3.3 Explain how an individual’s bipolar disorder may affect others

This guide will help you answer 3.3 Explain how an individual’s bipolar disorder may affect others.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes severe mood swings. These mood swings alternate between depressive episodes (feeling very low) and manic episodes (feeling very high and overactive). Supporting someone with bipolar disorder can profoundly affect the people around them. This includes family, friends, colleagues, carers, and other members of their community. In this guide, you will learn how these effects can manifest in others’ lives while considering various relationships and roles.

Emotional Impacts on Loved Ones

Loved ones, such as family members, partners, and close friends, are often deeply affected by the individual’s bipolar disorder. These effects can include:

• Worry and stress: Seeing someone go through extreme highs and lows can be upsetting. Family members may constantly worry about the individual’s well-being, particularly during depressive or manic episodes.
• Frustration: During manic phases, the individual may behave impulsively or make decisions that seem reckless. This can frustrate those close to them.
• Feelings of helplessness: Partners or caregivers may feel powerless to make a difference, especially if the individual resists help or struggles to manage their condition.
• Guilt: Loved ones may blame themselves for the individual’s struggles, even though they are not at fault.
• Exhaustion: Supporting someone with bipolar disorder can be physically and emotionally draining.

Sometimes, these emotional challenges lead to strained relationships, particularly if communication breaks down or boundaries are not maintained.

Financial Strain

Bipolar disorder can impact finances, both for the individual and those supporting them. This is especially true during manic episodes. During these periods, the individual may spend excessively or accrue debt without considering the consequences. Family members or partners may feel compelled to step in and bear the financial burden, which can cause lasting strain.

Key financial impacts might include:

• Paying off debts caused by impulsive purchases during manic phases.
• Funding treatment, therapy, or medications if not fully covered by the NHS or other services.
• Reduced income if carers leave their jobs or cut hours to provide support.

Caregivers and loved ones may struggle to balance their own financial stability with the demands of supporting someone with bipolar disorder.

Impact on Relationships

Bipolar disorder can put significant strain on relationships. The unpredictable nature of the disorder means partners, friends, and family may feel like they are “walking on eggshells.” They may worry about triggering an episode or mismanaging a situation.

During a manic episode, the individual may appear overly energetic or even irritable. They may say or do things they later regret, such as arguing with loved ones or acting out inappropriately. In depressive episodes, they may withdraw entirely, leading others to feel shut out or rejected. These behaviours, although symptoms of the illness, can be distressing for others.

Children within the family or household may also experience challenges. They may feel confused by changes in the individual’s moods or behaviours. In the worst cases, they might develop anxiety, depression, or other emotional issues themselves.

Some friends or extended family might distance themselves, either due to misunderstanding the condition or because they cannot cope with its challenges.

Health Impacts on Others

Caring for someone with bipolar disorder can have physical and mental health consequences for others. These might include:

• Stress-related illnesses: Worry, overwork, and lack of self-care can lead to stress-related conditions such as high blood pressure, headaches, or gastrointestinal problems.
• Mental health issues: Constant stress or worry can contribute to anxiety, depression, or burnout in caregivers and loved ones. They may find their own mental health deteriorating as they prioritise the individual’s needs above their own.
• Sleep deprivation: During manic episodes, the individual may stay awake at night or have unusual sleeping habits. This can disrupt the sleep patterns of others within the same household.

A carer struggling with their own health is less able to provide effective support and may feel the need to withdraw, which can affect both parties.

Impact on Social Life

Bipolar disorder can lead families or loved ones to limit their social lives. There may be times when someone feels unable to leave the person alone, particularly if there is a risk of harm during depressive episodes. Some people may avoid inviting others into their homes due to fear of unpredictable behaviours during a manic phase.

Carers or close family members might also experience a lack of understanding from friends or their wider social circle. For example, they may feel judged when trying to explain behaviours caused by bipolar disorder, which can lead to social isolation.

Workplace Challenges

When an employee or colleague has bipolar disorder, their behaviours may sometimes affect others in the workplace. During manic episodes, they might:

• Interrupt meetings or dominate conversations.
• Make impulsive decisions that affect team dynamics or workflow.
• Struggle to maintain focus due to racing thoughts.
• Be irritable or argumentative without warning.

During depressive episodes, they may:

• Withdraw from colleagues or appear unapproachable.
• Struggle to meet deadlines or complete tasks.

For colleagues, these behaviours can cause tension, create misunderstandings, or add extra workload if the individual is unable to fulfil their responsibilities. Managers and HR departments may need to intervene to address these challenges while respecting the individual’s condition.

Understanding and adaptability from colleagues can make a big difference in how these challenges are handled.

Communication Difficulties

Communication can be affected by bipolar disorder, particularly when mood swings impact the individual’s energy, focus, or behaviour. Those around them might feel confused or frustrated by:

• Rapid or pressured speech during manic episodes.
• Increased irritability or abrupt comments.
• Disconnection or withdrawal during depressive phases.

These communication difficulties can lead to frustration on both sides. Loved ones may struggle to understand what the individual needs, and the individual might feel they aren’t being heard or supported as they want.

Social Stigma Impacts

Bipolar disorder can carry stigma, even in modern society. Friends or family of the individual may face judgement or exclusion due to others misunderstanding the condition. This can be isolating and emotionally difficult for the person offering support.

Examples of stigma-related challenges include:

• Avoiding discussing the individual’s bipolar disorder for fear of how others might react.
• Receiving unsolicited or uninformed advice from people who do not understand the condition.
• Losing friends who may feel uncomfortable around the person with bipolar disorder.

Support networks are crucial to countering these effects of stigma.

Positive Impacts of Supporting Someone with Bipolar Disorder

While bipolar disorder can create challenges for others, it is worth acknowledging that there can also be positive impacts. Many people supporting someone with bipolar disorder find that their relationships grow stronger, especially when they learn to communicate openly. Supporting someone through their struggles can build resilience, empathy, and patience in others.

Some individuals with bipolar disorder show incredible creativity, drive, or energy, particularly during manic phases. Their loved ones might admire these qualities, even though they come with challenges.

Supporting Strategies for Loved Ones and Carers

It is important for those supporting someone with bipolar disorder to take care of their own needs too. As a support worker, you can encourage carers or loved ones to:

• Learn about bipolar disorder through reliable resources.
• Join support groups to connect with others who have similar experiences.
• Take regular breaks to recharge.
• Set and maintain healthy boundaries.
• Seek therapy or counselling to cope with emotional challenges.

Encouraging the individual with bipolar disorder to stick to their treatment plan, attend therapy, and communicate openly can also improve relationships and reduce the challenges faced by others.

Professional Support

Encouraging family, friends, and others involved to seek external support can help alleviate the burden. This might involve mental health professionals, care agencies, or support from organisations like Bipolar UK or the Samaritans.

Recognising the shared impact of bipolar disorder can improve understanding, strengthen relationships, and help everyone involved manage the challenges more effectively.