Understanding and Loving a Person With Bipolar Disorder: Biblical and Practical Wisdom to Build Empathy, Preserve Boundaries, and Show Compassion by Stephen Arterburn & Becky Lyke Brown

Author:Stephen Arterburn & Becky Lyke Brown [Arterburn, Stephen & Brown, Becky Lyke]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Religion, Understanding and loving someone with Bipolar disorder;Bipolar;Bipolar disorder;Married bipolar;Help with bipolar disorder;understanding bipolar disorder;Steve Arterburn;Loving someone with bipolar disorder;helping someone with bipolar disorder;Compassionate look at bipolar disorder;Family with bipolar disorder;Christian Approach to bipolar disorder;Christian view of bipolar disorder, Self-Help, Christian Living, General, Mood Disorders, Social Issues
ISBN: 9780781414920
Google: C-aUswEACAAJ
Publisher: David C Cook
Published: 2018-11-15T00:13:33.365523+00:00

The approach to treatment is as varied as each individual. Since BD has different facets, it requires multiple responses with treatment. People who are diagnosed with BD, and their loved ones as well, are sometimes offended when “advice” is offered on treatment approaches. Both the client and the caregiver can feel the fatigue of yet another way to “fix” the problem. Generally, acquaintances who offer suggestions mean well and want to help by sharing what worked for them or someone they know. In these cases, you or your loved one can take what you need and leave the rest. Sometimes, you learn something you hadn’t thought of before, and it can be very helpful. Determining what is negotiable (which doctor or counselor) and what is non-negotiable (following a treatment plan) can be so helpful as you and your loved one seek help for BD.

When you are the support person and you are suggesting different treatments and therapies to your loved one, it can create tension in the relationship that can become toxic for both of you. How do you create a collaborative effort when the resistance is strong? What can you offer when help is not being asked for yet you see the struggle? When will the “right” treatment fix the problem?

This is where your support system will help. The treatment for BD is ongoing, unlike a disease like cancer where there is a resolution, such as remission. Bipolar disorder requires ongoing management. Acceptance of this fact is crucial to the steps on this journey. We often begin to think that the next treatment strategy will take care of this and that we therefore won’t have to worry about it ever again. Life will resume, and all will be well with the world. You don’t have to like what you have to accept; just accept the reality of the diagnosis so the focus is on what will help today.

One husband shared the impact his wife’s BD had on him.

“I am devastated by what has happened. Jill was and is the love of my life—how could she do this? The whole neighborhood is talking about her and the man next door.”

Jill had not been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was untreated. She had been struggling with a depressive cycle, sleeping for most days, then without warning, awake more hours than not. She began to work feverishly in their yard, redoing the landscaping on her own. When the new neighbor offered his help, she accepted and then eventually had an affair with him. Her shame overwhelmed her, and she sunk back to the depression. When she revealed her affair to her husband, they sought treatment. She was diagnosed with BD and took the first step into a journey of healing. She began with medication and talk therapy as a first step, and she had her husband alongside her. Jill’s father had BD, and she understood the devastation BD can bring if it goes untreated. She was willing to do whatever it took to manage BD, and she valued her husband’s support.

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