Bipolar Support: Build a Family Support Plan in the Okanagan

When bipolar disorder touches a family, it often brings more questions than answers. You might notice shifts in energy, sleep, mood, or decision-making and wonder: Is this something to worry about? What do we do next? How do we help without making things worse?

A bipolar support plan is a practical, compassionate way to reduce guesswork. It gives everyone a shared playbook—so support isn’t improvised in the hardest moments. The goal isn’t control. It’s clarity, dignity, and safer steps forward.

At the Dakota Foundation for Bipolar Awareness, the mission includes funding early detection, engaging family support, and reducing stigma so more people can access hope, resources, and support in the Okanagan Valley. You can read the Foundation’s mission statement here: https://dakotafoundation.ca/about-dfba/mission-statement/.

Below is a simple framework you can adapt for your family.

What a bipolar support plan is (and what it isn’t)

A bipolar support plan is a written agreement that answers four questions:

  1. What helps when things are going well?
  2. What are early warning signs that things are shifting?
  3. What steps do we take when symptoms escalate?
  4. Who do we contact for help—locally and immediately?

It isn’t a replacement for medical care, and it isn’t a “set it and forget it” document. Think of it as a living guide you update as you learn what works.

If you’re looking for local and provincial resources to include in your plan, the Foundation’s Resources / Need Help? page is a strong starting point: https://dakotafoundation.ca/resources-need-help/.

Step 1: Agree on shared goals and supportive language

Before you write anything, choose a calm time to talk and agree on two things:

  • The purpose: safety, stability, and respect
  • The tone: supportive, not punitive

Helpful language to use:

  • “I’m noticing a change and I care about you.”
  • “How can I support you right now?”
  • “Would you be open to checking in with a professional together?”

Language to avoid (even when scared):

  • “You’re acting crazy.”
  • “You’re ruining everything.”
  • “If you loved us, you’d stop.”

If the conversation is tense, consider involving a neutral third party (counsellor, family mediator, or peer-support setting) as you build the plan.

Step 2: Define personal early warning signs

Early warning signs can look different for each person. The plan works best when the individual living with bipolar helps define what’s true for them.

Common early signs to track include:

  • Sleeping much less (or much more) than usual
  • Rapid speech, racing thoughts, or increased irritability
  • Overspending, impulsive decisions, or risky behaviour
  • Withdrawal, hopelessness, or loss of interest in usual routines
  • Increased substance use or self-medicating

Write these as observations, not accusations. For example:

  • “Sleeping 3–4 hours for multiple nights”
  • “Taking on many new projects at once”
  • “Skipping meals or forgetting to hydrate”

If you want an additional, reputable overview to reference when writing this section, HealthLinkBC offers a bipolar disorder resource page you can add to your plan: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/bipolar-disorder.

Step 3: Create a “Green / Yellow / Red” action guide

This is the heart of the plan. Keep it simple so you can use it under stress.

Green Zone: Things are steady

What helps maintain stability?

  • Consistent sleep and wake time
  • Movement (walks, yoga, gym routine)
  • Meal routines and hydration
  • Therapy, counselling, or support group check-ins
  • Medication adherence (if prescribed)

Add a short “support menu,” such as:

  • “A quiet evening at home”
  • “A walk together”
  • “Help with scheduling appointments”
  • “No big decisions after 9 p.m.”

Yellow Zone: Early shifts are showing up

What we do early:

  • Reduce stimulation (less caffeine/alcohol, fewer late nights, lighter schedule)
  • Increase structure (sleep routine, reminders, meals)
  • Add a check-in plan (“text at lunch,” “call after work,” “daily mood rating”)
  • Contact a care provider or counsellor if symptoms persist

If youth or young adults are involved, Foundry BC may be a helpful support to include in your list (Kelowna location details are also referenced on the Foundation’s resources page): https://foundrybc.ca/.

Red Zone: Safety is a concern

What we do immediately:

  • Stay with the person (if safe to do so)
  • Remove access to substances or means of harm when possible
  • Call professional help or emergency services if there is imminent risk

Include crisis resources directly in the plan. The Dakota Foundation homepage lists options like texting “CONNECT” to 741741 and crisis numbers; you can keep those front-and-centre here: https://dakotafoundation.ca/.
You can also add BC resources that appear on the Foundation’s resources page, like the 310-6789 support line and Interior Health contacts: https://dakotafoundation.ca/resources-need-help/.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Step 4: Add a “Support team” contact list

Include:

  • Family/friends the person trusts (with phone numbers)
  • Family doctor or primary care clinic
  • Counsellor/therapist
  • Local supports and trusted organizations

Options you may choose to include (depending on fit):

Keep this list accessible (notes app + printed copy). In a crisis, searching is the enemy.

Step 5: Plan for boundaries, money, and decision-making

Bipolar symptoms can affect spending, risk-taking, and big life decisions. It’s not unloving to plan for that—it’s protective.

Consider adding agreements like:

  • “No major purchases over $X without a 24-hour pause”
  • “No quitting jobs, moving, or relationship ultimatums during Yellow/Red”
  • “One trusted person holds onto credit cards temporarily (if agreed in advance)”

The key is consent and clarity before symptoms escalate.

Step 6: Review the plan monthly (even when things are good)

Set a recurring reminder to review:

  • What helped?
  • What didn’t help?
  • Do we need new resources?
  • Are the early warning signs still accurate?

Support plans reduce shame when they’re treated as normal—like updating a household budget or a calendar.

How the community can help in the Okanagan

The Dakota Foundation exists to bring awareness and connect people with services and support, while also building a community hub of information for the Okanagan. If you want to get involved, you can:

Every contribution—time, attention, or dollars—helps reduce stigma and strengthen the support net that families rely on.

FAQ

What if my loved one refuses to make a support plan?

Start with the part you can do: write down your observations, your boundaries, and your emergency contacts. Then invite collaboration later when things are calmer.

Should we include medication details in the plan?

Only if the person is comfortable. It can be helpful to list prescriber contact information and what to do if a dose is missed, but privacy matters.

What’s the biggest mistake families make?

Waiting until the Red Zone. The earlier you act (Yellow Zone), the easier it is to protect relationships and reduce harm.

Where can I find local help quickly?

Begin with the Foundation’s Need Help and Resources pages for Okanagan-focused options:
https://dakotafoundation.ca/ and https://dakotafoundation.ca/resources-need-help/.

Important note: This article is for education and support planning only and isn’t medical advice. If you’re worried about immediate safety, call 911 or seek emergency help right away.

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