found:
http://www.bipolar.com/family_and_friends/helping_yourself.htmlHelping Yourself
Helping to care for someone with bipolar disorder can be hard. It can be challenging to find the time, energy, and patience. It's important to realize you can be supportive while still caring for yourself.
Remember that you are not alone. Success stories from others show that bipolar disorder doesn't have to ruin lives or relationships. Find ways to take care of yourself. This can help you stay healthy and enjoy your life.
Your support system
Find ways to support yourself even while you are helping someone else. Consider the following:
Stay connected with the healthcare provider or therapist. If the person you are caring for gives permission, the healthcare provider or therapist may be willing to talk with you about your concerns.
Share the care. If it is okay with the person who has bipolar disorder, find someone to help. That way, you are not responsible for every detail of caring for someone with bipolar disorder. Maybe someone the person trusts, such as a sibling, adult child, or close friend, can help.
Consider joining a support group. Share your experiences, hopes, and failures with others who care for people with bipolar disorder. This may help you deal with your own concerns. Click here to find a list of resources.
Consider talking with a therapist yourself. Counseling may help you feel better.
Plan activities just for yourself. Go to lunch with a friend. See a movie with family members. Set up a regular time to go to the gym. Or just take a walk in the park and enjoy the day.
Have a list of people you can call for support. Include people you meet through support groups, close friends or family, clergy, your healthcare provider, or therapist.
Look for additional resources through employee health benefits. If you or the person with bipolar disorder works, there may be special support resources as part of the employee health benefits. Talk with a human resources representative at work to find out what is available.
One of the ways you can help someone with bipolar disorder is by taking care of yourself and your own needs as well.
Finally, don't take on too much. It's not healthy for you. It's not healthy for the person with bipolar disorder either. Talk with your loved one about how important it is to have a network of trusted friends and family who can help.
