Stepping back so the person can do more for themselves

People can become used to certain relationships like caregiving relationships. Occasionally, some caregivers may find it hard to let go when the person is able to do more for themselves. This ongoing caregiving can be exhausting and make it difficult for the person to develop confidence in their own abilities.

The following suggestions may help:

  • Look at the benefits of not continuing to be as actively involved in caregiving as you were before.
  • Take time to relax and focus on other aspects of your life, relationships, hobbies or work.
  • Find other ways to relate to the person that do not involve the person’s bipolar disorder.