Asking for help may seem daunting, but when you’re navigating bipolar disorder and a manic episode, a little help may be what you need. Everyone’s support system will look different, but include those you trust.

Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging at times. We’re here to tell you that you don’t have to navigate it alone.

It’s OK to ask for help when you’re coping with a manic episode. Turn to people in your support network and healthcare professionals — they’re there to help guide you. Ready to start?

Being self-aware that you’re having a manic episode is the first step. This might be hard to do at first since bipolar disorder manic episodes can vary from person to person. Most people also don’t have a specific set of symptoms.

Your manic episode may look different, but common signs and symptoms may include:

Think back to previous manic episodes

You might consider keeping notes on past manic episodes. What were your early warning signs? Did others notice anything different about your behavior?

Tracking these signs may help you prepare for and manage future manic episodes.

Remember, a manic episode is temporary. It might also help to note signs of a manic episode ending so you know what to expect.

Your support network likely differs from that of others. You may choose to lean on family, such as your parents or grandparents, trusted friends, a therapist, or another mental health professional.

It may take time to develop your support system fully. But once you have one established, those included can help you recognize signs of mania even before you do and guide you.

According to Gabe Howard in his “Inside Bipolar” podcast episode “Stopping Mania Before It Starts,” his best support network is his spouse.

“[My mother and grandmother] have been traumatized by my previous behavior that they’re not a good indicator of mania […] But my wife, she’s been well trained. Not only has she been well trained on mania, on bipolar disorder, but she’s been well trained on Gabe’s mania. Gabe’s bipolar disorder. Gabe’s episodes. So when she says something, I drop everything — literally drop everything — and say, ‘OK, what are we going to do?’ And I have a couple of other people in my life I can do that with.”

— Gabe Howard, “Inside Bipolar” podcast host

Now that you’ve recognized a manic episode and connected with your support network — whomever that may entail — your next step is to voice your needs.

Make sure you communicate what you need specifically. This may be hard if your manic episode clouds your thinking, so try jotting them down:

  • Do you need help with daily tasks or chores?
  • Do you want them to monitor your behavior?
  • Do you need assistance with managing medications or appointments?

Create a list of emergency contacts your support team could seek should an urgent situation arise. It may be helpful to include several forms of communication, such as:

  • phone numbers
  • emails
  • work, home, or office addresses

Include how you’d want your support team to proceed once in contact. Do you need them to drive you to a location? Do you have medication you want them to administer?

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

If you don’t already have a healthcare professional looped into your support system, consider reaching out to one. Share with them anything you’d share with others in your network, including your signs and symptoms.

Don’t hesitate to ask for an urgent appointment if necessary. Healthcare professionals will find a way to care for and tend to your needs. Think of them as an additional supportive resource.

It’s especially important to contact a healthcare professional should you notice any deviations from your typical signs of a manic episode. They can help respond with proper treatment or adjust your current treatment plan.

Your community may offer support groups for people living with bipolar disorder. A therapist or other mental health professional may also have ideas for support groups to turn to.

Try taking a look at these organizations to get started:

Anonymous helplines

If you’d prefer to stay anonymous, you might consider:

Visit Mental Health America for more information.

It’s OK to lean on others when you’re coping with bipolar disorder and manic episodes. Know that you don’t have to navigate this condition alone.

Start by recognizing when you’re experiencing a manic episode. This may take time, but thinking back to past ones may help pinpoint commonalities.

Create a support system of people you trust to guide you through a manic episode. Be specific about how you want them to help.

If you need additional support and haven’t included a healthcare professional in your immediate support system, consider contacting one. They can respond with proper treatment or adjustments to your current plan if needed.

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