How to calm someone with bipolar down

1. 88

   RGrafposted 14 years ago

   How to calm someone with bipolar down

   replyreport
2. 59

   Luminariaposted 14 years ago

   I have Bipolar and the things that work for me vary to my degree of mania or depression. There are days when a nice quiet bubble bath will work, then there are days when going for a walk works. It also varies on the person, as each one of us are different. Another thing that will play into the situation is the age of the person.
   
   You can try reading to them, talking with them, jumping in the car and going for a ride, do something that they like to do no matter how much you hate it. If the person is manic, keep them busy. If the person is depressed, then try to find something calming but enjoyable for them. Taking pictures or writing are two good things to do.
   
   There is no right or wrong answer here. If this continues at a severe rate and you are allowed to converse with their Doctor, then I would discuss them the possibility that their medicine might need adjusted.

   replyreport
3. 61

   karentposted 13 years ago

   I have bipolar and the thing that gets me into the most trouble are my thoughts.  To calm down, I need to slow down my thinking and get more rational.  Sometimes, "mindless" activities like playing solitaire or bejeweled on the computer will focus me on the game and calm me down.  Having a friend I can trust talk me through things by asking good questions and helping me to see the irrationality of my thoughts is also helpful.  Probably the easiest way to "snap out of it" is to engage in physical exercise.  Exercise has great benefits for mental health and it can just plain wear you down so you aren't so agitated anymore.

   replyreport
4. 60

   Jenny Anneposted 13 years ago

   There is no best method, as all suffers are individuals, diverse in their disorder and symptoms.
   
   For my son, when he was extremely manic (up) he could have auditory hallucinations, and be out of touch with reality, be overly aggressive one moment then sobbing the next.
   
   The best thing we ever did for him was stop trying to "get him out of it" and just BE with him THROUGH it.
   
   Just acknowledging that what he was experiencing was real to him, and validating his experience was key.  He would then trust us enough to allow us close to him and be with him during his difficult episodes.
   
   We always could talk about it in more detail later, and of course call the doc and make an appt. 
   
   As long as no self harm or harm to others is occurring then try to be there as they ride the wave.
   
   Take care,
   
   Jenny

   replyreport
5. 62

   lanealaneaposted 13 years ago

   Hello there, I am familiar with your situation. Its a great idea to find a way to acheive a nice clean living space with little to no negative or emotional distractions or memories that remind you of those thoughts that trigger you. I know it may take some time but if you keep reaching for positive short exciting goals that you would like to reach you can make these things come true for sure you can. Have a little care package ready for yourself with your favorite music that you like to hear when you want to calm down usually you know just what that is. Then, clothing, what your wearing makes you feel comfortable or not, make sure to have plenty of your favorite clothing around if possible. Paint your room pink thats my best suggestion to calm you down and look into color therapy. The thing about the thoughts are that once you just let your mind free to think and you have time to think then your mind takes over and its probably not even your actual thoughts you would be thinking had you had other activities to keep you busy. Basically, fill your mind and your day everyday with everything you can to make you happy, feel good, look good, sleep well eat healthy as you can and dont worry at all if you cannot do this overnight it could take years to acheive your new goals but even one step at a time feels better and hopefully your outbursts will become less and less and disappear and I promise you that its truly possible. Give yourself a break your hard on yourself and your mind especially. Spoil yourself a little and occupy your mind with colorful things, things that make you happy exercise is the ultimate too. Good luck and if you can get yourself in a pink room the color of bubble gum then your off to a wonderful start. I have a hub on how color affects us if you want to check it out. Have a nice day and remember how worth it you are so do what you do to get what you want. You can do it. Lanea

   replyreport
6. 0

   lambservantposted 13 years ago

   I was in a coping skills group and one week we talked about creating a soothing first aid kit. You take a basket or box or someother container, and fill it with things that calm you. I read on a website recently, that finding things to cover all your senses is a good idea. Here are somethings that you can put in your self-soothing first aid kit:
   
   1. Smell: a scented candle, incense, body lotion, etc.
   2. Hearing: A relaxation CD or mellow soothing music (be careful of sad or angry lyrics or blue intrumentals. Find something that is positive and soothing. I like to use an intrumental hymns CD, progressive relaxation exercise CD, or nature sounds CD.
   3. Touch: Bath salts for a bubble bath, a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, your dog or cat to pet.
   4. Taste: a favorite snack. Fruit, a few candies (this is not about stuffing ourselves, which is counterproductive), a flavored herbal tea.
   5.Sight: Special pictures that bring you joy. A DVD that has soothing music and nature scenery. A favorite book, devotional/reflections book, a Bible or book of poetry. Avoid the TV or movies, They are overstimulating.
   These are just a few ideas. Be creative and have fun. I have found much relief from this. However, you must be able to recognize the early symptoms of your anxiety or negative mood and use your kit in the earlier stages. Otherwise, if you are in crisis mode, this will not be helpful at all. Have fun.

   replyreport
7. 56

   Flighttyposted 13 years ago

   Sometime the best to help someone is not saying anything. Bipolar people often tend to get upset when you try to help them. In my opinion is letting the bipolar person find his or her comfort zone is the best thing to do. paitence and time is key to deal with Bipolor people.

   replyreport
   1. 59

      Broken-Angelposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I like this comment, i myself need to be left alone at times of episodes. x

      replyreport