how can you set limits on someone with untreated bipolar disease?

Question

without a rage or anger issue how can we best ask our family member to stop spreading rumors about us and our children - our family is suffering terribly

Answer 1

i have bipolar and i highly recommend some meds and a great mental health doctor,, the only way you can stop all the crap is setting boundaries with the other person, boundaries are the key, i recommend the book too

Answer 2

You will need to see a mental health specialist with him. Most communities have clinics so cost is low. Trying to deal with bi polars without meds is wasted energy and effort. There are a LOT of behavior problems associated with this state of mind when untreated. The weird thing about it is the afflicted person often hasn't a clue that his/her behavior is inappropriate, and also feels quite well, at least from their prospective. They can't help these strange behaviors. It is a disease.
If you care about the rumors, if the people involved know of the bipolar, they will take what he/she says with skepticism. But you must tell only the ones who matter to you, and just let the other ones go. Try not to harass the bipolar, for as often as not, they can't control their behavior. Arguing with a bi-polar is a lose lose situation.
Get hem/her treatment! It can make a world of difference.
G.

Answer 3

I really think the family needs to get together on this one and have a talk with the person about how his/her behavior has been effecting you. Setting appropriate boundaries is key in this situation. Calling out inappropriate behaviors and setting real consequences to those behaviors is a good idea. Your family member should have a buy in to those consequences. Always provide the option of seeking mental health treatment. Unfortunately, she/he may be completely capable of denying treatment. You have to realize that the bipolar will not go away and decide how/what you want to do to support your family member. Good luck to you!

Answer 4

Go purchase a book about Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Bipolar adults are often found to have ODD when a child. The books I've read have really helped me understand and deal with Bipolar Disorder in a family member. It gives you the tools on how to set limits, and teach your family member how to deal with their problem indirectly. They have also helped me be a better parent because all children go through phases of ODD. Good luck!

Answer 5

There is only one way to make sure a family member isn't spreading rumors and that is: stay the hll away from them. They will know nothing that is going on with you if you are not around and the other family members that are just as imature stay away from them too! The only time you really need to be with other family members is The big damily gatherings and heck you don't have to stay very long just long enough to say Hi!

Answer 6

If this family member has been diagnosed with Bipolar and has refused treatment and is harrassing your family, you can call the Dept. of Mental Health and report this behavior. You must be able to prove damage, danger to self or danger to others. The dept. may send someone out to assess this family member.

Answer 7

i have a 22 year old bi-polar son who went untreated for several years (he refused to take medication).

i don't know which person is the untreated bi-polar person ~ the one spreading rumors? sometimes the right thing to do is the hardest thing to do and that would be to disassociate yourself from that person. otherwise you are enabling them to continue their bad behavior.

my son has said some of the most hateful and unforgiveable things to me when he was in a bi-polar manic rage. even tho it is so hurtful ~ they don't really understand why they are saying what they are saying or doing what they are doing. but until they get help ..and get on medication ... your best course of action is to distance yourself from that person.

try to understand the source ... and pray for them to get the help they so desperately need.

maybe some kind of intervention is in order.

good luck and i will be praying for you.

Answer 8

You cant. People with mental disorders that are left untreated don't experience reality. They don't see or feel what someone else does. They need a good doctor and medication.

Answer 9

Try Welbutrin. As far as setting limits... it depends on what you're willing to tolerate. This person needs to be told that his or her behavior is unacceptable and that there could be unpleasant consequences.