How To Deal With A Bipolar Coworker – Best 17 Ways

Written By Aleena

If you have a bipolar coworker, there are a few things that you can do to help make the situation more manageable. Here’s how to deal with a bipolar coworker.

Bipolar disorder can be a complex condition to manage, and your coworker may need your help from time to time.

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17 Ways To Deal With A Bipolar Coworker

Here are a few tips for dealing with such a coworker:

1. Be Understanding:

Bipolar disorder can be a complex condition to manage. Your coworker may need your help from time to time.

How To Deal With A Bipolar Coworker (3)

If your coworker is in a bad mood, don’t take it personally. Remember that their attitudes result from their condition, not anything you’ve done.

If your coworker needs some time to themselves, respect their privacy. Please give them the space they need.

2. Be Patient To Deal With A Bipolar Coworker:

It may take some time for your coworker to adjust to their new medication or treatment plan. Be patient and supportive as they work through it.

When things get tense, stay calm and try to diffuse the situation. Getting angry or upset will only make things worse.

3. Keep An Open Mind To Deal With A Bipolar Coworker:

Your coworker’s condition is not something they have chosen, and they should not be judged for it.

Try to accept your coworker for who they are, and don’t expect them to change overnight.

4. Avoid Making Comments About Their Condition:

Comments like “I don’t know how you do it” or “I could never handle being bipolar” can be hurtful and offensive.

Your coworker is already dealing with a lot. Thus avoid making any unnecessary comments about their condition.

5. Offer Help When They Need It To Deal With A Bipolar Coworker:

If your coworker is struggling, offer to help them in any way you can. It may include doing some of their work or listening if they need to talk.

You can help them with their projects or assignments. When it comes to bipolar disorder, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing it.

Your coworker may need different things from you at other times.

6. Be Kind To Them To Deal With A Bipolar Coworker:

Your coworker is going through a lot, so be kind to them. Remember that they are still the same person, despite their condition.

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Try not to take their moods personally and be understanding if they need time to themselves.

If you can, try to make them laugh – even a little bit of laughter can go a long way in making someone feel better.

7. Keep In Touch To Deal With A Bipolar Coworker:

Make sure to stay in touch with your coworker, even if they don’t seem to want to talk. Check in on them from time to time and see how they’re doing.

If your coworker is struggling, let them know that you’re there for them.

8. Educate Yourself About Bipolar Disorder:

It’s essential to educate yourself about bipolar disorder. In this way, you can understand your coworker’s condition better.

There are many great resources available online and in libraries.

9. Don’t Take On Too Much:

Your coworker is going to need some time to adjust, and that may mean you’ll have to take on more work.

But don’t take on too much – you don’t want to get overwhelmed either. Try to find a balance and ask for help from other coworkers if you need it.

10. Seek Professional Help If Needed:

If the situation becomes too difficult to handle, seek professional help.

Many great resources are available, and it may be the best option for your coworker.

11. Understand That They May Not Be Able To Change Overnight:

Your coworker may not be able to change overnight, and their condition may fluctuate from day today.

Be patient and understanding as they work through their disorder.

12. Show Support To Deal With A Bipolar Coworker:

Your coworker will appreciate any show of support you can give them.

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Let them know that you’re there for them, and be a listening ear when they need it.

13. Don’t Judge To Deal With A Bipolar Coworker:

Your coworker is dealing with a lot, so don’t judge them. Judging can add to the stress and stigma they may be feeling.

Remember that they are still the same person, despite their condition.

Their condition is not something they have chosen, and they should not be judged for it.

14. Don’t Blame Them To Deal With A Bipolar Coworker:

Your coworker is not responsible for their bipolar disorder, and you should not blame them for it.

Blaming them will only add to the stress they are already feeling.

15. Be Aware Of The Stigma:

Unfortunately, there is still a lot of stigmas attached to bipolar disorder.

Be aware of this, and try not to add to it. Your coworker is not responsible for their disorder.

16. Don’t Try To Fix Them:

Don’t judge your coworker for their bipolar disorder. They are not responsible for their illness. Do not judge them or discriminate against them because of it.

Don’t try to “fix” your coworker. They are not broken, and they don’t need to be fixed. Offer support, but let them manage their bipolar disorder.

17. Don’t Avoid Or Ignore The Problem:

Avoiding or ignoring the problem will not make it go away. If you miss the problem, it may get worse.

How To Deal With A Bipolar Coworker

It’s important to talk to your coworker about their bipolar disorder.

Signs Of A Bipolar Coworker

It can be challenging to know if someone is dealing with bipolar disorder, but there are a few signs to look out for.

Some of the most common signs include:

1. Mood Swings:

Your coworker may go from being happy and excited one minute to angry and frustrated the next.

Mood swings are a common sign of bipolar disorder. Rapid mood swings can also be a sign of mania.

