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Bipolar disorder is a mental illness where a person experiences sudden shifts in mood, energy and concentration. Having this disorder is difficult, and it is also challenging for the people around them, especially during a manic episode.

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, involves unusual and extreme shifts in mood and activity levels. Someone with this disorder will have both manic episodes, where they show extreme energy and happiness, and depressive episodes, where they would seem overly depressed. 

Being part of the support system of someone with bipolar disorder can be demanding. During manic episodes, you need to deal with their recklessness and outbursts. You will also have to work on any aftermath. And during depressive episodes, you might need to cover for them when they fail to work on their responsibilities. As you can imagine, you will have to put in more effort working through the manic episodes, which can last anywhere from a few days to more than a week. Here are a few things you can do to make it less burdensome:

Learn about their triggers

One of the most common triggers of manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder is stress induced by the memory of past life events. Think of things that happened to them in the past and try to avoid whatever it is that may remind them of those events. 

Other triggers include irregular sleep, frequent conflicts and arguments, substance abuse and misuse, and weather and season changes, among others.

Create a plan

Create a plan together so that you and your loved one feel more prepared in case of a manic episode. Planning may include anything from working on common interests together, offering to take care of finances and other responsibilities when an episode occurs and keeping a routine to avoid stress and other triggers. 

Remember to take care of yourself as well

Keep in mind that taking care of yourself is just as important when caring for anyone with a mental illness. Keep your own routine, exercise, eat healthy and practice self-care.