How to help someone manage a Manic Episode?

Naturally when someone is experiencing a depressive or manic episode their loved ones surrounding them may feel helpless and hopeless. Throughout researching Bipolar disorder for my previous post I came across a few things that can help a loved one help manage a ‘manic episode’.

Recognise triggers and warning signs

Each person is unique and so is mental illness, not one trigger will trigger every person and cause a manic episode. Equally a person may exhibit warning signs when they are going into a ‘manic episode’. Essentially these signs are muted symptoms of mania. For example, a person may begin sleeping less; staying up later and waking earlier and not feeling tired he next day.

Researchers also suggest looking for a sudden improvement in mood. They may be upbeat and optimistic which doesn’t seem realistic; this may be seen as a ‘giddy’ sort of mood.

The person with Bipolar disorder may also start to feel inpatient and irritable. They may also start to talk rapidly and express expansive and unrealistic ideas; often a sign of their thoughts beginning to race.

Researchers suggest that families are the best people to pick up on warning signs and triggers.

Create a proactive plan

When the person is well make a plan on how their treatment should be played out when they are in a manic episode. The key is to be proactive rather than reactive having a plan put in place can be really beneficial for a person experiencing an overwhelming manic episode. Mania can be a scary experience so knowing a person whom knows what the person wants in terms of treatment when they are experiencing mania and whom you trust may put their mind at ease.

Set limits around self-destruction

Again, being proactive rather than reactive. Often when a person is experiencing an manic episode people often lack impulse control. For instance a person with Bipolar Disorder may have previously had issues with spending vast amounts of money. Therefore, setting limits on their bank account (which they’ve agreed to) or limiting their access to finances may be beneficial in reducing the likelihood of impulsive spending. This may also be beneficial after the manic episode as vast spending may create guilt afterwards so it may also ease this post-mania.

Delay impulsive behaviours

When a person is in a manic episode they may have extravagant ideas, delaying these behaviours may be more beneficial then saying NO from the get-go. For example if they are discussing ideas of buying a new business advising them to see how they are doing on the stock market later in the week may be a good idea. Delaying this extravagant idea may hopefully benefit them in the long-term as they may come out of the manic episode or forget the idea in a few days. The person may still rebel but at least you are trying to steer them away from impulsive, extravagant behaviours.

Don’t take things personally

During a manic episode a person may say or do things that they would not normally do and is therefore very uncharacteristic of them. Due to their high energy levels, irritability and frustration may cause a person to lash out on the people whom they love. Just remember that they love you and that it’s their fluctuating mood which is causing them to be unpleasant it’s not truly them.

Avoid high levels of activity and stimulation

Giving a person whom is already experiencing mania high levels of stimulation and activity may increase their energy and euphoria; making their episode worse and potentially increasing the time period that they experience mania.

Encourage the person to seek professional help

Avoid arguing with the person about seeking medical help but explain how much you love them and that you think they should seek professional help. Although they may not listen at first at least they know that you love them and are looking out for them where you can.

Be supportive, be there for them

I would imagine experiencing mania is a pretty scary situation. Just let the person know that you are there for them if and when they need you can truly help a person who is feeling isolated due to their illness.

These are just a few things I’ve come across. Comment if you have any more tips on how to help someone manage a manic episode.