In severe cases of bipolar disorder, families typically find that their social network starts shrinking in size for several reasons.  The family is often embarrassed by the varied symptoms of an ill relative whether these symptoms have to do with poor self-care skills or belligerent behavior.  Visitors may feel awkward about what to say or how to help the family.  Usually they say nothing at all and soon both family and friends find themselves participating in a conspiracy of silence.  Eventually, it becomes easier to avoid each other.

Going to a bipolar support group is one way to reduce the sense of isolation a family often faces.  Through the practice of self-disclosure and the development of a vocabulary to use and the self-confidence to use it, a family can gradually learn how to communicate with extended family members and friends.