Bipolar Mother....?

Question

My mother and our family have been dealing with the ups and downs of this disorder for over 15 years. Any advice.....?

Answer 1

i am also bipolar .. have been on medication for almost 4 years now.. There's lots to say...
All 3 of those above are great answers :) .. the only thing I can add is that as individuals you do all the research you can on the subject and know that being bipolar is different for everyone that has it. With knowledge we can overcome the denial.. and empower ourselves to a better understanding of this affliction and end the negative stigmas associated with it..
Stay on the meds in good times and bad.. and always keep the lines of communication open.. Try to keep track of the moods and the things that may trigger episodes in them. Do what you can to avoid adding unnecessary stress to their life. And, by this, I am not saying keep secrets. Try to understand things from their perspective as much as you can. It is a very very frustrating affliction to live with.. especially trying to get those around you to understand what the bipolar person might be going through. They do things they can rationalize in their minds that make no sense to the outside world.. and the opposite is also true.. there are times when everything around them is going very well and they can see nothing good to take from it all. Be patient.. the swings in moods and emotions are temporary. Learn to give the person space when they need it and hugs when they need them as well. Know that nobody with this affliction has made achoice to be this way.. It is all beyond their control. And it is a very difficult thing to have to watch, and have to stand by helpless while a person is flying through the clouds of euphoria or sinking faster than a overturned ship in a hurricane.. it will pass.. and it will become easier with knowledge.. learn all you can about it. Offer to help as much as you can.. and make sure they stay on their meds at all times... even when things are going good.. The meds will not stop the cycles from happening, but, with the right mix and dosages, they are very effective at keeping them from getting too extreme.
Encouragement, understanding and flexibility is needed by all of those around them.
Good Luck :P

Answer 2

Bipolar disorder is a difficult disorder for families because the symptoms can have such a wide impact on everyone around the patient. Medication can help your mom control her symptoms, which would likely be helpful if she's not already doing that.

Other suggestions really depend on what sorts of problems those ups and downs create for the family. If it's leading to a lot of arguments and relational problems, then some sort of family counseling might be helpful to diffuse those issues. If you are finding it difficult to deal with her, it may help for you to find someone to talk with about your stress and frustrations. A counselor might be able to help you look at your relationship with your mother in different ways and help you understand your own responses to her symptoms. Especially if your mother is unwilling to be treated, getting your own support may be very helpful.

Answer 3

First of all i want you to know that i have bipolar as well as others in my family. MEDS are my life!!! i always take them even if I'm i think i m going well , i ALWAYS take them. Bipolar is tough to live with and you have to understand that what we say we don't mean to, after 7 years i have finally learned how to deal with my moods the best i know how to. its not easy and i put many people through alot of pain, but stay regular on my meds and not drinking has made life a little easier. I suggest going to a family therapy session, talking about it works wonders. remember that god never gives you more then what you can handle, pray and be grateful, life does get better

Answer 4

My mother and brothers were diagnosed with bipolar and are on medications. I, on the other hand, know that I have it, but refuse medications. I do things naturally such as sit in the sun a few hours (natural lithium), drink tea (calms me down), and take Saint Johns wort. I also have learned to control my depression in many ways.

I do not allow myself to worry about the little things....they will take care of themselves.

I don't get involved in anyone Else's problems...I have enough to deal with.

I look at one day at a time and focus on every single issue separately; bills, arguments, etc.

I also take vitamins each and every day and try and do something nice for myself once a week.

This has worked for me and when I see myself start to get depressed; I do not allow it.

You have to be strong willed to do it this way and it may not work for everyone. I think we owe it to ourselves to try it naturally before taking medications.

My mother takes medications and has been since she was 21. She was recently diagnosed as being schizophrenic. Deep down I know that the medications she is on, is what's making her this way.

Good Luck to you and family!

Answer 5

Thus is a very hard disorder to live with. Is she on meds? I don't know how anyone can live without meds with bipolar. I would say...pray and support her the best you can. Do some research, read alot about bi-polar and help her by trying to learn and understand what she has to deal with everyday of her life. Best of luck to you and yours.