What Not to Do Around a Bipolar Person?

Have you ever wondered if your words or actions could unintentionally make things harder for a bipolar person you care about? Many people mean well but unknowingly say or do things that can trigger stress, discomfort, or even conflict. In What Not to Do Around a Bipolar Person?, we’ll reveal the common mistakes most people overlook—and why avoiding them can make all the difference.

TL;DR

The text explains what not to do around a person with bipolar disorder. It highlights that factors such as stress, major life changes, substance use, sleep disruptions, or stopping medication can trigger episodes. It advises against arguing or raising your voice, minimizing feelings, blaming them for mood swings, or interrupting and dismissing their thoughts. It also stresses avoiding overwhelming stressful situations. Instead, the focus should be on listening with respect, showing empathy, and maintaining a calm, supportive environment.

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What Behaviors Can Trigger a Bipolar Person during an Episode?

There are several environmental elements that can increase the risk of a person with bipolar disorder experiencing an episode. These are not always direct behaviors from those around them, but they are part of social and life experiences that impact well-being. Common triggers include:

• Stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one
• Drastic changes in the environment, like moving or starting a new job
• Substance abuse, including drugs or alcohol
• Sleep disruptions, whether too little or too much
• Abruptly stopping prescribed medication

During a manic episode, certain attitudes from others can intensify the situation. Helpful recommendations include:

• Avoid arguing or debating during the episode
• Do not engage in intense conversations that add tension
• Do not take comments or behaviors personally
• Remember that in this state, the person may say or do things out of place, or focus on the negative aspects of others

Recognizing potential triggers and avoiding behaviors that escalate them is key to providing support. Staying calm, not reacting personally, and reducing environmental tension help create a safer space both for the person experiencing the episode and those around them.

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Don’t Dismiss or Minimize Their Feelings

Dismissing the feelings of someone with bipolar disorder can have serious consequences. These emotions are not just a passing “bad mood” but part of a chronic illness that affects brain function and mood. Ignoring them will not make them disappear; it can worsen symptoms, damage relationships, and increase the risk of severe complications.

Why you should not dismiss feelings:

• It is a brain condition, not a whim: Bipolar disorder stems from dysfunction in the brain’s limbic system, which causes drastic mood changes. It is not simply a reaction to social or personal problems.
• Risk of worsening: Without attention, symptoms may intensify and lead to more serious complications.
• Damage to relationships: Minimizing feelings can break bonds with family, friends, or coworkers, causing isolation.
• Greater suicide risk: People with bipolar disorder face an elevated risk of suicide, and dismissing their emotions can increase this danger.
• Additional complications: Untreated bipolar disorder can lead to substance abuse, legal or financial problems, and poor performance at school or work.

Validating the feelings of a person with bipolar disorder is a fundamental form of support. Recognizing that these emotions are part of a medical condition, not a personal choice, strengthens relationships and reduces risks. Showing empathy and compassion creates a safer environment where the person feels heard and supported.

Avoid Arguing or Raising Your Voice

Raising your voice or engaging in heated arguments with someone who has bipolar disorder can make the situation worse. During a manic episode, emotions are already heightened, and a raised tone or confrontation can escalate conflict and make it harder to manage.

Avoiding arguments and speaking calmly is an effective way to reduce tension and maintain control. Choosing serenity helps create a safer, more stable atmosphere for both the individual and those around them.

You may be interested in: How Often Do Bipolar Episodes Last? Key Facts You Should Know

Never Blame Them for Their Mood Swings

Blaming someone with bipolar disorder for mood swings is unfair and harmful. Guilt fosters stigma, which makes it harder for the individual to seek or accept treatment. A supportive environment is essential for recovery.

Reasons not to blame the person

Stigma worsens things:

Blame or judgment makes people feel misunderstood, discouraging them from seeking help and straining relationships.

Impact on personal life:

Mood swings can affect career, family, friendships, and overall health.

Feelings of shame:

Many with bipolar disorder already carry deep guilt or shame over actions during manic or risky episodes. Blame only intensifies this burden.

Avoiding blame helps reduce stigma and fosters a supportive environment. Recognizing bipolar disorder as a medical condition, not a choice, strengthens relationships. Empathy and patience help build a safe, constructive space.

Don’t Interrupt or Dismiss Their Thoughts

During an episode, thoughts may be influenced by the illness and not fully reflect reality. Ignoring or dismissing them can make the person feel misunderstood, increasing the risk of dangerous decisions such as substance abuse or suicidal thoughts. Active, non-judgmental listening supports recovery and helps prevent severe episodes.

Reasons not to interrupt or dismiss thoughts:

• Distorted reality: In manic or depressive episodes, perceptions can become exaggerated or delusional.
• Avoid invalidation: Dismissing thoughts can worsen sadness, frustration, and isolation.
• Risk of self-harm: Suicidal thoughts are possible during depression, and negative responses can heighten this risk.
• Difficulty seeking help: Feeling invalidated may stop someone from pursuing professional support.

Listening respectfully without interrupting is a vital way to show support. Validating what is expressed, even when influenced by illness, reduces feelings of loneliness and builds trust. Empathy makes it more likely the person will seek the help they need.

Avoid Overloading Them with Stressful Situations

Stress can trigger manic or depressive episodes, worsen existing symptoms, and increase relapse risk. In severe cases, it may heighten the danger of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Professional treatment and healthy coping strategies, such as relaxation techniques and balanced routines, are essential for maintaining stability.

Avoiding excessive stress protects emotional and physical stability. A calmer, more balanced environment supports well-being and recovery.

Key Takeaways

1. Common triggers for episodes include stressful life events, drastic changes, substance abuse, disrupted sleep, and abruptly stopping medication.
2. During manic episodes, avoid arguments, intense conversations, and taking comments personally; staying calm helps reduce tension and creates a safer environment.
3. Never dismiss or minimize feelings —they are symptoms of a chronic brain condition, not “bad moods.” Ignoring them can worsen symptoms, damage relationships, and increase suicide risk.
4. Avoid raising your voice or arguing, as heightened emotions can escalate aggression and make episodes harder to manage. A calm tone fosters stability.
5. Do not blame mood swings on the person; these are medical symptoms, not choices. Blame fosters stigma, shame, and relationship breakdowns, while support encourages recovery.
6. Never interrupt or dismiss thoughts; invalidation can worsen sadness, loneliness, or suicidal risk. Active, respectful listening builds trust and supports recovery.
7. Avoid overwhelming stress, since acute or chronic stress can trigger episodes, worsen symptoms, and increase relapse or suicide risk. A balanced, calm environment promotes stability.
8. Overall message: Show empathy, validate feelings, listen without judgment, avoid confrontations, and help maintain a calm environment to support both stability and recovery.

Sources

• Baruch, E., Pistrang, N., & Barker, C. (2018). ‘Between a rock and a hard place’: family members’ experiences of supporting a relative with bipolar disorder. Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology, 53(10), 1123-1131.

https://link.springer.com/article

• Hindley, G., Stephenson, L. A., Keene, A. R., Rifkin, L., Gergel, T., & Owen, G. (2019). “Why have I not been told about this?”: a survey of experiences of and attitudes to advance decision-making amongst people with bipolar. Wellcome open research, 4, 16.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov