If you've got a friend, family member, or other loved one with a diagnosis of bipolar 2, reading about others' firsthand experiences can be helpful for understanding this mental health condition and learning how to support them.

In the Inspire Mental Health Community, members living with bipolar 2, also called bipolar II disorder (and sometimes abbreviated BP-II), share authentic details of living with this disorder. This article includes Inspire members’ real-life experiences coping with challenges and receiving or providing support for loved ones. 

This content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As always, consult with your doctor before trying any new treatments or medications.

To access more discussions about bipolar 2 and many other mental health conditions, and to participate with other members including patients and their friends and families, join the Inspire Mental Health Community today.

Supporting loved ones with bipolar 2 disorder

Providing support to a spouse, child, or even friend with bipolar 2 can be taxing. You can increase your chances of success by having realistic expectations, finding local resources and support groups, and encouraging them to take an active role in their own treatment or therapy.

From the perspective of someone with bipolar 2, a healthy, supportive relationship can make a big difference.

"I have an angel watching over me, the most amazing, sweet man I’d ever dreamed of. I have my chapter two love, pushing me to follow my dreams and supporting me in any way he can." View post

But if your spouse or loved one has bipolar, it's important to be realistic about the ups and downs.

"I know how hard all of it is, especially with the kids. As hard as it is to believe right now, he will come out of this desperate place he's in. And he will likely regret the things he has said or done. The problem with this disorder though is that it will likely happen again. What I've found through personal experience and research and many conversations with doctors is that the medications can work great... But in almost all cases at some point they stop working. Whether that's because the body habituates to them or because body chemistry is not a static thing, but ever changing.... Hard to say for sure, but it means that those meds have to be continually monitored and adjusted. It's a hard, hard thing to be married to someone with bipolar. I think the best thing you can do is try to stay in today. Don't let your mind wander too far outside of whatever is happening in the moment. One way or another you will get through this. One of my favorite quotes is 'I survived because the fire inside of me burned brighter than the fire around me'." View post 

"Sadly, my husband has pretty much done it all. Spending sprees,not paying bills for months on end, had affairs, special interests/obsessions, can't get into the career stuff because of his profession- but it's quite an issue. Lots of big and little deceit in all facets of life....My husband has it and as a result of his hypomania he has nearly destroyed our marriage, family, finances, and career. If you look at the examples of potential behavior problems that the DSM lists- they are pretty damaging. By the grace of God and my love for my husband we have fought through the crisis of a few years ago and I am preparing to stare down another cycle of hypomania. So incredibly hard for my brilliant, sweet husband, me, and my boys. 

I know that once the hypomania wears off, my husband is usually devastated by his actions. The infidelity was horrific. To my knowledge there has only been the one stint of it. I do believe that. The only thing that got me through it was the knowledge that my husband was ill. He is a good man, and an honorable man, and I know that wasn't him. It was the illness. That being said, it's hard to trust again, and now that we are seeing signs of the hypomania again I am absolutely panicking. I don't know if I could do that twice. He swears that nothing is happening. I pray that's the truth." View post

Everyone's experience is different, but some members express a sense of dedication that fuels their desire to support their spouse who has bipolar disorder.

"Right now I feel like it's just not the correct thing to do to leave someone who is suffering from an illness and is in the process of getting treatment. I wouldn't leave him if he had cancer or another disease, so I do not think tough love is the right thing for the situation we are in currently. As I said to him today we have to give the medicine time and then we will see what the future holds. He's never truly been treated for his illness before as it's the first time he's actually taking prescribed meds. But by no means does that mean I have my head in the sand or haven't already come up with a financial plan and strategy if I need to leave. My actions affect not only me but our children as well so I have to consider what is best for everyone involved." View post 

No matter how supportive you are, your loved one's willingness to participate in treatment and therapy is also an important factor.

"You and your husband can only do so much, your son must be a part of the treatment. If not both you and husband will burn out. If I understand correctly he doesn't want you to be a part of his physical treatment and if he is seeing a therapist how is that helping the family situation.... I would encourage your family to be a part of the therapy because he is in your home and the entire family needs to all be on the same page. I'm not saying this will be easy, nothing worthwhile is easy." View post

If one of your family members has bipolar 2, finding local resource centers and even applying for benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a big help.

"I have a daughter that I assisted through many things including the process of SSDI for both physical and mental disability...there are resources available through your local Department of Human Services that can help your son which in turn will assist all in this situation." View post

"I certainly understand your situation. My daughter is going to be 22 in October. She is diagnosed with Bipolar, Borderline Personality, Generalized Anxiety, Mild Intellectual challenges & Depression. She would stay in her room all day if I let her. I applied for SSDI for her when I took early retirement to care for her needs. She was accepted ASAP! I had heard it would take forever but it did not. You can apply online for SSDI for your son. I would encourage you to do so. Every little bit counts...Does he have any interests that you can encourage him to get involved in? Are there any social groups or volunteer opportunities in his interest area? I take my daughter everywhere I go..Most of the time she is resistant but after she gets there she enjoys herself & later thanks me for taking her...Hope this has been of some comfort & help to you." View post

Finally, if you're supporting someone with mental health challenges, remember to focus on taking care of yourself, too. Several members expressed that it's helpful to seek counseling or joining support groups.

"Hope you are getting some support for yourself also. I started to see a counselor last year when things were getting really hard. It usually helps me to stay strong, because setting limits is painful when the person gets so angry, at least for me it is." View post  

"It doesn't sound like you are going to leave him no matter what he does. So, at least find a therapist that will help you cope and make you stronger. You do sound like a strong woman, so get someone in your corner." View post 

Curious to connect with other people managing their mental health? Join the Inspire Mental Health Community today.

Disclaimer 

Member comments have been lightly edited for length and clarity. This content is for general informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of any organization or individual. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.