If you’re caring for a loved one suffering from Bipolar Disorder & Addiction, you’ve got your hands full. You may, however, be making some of the same mistakes that others in your situation are.
1. They put up with bad behavior
You may express support for a loved one without condoning their addiction, and you can be understanding without condoning undesirable bipolar behavior.
You must establish limits between acceptable and inappropriate behavior, as well as what will be tolerated and what will not be tolerated.
Then you must adhere to those restrictions. Your loved one should understand that while you are there to help, you are not a doormat. You want to assist him and be there for him, but he must respect you.
2. They take everything too seriously
Always keep in mind not to take things too seriously. Remember that it is the addiction and/or bipolar condition, not your loved one, who is speaking when they say hurtful things. Allow it to bounce off you as much as possible.
Consider how your loved one was before he became an addict or went through a bipolar episode. Hold on to the hope that he will return to his former self.
3. They let their loved one’s addiction continue
Don’t make it easier for your loved one’s addiction or terrible bipolar conduct. This could include bailing your loved one out of jail, providing housing or paying his rent, purchasing his gas, and so on. Unfortunately, this prevents your loved one from reaching the rock bottom he needs to reach before seeking treatment for his addiction.
4. They get reliant on each other
When a supporter regularly sacrifices their wants for the needs of their loved one, they are said to be in a codependent relationship.
This could start with enabling – doing for the other person what they should do for themselves – or it could start with trying to “fix” them.
Allowing yourself to become codependent is not a good idea. You’re a supporter, not a facilitator. You can’t let your loved one get away with things like manipulation, claiming he can’t do things when he actually can and refusing to accept responsibility for his addiction and bipolar disease.
5. They relaxed their guard
You may let your guard down if your loved one has been in recovery for a time and is doing well, believing that he will not relapse. Take care not to become complacent, otherwise, he might become overconfident.