Dealing with bipolar disorder can be a day-to-day challenge not just for the person with the illness, but also to the loved ones, friends, family members, and other people who care for that person. People surrounding that person might have to cope with irritable moods, unpredictable behaviors, or explosive outbursts during manic or depressive episodes that can put a strain on their relationship.
Medication is vital in the treatment and recovery of bipolar disorder. This helps people with this illness stabilize their moods and avoid relapse. However, most people with the disorder have a hard time taking their medication.
If someone you care for has bipolar disorder, you can help them stay on track with their medication. Making your presence felt and giving simple reminders can be a huge help for them. In addition, help them understand the importance of medicine in their recovery and make sure they take all their prescribed medications by creating a medication log.
Here are some ways you can do to help someone you care about to stay on the course of their medication:
1. Encourage Patience
Your loved one may think that the drugs they’re taking don’t seem to be working. In a case like this, reassure them that this is normal and that many medications can take up to 8 weeks to take effect. Also, your significant other may need to try different drugs as prescribed by the doctor to discover the right medication and doses that work for them.
2. Set a reminder
It’s possible that your friend or loved one often misses doses because they forget to take them. To address this, motivate them to make taking their medicines part of their daily routine. Suggest taking doses at the same time every day, creating a medication log, or using a pill organizer.
3. Consult the doctor
If your loved one shares that they hate the side effects of their bipolar medication, encourage them to open up to their doctor. Experiencing side effects may mean that their dose is too low or too high. The doctor might adjust the dose, change their medication, or have other helpful suggestions to deal with the bothersome side effects effectively.
4. Communicate openly
Your loved one may refuse to take their medication without giving any reason, but there could be various causes why this happens. If your friend or family member experiences this, talk to them openly. They might have a concern that they’re not ready to share with others or they may have a difficult time accepting that they have a mental illness. Regardless of the reason, it’s important to reassure them that you are going to be there for them every step of the way.
Conclusion
Caring for a loved one with bipolar disorder can be overwhelming at times. We understand that you may feel scared, confused, and even helpless, and we are more than willing to help you support and care for your loved one.
MedManage is a medication log app that helps track and manage medications. With proper medicine, treatment, love, support, and understanding, your loved one will have a better chance of recovering.
If you’re looking for a medication management app, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.