Mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depression) affect millions of people. Their family members and friends are affected too. If someone you love has a mood disorder, you may be feeling helpless, overwhelmed, confused and hopeless, or you may feel hurt, angry, frustrated and resentful. You may also have feelings of guilt, shame and isolation, or feelings of sadness, exhaustion and fear. All of these feelings are normal.

• Your loved one’s illness is not your fault (or your loved one’s fault).
• You can’t make your loved one well, but you can offer support, understanding and hope.
• Each person experiences a mood disorder differently, with different symptoms.
• The best way to find out what your loved one needs from you is by asking direct questions.

• Contact information (including emergency numbers) for your loved one's doctor, therapist, and psychiatrist, your local hospital, and trusted friends and family members who can help in a crisis.
• Whether you have permission to discuss your loved one's treatment with his or her doctors, and if not, what you need to do to get permission.
• The treatments and medications your loved one is receiving, any special dosage instructions and any needed changes in diet or activity.
• The most likely warning signs of a worsening manic or depressive episode (words and behaviors) and what you can do to help.
• What kind of day-to-day help you can offer, such as doing housework or grocery shopping.

When talking with your loved one's health care providers, be patient, polite and assertive. Ask for clarification of things you do not understand. Write down things you need to remember.