Start with their own warning signs
Mind recommends talking with the person about patterns that may happen before an episode and telling them calmly when you notice one. Bipolar UK provides mood-tracking tools that the person may choose to use.
Put these five things in writing
- Changes they recognise. Sleep, energy, speech, activity, spending, withdrawal or anything else that tends to appear first for them.
- What they want you to say. Agree a phrase or code word that signals concern without starting a long argument.
- Who to contact. Their care coordinator, team, GP, urgent route and one or two trusted people.
- Practical help they consent to. Appointments, meals, transport, medication reminders or help with money.
- Your limits. What you can offer, what you cannot take responsibility for and what will move the situation to urgent help.
Sources: Mind and Bipolar UK
Agree money safeguards before they are needed
Bipolar UK suggests changes a person can choose while well, including a lower card or overdraft limit, moving savings to an account that requires notice, deleting shopping apps and using free debt advice. Mind says supporters may help with money while the person is unwell if the person wants that help.
Write down exactly what has been agreed and when it should stop. More formal control of another person's finances needs independent legal advice.
Sources: Bipolar UK and Mind
Use the existing crisis-plan tool
The site's crisis-plan page gives you a printable structure for contacts, warning signs, helpful responses and practical information. Bipolar UK also links to an Advance Choice Document for recording treatment and care preferences.
Source: Bipolar UK
Review what happened without turning into the mood police
Mind advises asking rather than assuming that every emotional change is a relapse. After an episode, discuss specific events when the person feels able, then update the plan with what helped and what did not.
Bipolar UK says it is reasonable to set boundaries, say no, take a break and get support for yourself.
Sources: Mind and Bipolar UK
Here for Someone is an independent information project. It is not a helpline or medical service. This page organises public guidance from the organisations linked beside the relevant information; it has not been clinically reviewed by Here for Someone.
Sources checked: 26 August 2026
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