a bipolar spouse can pose a real challenge. Do you have a wife or husband who has bipolar disorder and you want to find optimal ways to help them? New View Wellness in Atlanta has a highly effective outpatient treatment program that helps people enjoy better mental health. Part of the plan includes family therapy to help spouses and children come together with the goal of helping their loved ones get better.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that falls under the heading of a mood disorder. It used to be more commonly known as manic depression. Someone who has bipolar disorder has uncontrollable mood swings that cause them to feel intense highs and lows.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Different types of bipolar disorder can occur, and the symptoms vary depending on which type it is. The types of bipolar disorder include:
- Bipolar I Disorder
- Bipolar II Disorder
- Cyclothymic Disorder/Cyclothymia
- Rapid Cycling
Signs of Bipolar Disorder
A person who wonders if they may be living with a bipolar spouse can look for warning signs of this disorder. Common signs of mania and hypomania episodes include the following:
- Hyperactivity
- Increased energy
- Reduction in sleep time
- Trouble focusing on conversations or tasks
- Easily distracted
- Racing thoughts
- Making poor decisions without regard for risk or outcome
- Psychosis
What To Do When Living With a Bipolar Spouse
Someone living with a bipolar spouse wants to know what they should do. The first step is to get educated about the condition. Learning how people act during bipolar episodes and why fosters education in a spouse. Speak to a doctor or therapist in order to understand what your loved one is going through.
Next, talk to your spouse in a compassionate manner. Tell them you know they have a mental health disorder, and you understand they are not at fault. Allow them to express themselves and tell you what specific help and support you can offer them.
Another way to help is to locate treatment for your spouse. They can feel overwhelmed by their symptoms. If you can tell them you found a treatment plan and what it entails, that can provide them with relief and hope. Let them know you support them in getting the care they need. As well, you are happy to help take responsibility for household and family duties while they focus on getting well.
Let pertinent family and friends know what your spouse is dealing with and how they can help. Having a team of people aware of the situation and united in helping your spouse can have a real impact.
Last, make sure to take care of yourself. Living with someone who has a mental illness can be tiring and frustrating. Make sure to eat healthy, get regular exercise, and have a life outside your home to help you recharge.
How is Bipolar Disorder Treated?
Bipolar disorder is best treated by a professional facility experienced in working with people with mood disorders. Treatment will include several types of therapy designed to help people with bipolar disorder. Skilled clinicians teach people to understand their mental health disorder. They can identify and anticipate many of their symptoms. From there, they can learn how to manage them and improve their mental health and quality of life.
Bipolar disorder treatment will usually include using medications. The right FDA-approved medications can be provided and the results of using them monitored.
Many people with bipolar disorder turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their mental illness. For this reason, many programs provide treatment for this condition, which is called dual diagnosis.
Get Treatment for Your Spouse Living With Bipolar Disorder in Atlanta, GA
If you want to find help for your spouse who deals with bipolar disorder, we can help. New View Wellness in Atlanta offers a treatment program specifically for people dealing with bipolar disorder. Attending our outpatient program helps people learn about their mental health disorders. From there, they can anticipate and minimize some of the symptoms. We provide multiple types of therapy and any necessary medications.
If you are living with a bipolar spouse and want to find help for them, visit our admissions page now. We are happy to talk about treatment options for the person you love.