I am a supporter to a mother who has bipolar disorder.  In order for her to get well, her therapist told her that she needed a bipolar support system.  "What," I asked, "is a bipolar support system, and why does she need one?"

What I found out was that NOT having a strong support system was the reason that my mom kept going into bipolar episodes and why they wouldn't go away.

I also realized that I was her only supporter, and that this was draining me.  I didn't know how much longer I could handle the situation by myself.

There are several reasons why you need a strong support system.

The main reason is that you cannot handle your bipolar disorder alone.  If there is not a noticeable trigger to a bipolar episode, there are at least signs and symptoms that precede one, and a supporter can notice them if you don't.  What would you do if you went into an episode and there was no one to help you?

Even if you do have a primary supporter, another reason to have other supporters is so that you don't "burn out" your primary one.  Your primary supporter cares about you, or they wouldn't be there for you; however, it can be emotionally draining for them to deal with you and your bipolar disorder.  They need the help of other people.

A bipolar support system should include other people to whom you are accountable.  They will help you monitor your disorder.  They can help you watch for signs and symptoms of an episode.  If they know your triggers (things that may "set off" an episode), they will help you to avoid them. 

The people in your support system may notice signs and symptoms of an impending bipolar episode before you do, and can help you avoid one.  Your primary supporter can contact your doctor, psychiatrist or therapist and get you the help that you need.

The more people you choose to be in your bipolar support system, the better it will be for you.  These people can include any or all of the following:  your spouse or partner, friends, family, doctor, psychiatrist, therapist, receptionist, pharmacist, pharmacy clerk, clergy person, boss, co-worker, neighbor, etc.

Why do you need a bipolar support system?  No one should have to handle bipolar disorder on their own.  The stronger your support system is, the more people you have supporting you, the more you can depend on them, and the more help you receive from them, the greater your chances of avoiding bipolar episodes will be.