Beautiful Lady

    There are a few things you can do to show your support if you have a loved one with bipolar disorder:

    1. Pay attention to their moods.
    By knowing a person well you can often tell if your friend or family member is in a deep depressed state or experiencing mania. At other times they'll be in a regular mood free of mood swings. Quietly pay attention so you can tell the difference.

    2. Show concern.
    You can offer a listening ear and a kind word of encouragement when they need it. You may not know exactly what they're going through with manic depression, but you do care about how they feel.

    3. Give them space.
    They need their space. Don't smother them with attention or nag them about managing their mental illness. Give them the opportunity to be proactive about their mental health.

    4. Don't pity them.
    Although your loved one has a mental illness, you shouldn't show them pity and don't feel sorry for them. They are in full control of managing their mood swings and should be treated as such.

    5. Take over in a crisis.
    If your friend or family member has a manic or depressive episode they can't seem to handle themselves, step in and get them medical care. If they mention suicidal comments or other alarming threats, take the person seriously. Take them to the hospital if you have to. Also bring the situation to the attention of another close person and get your loved one emergency help.