2. Changes In Energy Levels:

Your coworker may have a lot of energy one day and be very tired the next. Changes in energy levels can be a sign of bipolar disorder.

Energy levels change when someone is in a manic or depressive state.

3. Changes In Behavior – A Bipolar Coworker:

Your coworker may act differently than they usually do. They may become more impulsive or more irritable.

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Changes in behavior can be a sign of bipolar disorder. Behavioral change can be like a “switch” going off.

4. Difficulty Handling Stress:

Your coworker may have difficulty handling stress. They may not cope with everyday stressors; it can be a sign of bipolar disorder.

When there is difficulty managing stress, it can lead to a bipolar episode.

5. Changes In Appearance – A Bipolar Coworker:

Your coworker may change their appearance, for example, by:

– Cutting their hair

– Changing their clothes.

It can be a sign of bipolar disorder. If you think your coworker may be dealing with bipolar disorder, it’s essential to talk to them about it.

You can offer support and let them know that you’re there for them.

6. Increased Alcohol or Drug Use:

Your coworker may start using alcohol or drugs more than usual in an attempt to self-medicate. It can be a sign of bipolar disorder.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to talk to your coworker about them.

They may not be aware that something is wrong, and they may appreciate the fact that you’re there to help.

7. Talking About Suicide – A Bipolar Coworker:

Your coworker may talk about suicide or have thoughts of suicide. It is a sign that they need professional help.

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If your coworker is talking about suicide, it’s essential to get professional help right away. You may need to call a suicide hotline or take them to the hospital.

8. Hyperactivity – A Bipolar Coworker:

Your coworker may become very active and may have difficulty sitting still. It can be a sign of mania.

If your coworker is experiencing mania, it’s essential to get professional help. Focus can be dangerous and can lead to harmful behaviors.

9. Changes In Sleeping Patterns:

Your coworker may have difficulty sleeping, or they may sleep more than usual. Changes in sleeping patterns can be a sign of bipolar disorder.

If you think your coworker may be dealing with bipolar disorder, it’s essential to talk to them about it. You can offer support and let them know that you’re there for them.

10. Concentration Problems – A Bipolar Coworker:

Your coworker may have difficulty concentrating and may not focus on their work. It can be a sign of bipolar disorder.

If you think your coworker is struggling to concentrate, it’s essential to talk to them about it. They may need help managing their bipolar disorder.

Why Is Dealing With A Bipolar Coworker Important?

Dealing with a bipolar coworker can be difficult, but it’s essential to do so. Here are a few reasons why:

1. They Need Support:

Your coworker is dealing with a mental illness, and they need your support.

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Bipolar disorder can be a challenging condition to deal with. They may appreciate the fact that you’re there for them.

2. You Can Learn From Them:

Your coworker may have some valuable insights into bipolar disorder and how to manage it.

They can teach you about the condition and how to cope with it.

3. They May Need Help:

Your coworker may not be able to manage their bipolar disorder on their own.

They may need help from a professional, and you can help them find the right resources.

4. You Can Help Keep Them Healthy:

Your coworker’s mental health is essential, and you can play a role in keeping them healthy.

You can encourage them to seek treatment and stick with their treatment plan.

5. They May Need Time Off:

Your coworker may need time off from work to deal with their bipolar disorder.

You can help them by giving them time off or working with them to develop a plan that works for both of you.

6. They May Struggle With Work:

Your coworker may have difficulty performing their job duties due to their disorder.

You can help them by creating a plan that will help them succeed at work.

7. They Can Be a Valuable Resource:

Your coworker may be a valuable resource when it comes to managing bipolar disorder.

They can offer support and share their ideas into the condition. They can be a role model for others.

8. You Can Help Keep Them Safe:

Your coworker may be at risk of harming themselves or others due to bipolar disorder.

How to deal with a bipolar coworker

You can help keep them safe by keeping a close eye on them and getting them the help they need.

9. They May Struggle With Relationships:

Your coworker may have difficulty maintaining relationships due to their bipolar disorder.

They may have trouble communicating with others. Also, they may be less able to control their emotions.

10. They May Struggle With Everyday Tasks:

Your coworker may have difficulty completing everyday tasks due to their bipolar disorder.

They may struggle with managing their money or taking care of themselves.

Conclusion:

Bipolar disorder can be a complex condition to manage. Your coworker may need your help from time to time. If your coworker is in a bad mood, don’t take it personally.

Remember that their moods are a result of their condition. They are not necessarily anything you’ve done. If your coworker needs some time to themselves, respect their privacy.

Please give them the space they need. It may take some time for your coworker to adjust to their new medication or treatment plan.

Be patient and supportive as they work through it. When things get tense, stay calm and try to diffuse the situation.

Last Updated on 6 months by Shahzaib Arshad

Aleena

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