This page is about the effect on you and where you can get support. For helping the other person, see supporting someone with bipolar.
When things are calmer, but you are not
An episode may leave you exhausted, worried about money or hurt by what happened. The other person feeling better does not mean everything has settled for you.
You can seek support for yourself before you are ready to talk things through together. Decide what needs attention now and what can wait. The guide to supporting someone over time covers repairing the relationship after an episode.
When you are always watching for another episode
If you are checking every change in mood or sleep, discuss what your role should be when they are well enough to plan with you. Agree what you will look out for, who to contact and what you cannot take responsibility for.
A shared plan can include other people and services, so it does not depend on you being available all the time. You need sleep, breaks and time for your own life too.
Bipolar UK support is open to you
Bipolar UK says its free services are open to everyone affected by bipolar, including family, friends, carers and colleagues. Its current options include a peer-support line, an online community and in-person or online groups.
These services offer peer support, rather than emergency care.[1]
Set a role you can sustain
Bipolar UK advises discussing the other person's expectations alongside your own needs and responsibilities. It says that taking a break, saying no and seeking your own support are reasonable.
A boundary can be practical: which calls you can take, what money you will not lend, when you will contact professional help and which tasks need to be shared with someone else.[2]
For words to use, see doing less or stepping back. If nobody can take over, follow the steps for getting backup.
If spending has affected you, see agreeing money safeguards. Discuss arrangements with them; being a partner or relative does not by itself give you control of their money.
You do not have to call yourself a carer
Rethink notes that people may find carers' services useful even when they do not use that word for themselves. Depending on where you live and how much support you provide, local carer services may offer advice, groups or an assessment of your own needs.
Help with your own mental health
For support with your own mental health, see getting help for yourself.
If you need someone to listen today
Samaritans listens to anything that is troubling you. You do not have to be suicidal to call 116 123. Free to call. 24 hours, every day.[4]
A group for family and friends
Bipolar UK runs an online family and friends support group, currently on the first Friday of each month from 2pm to 3pm. Check the next meeting and registration details with Bipolar UK. You can attend for your own support; the person with bipolar does not have to come with you.[5]
Sources and how this guide was written
Bipolar UK support is open to you
Bipolar UK: get support.Set a role you can sustain
Bipolar UK: supporting someone with bipolar.You do not have to call yourself a carer
Rethink's supporter guidance and Carers UK's nation-specific assessment information.If you need someone to listen today
Samaritans contact information.A group for family and friends
Last full source check: 26 August 2026. Later additions checked: 3 October 2026.
The new advice about the aftermath of an episode and staying on alert was checked on 8 October 2026 against Bipolar UK’s supporter guidance and Mind’s advice on looking after yourself, alongside the linked practical guides. The family and friends group schedule was also rechecked. Other source checks retain their dates.
Independent information, not a medical or crisis service. This guidance has not been clinically reviewed. How we use sources.
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