How loved ones can be helpful in recognizing bipolar disorder? by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
Loved ones of individuals living with mental illness are valuable because they have experiences with the individual, observations of the individual, and information about the individual that have been gathered over time. If the individual is living with bipolar disorder, this information can be crucial in ensuring that the individual receives the proper diagnosis.
Why does it matter?
As therapists, we diagnose an individual based upon the information we receive. For bipolar disorder, one component of diagnosis is the overall timeline, which includes: the symptoms experienced, the length of time that the symptoms are present, and how the symptoms were expressed through behaviors.
One challenge is that the individual might not have all of this information. I’m sure you’re now thinking, “How could the person not have this information if they were living it?” Well, there can be many different reasons for this. One, it might be difficult for the individual to recognize the presence of, and evolution of, symptoms during manic and hypomanic episodes, because the symptoms go against this awareness. The individual may be able to identify how the episode affected an aspect of their life, but crucial information may still be missing. Most likely, the individual will be able to provide a wealth of information about their depressive episode. There are many individuals living with bipolar disorder who were first misdiagnosed with depression.
A second challenge is that the individual might not know that what they’re experiencing is bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is complex, so unless the individual is speaking with a therapist who is very skilled and knowledgeable about bipolar disorder, who can ask precise questions, and identify how behaviors differ from other diagnoses such as anxiety and ADHD, this diagnosis might get missed. Also, bipolar disorder is a spectrum. Oftentimes, people think about Bipolar I; however, there’s also Bipolar II, which doesn’t significantly impact the individual’s life, and obtaining information on the symptoms experienced involve more precise questions. A loved one may be able to fill in the gaps with missing information that the individual doesn’t recognize or identify at first.
Why does the loved one matter?
Whether you’re a parent, guardian, caregiver, partner, adult child, adult sibling, etc, you have a wealth of information based on the observations you have about the individual’s behavior over time, and knowledge about the individual’s history. Parents and family members provide insight into the individual going back to childhood and adolescence. Partners and spouses provide insight into areas such as when daily life changed for the individual, stressors that the individual has experienced, behavioral changes, and what each of these looked like.
Things to consider:
Educating yourself about bipolar disorder from reputable and reliable sources of information such as the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance website or books, such as The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide by David Miklowitz and Rock Steady by Ellen Forney. (I did a podcast episode on Rock Steady by Ellen Forney, CLICK HERE to listen)
It is not up to you to diagnose. Your information can aid in diagnosis when your loved one meets with a therapist if the individual is 1) open to going to therapy and 2) if they would like you to be present. Your presence is meaningful; however, it might take some time for the individual to be open to therapy and involvement of other people.
You matter. And so does your self-care. CLICK HERE to watch my video on tips for avoiding burnout for parents, family members, and loved ones living with a mental illness
You don’t have to do this alone. I am specialized in bipolar disorder. If you are interested in receiving therapy with me, let’s schedule a free 15-minute phone consult.
My office is located in Irvine, which is near Newport Beach, Orange, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Tustin, Seal Beach, and beyond. I work with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and Asian American & Pacific Islanders.
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. The topics being discussed are meant as a self-help tool for you own use. It is not psychotherapy or counseling. This information is to be used based on your own judgment. If you need to speak with a professional, you should find one local to you and contact them directly.