Living with a bipolar family member may not feel like living at all. Emotions and reactions to basically anything can be hard both on the family and the person struggling with bipolar disorder. We can call this a two-way struggle. However, there are some ground rules you can educate yourself with in order to make your lives just a little, not easier maybe, but, simpler.

One thing to keep in mind: Do not lie to a bipolar person. It can seem like the only choice in situations where you know a storm will surely follow. You used their stuff by mistake or accidentally broke something that belonged to them.

Even a general question from your family member with bipolar disorder can pretty much freak you out (unless of course, they ask whether you have done something you know might tick them off).

So, we tend to beat around the bush or lie to avoid the forthcoming.

We know what will follow and we are in no way wanting to deal with that but do not lie to this person. Be straight with them. They might have a cynical view of the world, already feeling alienated by our constant caution from the outburst. So, lying can make them feel like they cannot even trust those closest to them, much fewer people out in the world.

Be courageous and do not lie.

Be polite, own up to what you did, and most importantly be honest with them. If it is something personal, you may say, "I guarantee it does not concern you, so I cannot tell you." Keep it simple - there is way too much complicated stuff going on already.

We wonder why touching a minor belonging of theirs might trigger an outburst. Most people are not a fan of sharing. They feel their personal space has been violated, and can further lead your bipolar relative to feel like nothing they own is really theirs. They struggle to have control over themselves, and the one thing they do have control over is their belongings, however big or small they may be.

You should evaluate your every move or thing you want to say. Do not treat the person as if they are monsters; it only emphasizes their already stressful, unpredictable phase. You may notice that they behave well in front of people who have no idea of the issues they are grappling with. They feel normal—as if part of the crowd (although a crowd being normal is debatable). They do not feel alienated.

Do not forget the invite. They never step outside of the house, and if you are going to a party, they still want that invite. They still want to be asked. Maybe it is that one day out of many that they actually might feel like stepping out and not being asked can make them feel alone and not cared for.

So have boundaries of your own you cannot compromise on and respect their boundaries, which you should not compromise on either.

Treat them equally. We are sometimes no better and we all can count on instances when we can say so about ourselves.