Bipolar Family Analysis

Words: 1138
Pages: 5

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that involves manic highs and depressive lows, due to chemical imbalances in the brain. Mental illnesses are not only difficult for the person dealing with them, but for the people around them also. Specifically, parents who have bipolar disorder can have tremendous family issues, whereas their constant mood swings can place a strain on relationships within the household. Often, family members must deal with their own feelings of confusion, anger, and helplessness while also trying to support their family as much as possible. This paper will provide evidence to answer the question: what are challenges and coping skills for family members of a close relative with bipolar disorder? *in text citations* …show more content…
Khare shows the reader the real-life effects bipolar can have on family, and the severity of the extreme ups and downs, that happen as a result of the manic and depressive episodes. Khare states that at times he acted like a bully, and she was unable to recognize her own father. She also states that her father’s disease placed a huge strain on the relationship and a lot of the times felt abandoned and angry. During certain stages within bipolar disorder, someone can seem unrecognizable and it can be easy to simply withdraw completely. Khare says that during her father’s depressive episodes, she did not have any interest in even interacting with him. Having a parent with a mental illness can leave someone feeling emotionally drained, lost, and confused while trying to deal with the exhausting cycles bipolar entails. “My experience of bipolar disorder led me to understand that mental illness is not a patient illness but rather a family illness; one that requires a whole family approach to treatment.” Khare says. She had trouble dealing with her father’s illness, and with her own feelings, but she also says that she could have seen past his disorder, with the proper …show more content…
Firstly, this article states that keeping a distance is crucial. The following quote from a person they interviewed says: “I have almost given up and lost myself. Therefore I told him ‘I am so tired and sad and have no energy left due to taking care of you. I need peace and quiet and have to get some more energy for myself’”.(?) Sometimes distance can be hurtful, but it is important to think of the self’s own well being, and it can give time and space for reflection which is necessary. Secondly, having stability, such as having daily routines and consistent everyday activities, can help to decrease anxiety and distress. Having stability in everyday life makes someone feel protected against the constant chaos and the feeling of powerlessness. It also creates a balance between the needs of the person with BD and one’s own needs, therefore this is overall a great coping mechanism. Lastly, it is important to strengthen the equality within the relationship, which means having a shared responsibility and mutual respect. Having a joint involvement is significant, and communication along with mutual directness is necessary in order to have an equalizing act between the close relative and the person with