6 Ways To Be An Ally To People With Bipolar-I Disorder
These tips from a psychiatrist will come in handy.
If someone you care about has bipolar-I disorder (BD-I), it may be hard to know how to best support them. BD-I is estimated to affect approximately 1% of the U.S. population¹ and is characterized by extreme changes in mood, energy, and ability to function.²
Click on the right for more tips from a psychiatrist about how you can be an ally to someone living with this condition.
1. Educate Yourself About Bipolar-I Disorder
According to Dr. Jessi Gold, MD, MS, a psychiatrist and assistant professor at Washington University School of Medicine, each person's experience living with BD-I is different. “Educate yourself and ask about their unique experience,” she recommends. By taking the time to learn about the disorder and understand your friend or family member’s individual journey (and how the disease impacts their life), you’re showing up as a good ally.
Moreover, being educated on the condition may put you in a better position to understand and offer support. The National Alliance on Mental Illness is an excellent resource for getting started.
