Don't Ignore the Signs of a Potential Bipolar Episode

I have noticed that many people (myself included) who are supporters of loved ones with Bipolar Disorder, just don't want to see their loved one go into another episode (this, of course, is normal), but as a result, we may see signs of an episode, and either consciously or subconsciously ignore these signs.

We may think things like, "It can't be another episode." Or, "It hasn't been that long since the last episode." Or maybe even, "Oh, I just can't deal with an episode again."

Many times you start seeing the signs, but then you say to yourself that you are not seeing the signs. You have an internal debate with yourself and many
times, come to the wrong conclusion. This seems even hypocritical, but is actually called denial, and is normal - when you see the truth but deny it is happening, even when it is happening right in front of you.

When this happens over time, however, eventually the signs become worse and worse and worse... and then a full blown episode occurs, which is much harder to deal with. Or, something even worse happens - such as the person committing suicide.

No matter how much you want to deny it... no matter how hard it is for you to face...

It's in your loved one's BEST interest if you spot these signs sooner rather than later.

One of the biggest mistakes my family made when dealing with my mother's Bipolar Disorder was being overly optimistic. Even though we'd gone through episodes with her before, I guess we always hoped each one would be the last one, so we never put together a plan for how to deal with the episodes or their consequences.

Now that I know everything that I know, I realize that planning for every possible scenario is not only important, but it is critical. That's why we have things in place, such as: Bipolar Episode Safety Plans, Medical Information Releases and Power of Attorneys signed, etc., in advance -- and you should, too!

But none of these things will do you any good, if you miss the signs of a potential bipolar episode!