Dealing with Bi-Polar?!
Question: Dealing with Bi-Polar.?
Does anyone have experience dealing with a close friend / relative who has bi-polar.?
This person in my life actually exhausts me with everything he does and says. But I keep in mind its a sickness and try to be patient with him...its hard!
Any experience, ideas, suggestions would be great!
Thank you!
PS - no, he wont take meds, and Ive tried telling him to a bunch of times, but he thinks he's fine - pretty typical Im finding out!Health Question & Answer
This person in my life actually exhausts me with everything he does and says. But I keep in mind its a sickness and try to be patient with him...its hard!
Any experience, ideas, suggestions would be great!
Thank you!
PS - no, he wont take meds, and Ive tried telling him to a bunch of times, but he thinks he's fine - pretty typical Im finding out!Health Question & Answer
Answers:
I myself am suffering from bipolar (type 2) and I know how hard it is on my family and close friends. Although I am medicated, I still sometimes get irritable and end up saying hurtfull things to the people I love the most (and then I feel bad about it...)
My suggestions to you is:
I would sit that person down ( when he is in a "receptive" mood) and calmly explain to him how his condition is affecting you. Reassure him by saying that you want to be by his side but, at the same time he needs to get help because it is to much for you to handle on your own. That if you get sick (with stress and anxiety) and have a nervous breakdown or a burn-out, you won't be able to be there for him.
I understand that he doesn't want to take medication but, that's like someone suffering from cancer and refusing to get treatment. Just because he has "a sickness", that doesn't give him a "green light" on acting any way he wants. Has he ever considered taking therapy sessions.? Those help allot!! Some people say that therapy doesn't really work, and that is only true if the person is not committed 100% to helping himself!!
Unfortunately, not all therapist are good. Some cause more harm then help. So he will have to "shop-around" for a good therapist that "clicks" with him. ( I had to go see over 6 therapist before finding the right one for me. But now that I have a good therapist -that I trust and feel secure with- I have made allot of improvements!! )
Personally, I would give him an "ultimatum" by saying that he needs to admit he needs help and he needs to go get some support, because you are unable to handel all of it on your own, and you can't stand by him and see/let him deteriorate like that. That you care deeply about him but, seeing "like that" breaks your heart and that you can't help but be concerned/affected by it. And if he refuses to do that, take some distance. It may seem harsh but sometimes that's what will help people from being in denial that they are in control and don't need help.
Their are also support groups for people that have family or friends suffering from bipolar disorder. You could find help for yourself there. Ask your doctor /or a social worker /or a counselor for information on support group (Where and when). Or you could always call the crisis help line in your area and they will be able to give you support and all the information you need.
I hope I've helped you,
Good luck ;)Health Question & Answer
My suggestions to you is:
I would sit that person down ( when he is in a "receptive" mood) and calmly explain to him how his condition is affecting you. Reassure him by saying that you want to be by his side but, at the same time he needs to get help because it is to much for you to handle on your own. That if you get sick (with stress and anxiety) and have a nervous breakdown or a burn-out, you won't be able to be there for him.
I understand that he doesn't want to take medication but, that's like someone suffering from cancer and refusing to get treatment. Just because he has "a sickness", that doesn't give him a "green light" on acting any way he wants. Has he ever considered taking therapy sessions.? Those help allot!! Some people say that therapy doesn't really work, and that is only true if the person is not committed 100% to helping himself!!
Unfortunately, not all therapist are good. Some cause more harm then help. So he will have to "shop-around" for a good therapist that "clicks" with him. ( I had to go see over 6 therapist before finding the right one for me. But now that I have a good therapist -that I trust and feel secure with- I have made allot of improvements!! )
Personally, I would give him an "ultimatum" by saying that he needs to admit he needs help and he needs to go get some support, because you are unable to handel all of it on your own, and you can't stand by him and see/let him deteriorate like that. That you care deeply about him but, seeing "like that" breaks your heart and that you can't help but be concerned/affected by it. And if he refuses to do that, take some distance. It may seem harsh but sometimes that's what will help people from being in denial that they are in control and don't need help.
Their are also support groups for people that have family or friends suffering from bipolar disorder. You could find help for yourself there. Ask your doctor /or a social worker /or a counselor for information on support group (Where and when). Or you could always call the crisis help line in your area and they will be able to give you support and all the information you need.
