Here for someone

Bipolar · Between episodes

Plan together for another difficult spell

A plan made during a stable period gives both of you something agreed to follow when judgement, energy or communication changes.

Make the decisions togetherWrite down their warning signs, who to contact, the help they want and the limits of your role. Review it after circumstances change.

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.

What to put in the plan

  1. Changes they recognise. Sleep, energy, speech, activity, spending, withdrawal or anything else that tends to appear first for them.
  2. What they want you to say. Agree a phrase or code word that signals concern without starting a long argument.
  3. Who to contact. Their care coordinator, team, GP, urgent route and one or two trusted people.
  4. Practical help they consent to. Appointments, meals, transport, medication reminders or help with money.
  5. Your limits. What you can offer, what you cannot take responsibility for and what will move the situation to urgent help.[1]

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.

Bipolar UK: bipolar and moneyRights and money support

[2]

Plan for changes to ordinary routines

Discuss how travel, late nights or changes at work could affect the routine they want to keep. Include who to contact if their familiar warning signs return. If mood is rising, choose a quieter setting and reduce stimulation rather than arranging more activities.

You could say: “You asked me to mention changes in your sleep. Shall we look at the plan?”[3]

Write the plan down

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.

How advance choices relate to Mental Health Act care. Ask their team how to record and share the document.

Make a crisis planAdvance Choice Document

[4]

Review the plan after an episode

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.[5]

Related help
When a high is escalatingWhat to saySupport for you
Sources and how this guide was written

  1. What to put in the plan

    Mind: warning signs and planning for difficult times and Bipolar UK: practical support and boundaries.

    Back to the advice

  2. Agree money safeguards before they are needed

    Bipolar UK's money guidance and Mind's planning guidance.

    Back to the advice

  3. Agree money safeguards before they are needed

    Sources: NICE: bipolar disorder.

    Back to the advice

  4. Write the plan down

    Bipolar UK lists completing an Advance Choice Document together among its practical supporter suggestions.

    Back to the advice

  5. Review the plan after an episode

    Mind and Bipolar UK.

    Back to the advice

Last full source check: 26 August 2026

Later checks: Addition using NICE bipolar guidance checked: 23 September 2026.

Independent information, not a medical or crisis service. This guidance has not been clinically reviewed. How we use sources.

← Bipolar overview