Houston, TX - SUN Behavioral Health Houston, a local rehab, recently published a blog post explaining what to do if pushed away by someone with bipolar. People with bipolar disorder experience episodes of depression and mania. Manic episodes are feelings of happiness, invincibility, and high energy. While experiencing this, they may talk fast, create unrealistic goals or plans, or participate in harmful decision-making. Manic episodes may last between a few days to months. Depressive episodes are the opposite. They come with feelings of hopelessness and loneliness. They will have no energy and might lose interest in their hobbies and friends. Like manic episodes, depressive episodes can last a few days to months.
“There are a number of possible reasons why someone with bipolar would push others away. This tends to happen during depressive episodes, but it can happen when they’re manic or symptom-free, as well. It can be painful when you’re shut out, but it’s not your fault,” the blog post states.
One common reason someone with bipolar might push someone away is because they don’t want to burden people with their condition. They might also feel they must keep those they love “out of the line of fire.” It is possible that they are worried they will hurt their feelings or bring them down. It is also possible that their extreme mood fluctuations make them feel distrustful of others. They might feel like their loved ones will only respond with judgment or frustration or that they will eventually lose patience.
The emotions associated with bipolar disorder are often overwhelming. They can lead people with this condition to feel guarded or paranoid. They might push people away so they can navigate these emotions independently. Another possible reason is that they may become hyper-focused on other activities or tasks. While in mania, they may lose themselves in their projects and hobbies, which means all other things, like relationships, fall to the side.
Being pushed away from a loved one with bipolar disorder can hurt and feel frustrating, but some things can help. Someone can remind their loved one of their support. Rather than telling them what to do, checking in or asking if they need anything can help them feel like they haven’t lost the people they care about because of their disorder. Respecting their boundaries is also essential. Boundaries are healthy, and when followed, they show respect, which can help the person with bipolar know they are supported. Avoid giving advice and practice active listening. Receiving advice from those who don’t have bipolar disorder can feel frustrating, and often they aren’t looking to be “fixed.”
“Mental health treatment can make a drastic impact on the life of someone with bipolar. You can support treatment by gently reminding them of how helpful it can be. Remember not to push. You can encourage someone without telling them what to do or how to do it. If they’re having a hard time making it to therapy or doctor’s appointments, you can offer to help. You can offer to drive them to their appointments or offer to take care of things that are preventing them from going. If their therapy appointment is at 4 p.m., but they can’t go because they need to pick the kids up from school and make dinner, you can offer to take care of those chores,” the blog post continues.
SUN Behavioral Health Houston solves unmet needs in Houston, TX. They offer 24/7 crisis care that allows people to get immediate stabilization, which can be helpful for those with bipolar disorder. They offer treatment for adolescents and adults and can treat co-occurring disorders. Their women’s trauma program provides a safe space where women in the community can find healing and support. This program’s psychiatrist is also an OBGYN, which allows them to accept pregnant women at their facility. Their no-cost care assessments enable them to work with potential patients and their doctors to determine the best treatment plan.
To learn more, call them at 713-796-2273 or visit their website today. SUN Behavioral Health Houston solves unmet needs.
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For more information about SUN Behavioral Houston, contact the company here:
SUN Behavioral Houston
Tobey Bogardus
713-715-4297
info@sunbehavioral.com
7601 Fannin Street
Houston, TX 77054
