Supporting a Loved One Living with Bipolar Disorder - 2020-07-24
Channel: North Polar Coaster
Date: 2020-07-25

Hi guys, Jon here. Today in this video I talk about how to support a loved one living with bipolar disorder.

Sorry for the crackling in the microphone guys, it was rubbing on my shirt and I had no idea it was happening until I reviewed this video. I decided to keep it instead of making a new video (mainly) because I was, frankly, lazy. If you would like to see a better episode on this topic with clearer audio please let me know, otherwise I'll just keep it as it is.

Jump ahead:

00:00 Intro/Check-in
01:52 "You" and "Us" Language
02:23 1. Take care of your mental health first, and then take care of ours.
02:54 2. Learn everything you can about bipolar disorder.
03:18 3. Consult us when making an episode response plan. So make a plan.
04:09 4. Do NOT micromanage us, only support us.
05:04 5. Be a good listener.
06:26 6. Communicate effectively.
06:59 7. There's nothing wrong with needing some more space.
07:38 8. Invite us to do things once in a while.
07:57 9. IMPORTANT! Find ways to reduce stress.
08:19 10. Do NOT take what we say or do personally during an episode.
08:38 11. Only call 911 when we're in a legitimate crisis.
09:29 12. Remember: we're human too.
10:05 13. Remember: recovery is a process, not a one-time event.
10:50 14. Remember: bipolar is an illness of cycles.
11:10 Conclusion
14:12 Ending/Outro

I am an Alaskan, and I show a tiny portion of my little piece of land out in the middle of nowhere. I'll be chronicling the weather a little bit so you guys can see first hand how the weather changes in my neck of the woods.

If you're interested in breaking the stigma that surrounds mental illness, please subscribe and don't forget to hit that notification bell to get notified when I make new videos.