The 10 sentences that deeply hurt a bipolar person
Words can hurt more than blows. Knowing the 10 things not to say to a bipolar person is essential to preserving your relationship. Phrases like “everyone has ups and downs” or “stop your act” destroy trust and worsen suffering. Here is what you absolutely must avoid.
10 phrases not to say to a bipolar person
Words sometimes hurt more than blows. Here is what to avoid.
List of harmful phrases and their emotional impact
Certain words can devastate a person with bipolar disorder, even with the best intentions. I have identified the most destructive expressions I regularly hear:
• “You’re overreacting”
• “You’re being stubborn”
• “You must, you have to…”
• “Are you always taking your medication?”
• “Everyone has ups and downs”
• “I know how you feel”
• “You’re too enthusiastic, that’s a bad sign”
• “Stop your act”
• “You scare me”
• “I don’t make you happy, is that why you isolate yourself?”
Each of these phrases not to say to a bipolar person invalidates their experience. They reinforce existing stigma. Some provoke devastating guilt. Others create an atmosphere of distrust or brutally minimize real suffering.
Kind alternatives to promote dialogue
Communicating with a bipolar person requires delicacy and respect. Prefer these phrasings instead:
• “I’m listening, do you want to talk?”
• “How are you feeling today?”
• “I’m here if you need me”
• “Can you explain what you’re feeling?”
• “Is there something that could help you now?”
These approaches create a safe space for emotional expression. They show your support without judgment. You thus establish a precious atmosphere of trust. The person feels heard, understood, and respected in their journey.
Why are these phrases harmful to a bipolar person?
Words leave invisible but deep marks.
Effects on mental health and trust relationship
Minimizing or blaming phrases quickly deteriorate mental health. Have you ever felt that pain when someone casually brushes aside your emotions? Imagine that feeling multiplied tenfold.
The bipolar person experiences a profound sense of misunderstanding. The trust relationship crumbles. They now hesitate to share their difficulties. This distrust compromises the quality of the support received. It may even slow their willingness to seek professional help. Stigma reinforces their isolation and mistrust of the healthcare system.
Consequences on the experience and feelings of the patient
Hearing these destructive phrases regularly intensifies the feeling of failure. The person internalizes the idea that they are “abnormal.” They absorb shame like a sponge. Guilt settles in permanently.
This silent suffering drives emotional isolation. Why share when no one understands? Therapeutic follow-up sometimes becomes unbearable. The recovery process is then seriously compromised. You can break this cycle through authentic listening.
How to adopt respectful communication with a bipolar person?
Your attitude makes all the difference. Learn to communicate with kindness.
Tips for reacting to a crisis or difficult episode
During a bipolar crisis, whether mania or depression, stay calm. Your calmness becomes their anchor. Absolutely avoid debates and reprimands. They will only worsen the situation.
Speak softly, with a calm tone. Simply offer your presence. Suggest calming gestures: breathe together, find a quiet place. Feel free to suggest calling a professional if necessary. Never try to “reason” with the person. Show yourself available without infantilizing. Your kind presence is worth a thousand speeches.
Attitudes and behaviors to favor daily
Create an open dialogue space daily. Cultivate patience with mood variations. Do not take every attitude change personally. It is not directed against you.
Show flexibility. Rephrase without judging. Celebrate small victories and efforts made. Encourage gentle practices like relaxation, meditation, or massages. These moments of well-being promote emotional balance. A simple walk in nature can sometimes do wonders. Have you tried these approaches with your loved ones?
Types of comments and attitudes to avoid
Some behaviors widen a relational gap that is hard to bridge.
Judgments, unsolicited advice, and minimization
Avoid all judgment on reactions, emotions, or life choices. Advice like “You should…” often falls flat. Simplistic suggestions hurt more than they help.
Never minimize suffering with phrases like “it’s all in your head” or “it’ll pass.” Bipolar disorder is a medical reality, not a whim. These attitudes create a rupture of dialogue that is hard to repair. Trust, once broken, takes months to rebuild. Prefer active listening over miracle solutions.
Critiques on treatment and remarks on appearance
Comments on medication intake are particularly delicate. Avoid any remark on bipolar treatment. Insistent questions about physical appearance (“You’ve lost weight” or “You look tired”) fuel anxiety.
Prefer to ask gently: “Is the treatment helping you?” only if the person brings up the subject. Otherwise, respect their silence. Your discretion shows your respect. The person will speak when ready. You can support without constantly questioning.
Types of comments and attitudes to avoid
Some behaviors widen a relational gap that is hard to bridge.
Judgments, unsolicited advice, and minimization
Avoid all judgment on reactions, emotions, or life choices. Advice like “You should…” often falls flat. Simplistic suggestions hurt more than they help.
Never minimize suffering with phrases like “it’s all in your head” or “it’ll pass.” Bipolar disorder is a medical reality, not a whim. These attitudes create a rupture of dialogue that is hard to repair. Trust, once broken, takes months to rebuild. Prefer active listening over miracle solutions.
Critiques on treatment and remarks on appearance
Comments on medication intake are particularly delicate. Avoid any remark on bipolar treatment. Insistent questions about physical appearance (“You’ve lost weight” or “You look tired”) fuel anxiety.
Prefer to ask gently: “Is the treatment helping you?” only if the person brings up the subject. Otherwise, respect their silence. Your discretion shows your respect. The person will speak when ready. You can support without constantly questioning.
Also read:
- Therapeutic hypnosis: your natural ally against stress and anxiety
- How to calm a panic attack quickly?
- Natural treatment for post-traumatic stress: effective solutions
Take care of yourself
Knowing the 10 things not to say to a bipolar person transforms your relationships. Starting today, choose a kind phrase and use it. This small gesture creates a healing space for you and your loved ones. Dare compassion!
Marie
FAQ
How to effectively support a bipolar person daily?
Listen without judging and adapt your support according to current needs. Value efforts and encourage positive routines that promote mental well-being. Respect the person’s pace while remaining available. Offer concrete practical gestures such as moments of relaxation, meditation, or walks. The important thing is to be present without imposing.
What is the risk of using minimizing phrases?
Minimizing phrases damage self-image, encourage social withdrawal, and discourage asking for help. They trivialize real suffering and break communication. In the long term, these expressions can contribute to worsening depression or abandonment of medical treatment, compromising the healing process.
How cautious should one be in choosing words with a bipolar person?
Caution must be maximal because words directly influence psychological state and trust. Inappropriate expressions can permanently damage the relationship and hinder recovery. Always choose kind phrasings and favor attentive listening to maintain a trust bond.
Why can certain phrases worsen distress in a bipolar person?
These phrases reinforce shame, isolation, and the feeling of misunderstanding. They cause moral pain, amplify the sense of failure, and can distance the person from loved ones or professional care. Distress intensifies when words invalidate the lived experience.
When should active listening be preferred over advice?
Prefer active listening when the person expresses strong emotions, difficulties, or is going through a crisis. This approach offers support without imposing solutions. Reserve advice only when requested. Empathy creates a safe space that fosters authentic dialogue and supports the recovery process.