I hope I've helped you,
Good luck ;)Health Question & Answer
I am Bi-Polar, and with medication and therapy I am my normal self. Bi-Polar unlike other mental disorders is one where with treatment a person can be themselves again. The struggle is finding the right treatment for that person, which can take years. You don't get diagnosed with bi-polar and refuse medication or treatment and do nothing about it, thats dangerous. You don't know the thoughts crossing his mind, SUICIDE is real and happens when people with Bi-Polar go without treatment. Try to see if they are having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming others or exhibit this behavior and Baker-act them. This may seem harsh but after being forced to get some treatment and when they see they can feel better it shows someone there is hope. I hate seeing everyone else complain about how they "deal" with their loved ones problem. But you guys don't know the internal struggle someone going untreated is going through. ITS HORRIBLE!! Stop being so selfish and thinking about yourself, and if you really love this person force treatment on them before you find them dead because of suicide!Health Question & Answer
It seems like you got some responses from people with who live with a person with the bi-polar person. I would like to provide you with a different perspective. I was diagnosed with the bipolar disorder over ten years ago. I think the most important thing I've learned as a bipolar patient is that I have a choice of being responsible for my actions and behavior....regardless if I have a mental disorder or not. Over the years, I've realized I should not use my mental disorder as excuse for any destructive actions or behavior. If anything, I've realize I can seek treatment to prevent them.
It was my college friends who made realize there are ways to treat bipolar disorder. I am on medication, and I attend a therapy session once a week. But in the end, it was me who had to realize that I need to take the responsibility to treat my disorder so I can contribute to society. Everyone is different so every person has his/her own way of treating a mental illness. But if his/her behavior is affecting the people around him/her, it's time to seek professional help.
A lot of people do not like the thought of taking medication. Maybe he can start with therapy sessions (that's what I did) and go from there. But he first needs to realize he does have a choice of treating his illness.
Good luck to you.
Health Question & Answer
It was my college friends who made realize there are ways to treat bipolar disorder. I am on medication, and I attend a therapy session once a week. But in the end, it was me who had to realize that I need to take the responsibility to treat my disorder so I can contribute to society. Everyone is different so every person has his/her own way of treating a mental illness. But if his/her behavior is affecting the people around him/her, it's time to seek professional help.
A lot of people do not like the thought of taking medication. Maybe he can start with therapy sessions (that's what I did) and go from there. But he first needs to realize he does have a choice of treating his illness.
Good luck to you.
Health Question & Answer
I can fully relate to you. I live with my father who is bi-polar and refuses to take medicine. Ultimately, the disorder cost him his marriage, house, car, etc. It's very frustrating living with a bi-polar person (no wonder my mother divorced him). Most of the time I find myself ignoring him due to frustration. Patience is particularly useful in dealing with mental health disorders.Health Question & Answer
Sometimes those people are in denial and maybe has a deeper reason as to why he wouldn't want to take any medication for his disorder. Yes, it's going to frustrate you but just be patient (as you've stated you are) with him. Time will take it's toll and eventually he will believe himself that he has a problem that he needs help with, you can't help those who don't want to be helped. Good luck!Health Question & Answer
First of all I'm going to let u know that u couldn't buy enough patience to care for someone with this type of sickness. My adopted sister is bipolar and it was horrible living with her and she took her meds, most of the time. Several times we had to have her hospitalized. It was very traumatic for us but it was what she needed. She didn't feel like anything was wrong but her behavior was damn near psychotic @ times. The only way its going to get any better is getting help from a med. professional. What's worse is that I was diagnosed with bipolar mania about a year ago. I now take depekot and am doing fine. My sister takes something much stronger but she hasn't had any manic episodes in a long time. I hope I helped and good luck because you'll need it Health Question & Answer
yes, it is pretty typical of a bi polar patient to not want to take med's. They don't think that the med's are doing them any good. when in actuality they are helping them to stay on an even temper. when they don't have them they go psyhcotic or manic. I wonder sometimes if they even remember how mean they can get. One min. nice as can be and normal. the next min. they turn in to dr. jeckel.Health Question & Answer
my mother in law is bipolar and since we all moved in together the mania is a problem...most of the time it is hard to cope with but i found that if they are having those "bad days" then i go out for a long walk with her and the physical exhaustion diminishes the mental jump.
other than that ignore the behaviors... and avoid the things that set him off. There are triggers so just look out for them. Health Question & Answer
other than that ignore the behaviors... and avoid the things that set him off. There are triggers so just look out for them. Health Question & Answer
If he has a mental disorder and won't seek help and/or take medication what point is there.? What do you think you can do aside from having a nervous breakdown yourself.? This person will do nothing but drag you down with him, leave him be, honestly.Health Question & Answer
I'm with blue_bip. He gave you a lot of great suggestions.
DebbieHealth Question & Answer
DebbieHealth Question & Answer