how can you tell someone you think they have bipolar disorder (kindly)?

Answer 1

First of all I think you should leave that part to a professional. BUT, to tell someone you think they may need to see a shrink/therapist can be very tricky. Start by telling the person how much you care about them. Tell them that you've noticed they are having some difficulties in their moods and you'd like to help them but that you think they should go see someone who is better qualified to help them. Don't push the conversation but try to let it come naturally. They may get offensive but stress how concerned you are for them. Alot of times the one talk won't have an effect so if it doesn't don't get discouraged. Don't nag but bring up on more occasions when you think your friend will be more reseptive. Maybe you'll luck out the first time and your friend will be relieved that you care enough to notice and seek help. Good luck.

Answer 2

That is a tough question. What would make you think he or she is bipolar? Do you really know that much about the illness? It is very serious and needs to be correctly diagnosed by a mental health professional. Sometimes the person doesn't see it themselves and does need another person to point it out. They often will not seek help on their own. However, it is a sensitive subject. Do you think he or she would really listen to you? Are you close enough that you can talk openly? If not, then someone else should talk to them that has more influence. It has to be someone they really trust or they will just get defensive and not listen. It may help if they take one of the online questionnaires first - or read about the symptoms - then seek professional help. (You could print out the symptoms for them to read or give them a book - there are many good ones. Check reviews at Amazon.) Left untreated, it can be deadly, but there lots of effective treatments nowadays. Approach them with care and when they are in a mood to listen. Offer to go along to an appointment if you are close. It really helps to have support and know that someone cares! If you had posted more information, it would be easier to answer your question, but I hope some of this helps you - and your friend.

Answer 3

That depends on how this person feels about mental illness. If they look at mental illness the same way they look at physical illness, just something that needs to be treated, there should be no problem with being straightforward. Bipolar disorder is very treatable.

On the other hand, if they think of mental illness as "crazy people" or fake, there might be a problem. If that is the case, I have no advice to offer. Sorry.

And for the person who said it is hard to diagnose, that's not true. The reason bipolar disorder is misdiagnosed is because the doctor only sees the depression side of it. Sometimes the doctor never sees or hears about the mania and sometimes the mania is so mild the person doesn't recognize it as something to inform the doctor of. If you think this person is bipolar, the best thing you can do is tell the doctor your reasons for thinking that. Maybe you could write a note for your friend to give to the doctor.

A good way to bring the subject up might be to show your friend some literature on bipolar disorder. You can get this literature from your county mental health clinic or any hospital. Let your friend decide if those symptoms apply or not.

Answer 4

You can't. You can express your concern for them and bring up the idea of counseling. Bipolar is not easily diagnosed especially if they are under the age of 20, or are using alcohol or drugs.
Only a professional can go through ALL of the symptoms to properly diagnosis a person.

Answer 5

How do know they have bipolar disorder? Most doctors have a hard time diagnosing this behaviour problem. It usually takes a few years and a lot of mis-diagnosed before it can be narrowed down to bipolar.

Answer 6

The biggy of bi-polar is that most with it don't recognize it .
They think their actions are normal. Even those on medications sooner or later try ot come off of the medications and live free of it. Some succeed to soem degree but end up in treatment.
They simply do not want tobe thought of as with bi-polar.
A coupla of my best online friends have bi-polar and one handles her medication well while the other has gone medication free for 6 months now but I think she will end up in treatment to get back on her medicine.
Unless it's family I think you should talk wiht her/his family first.
If they don't have family you should talk it over with them. Explain what they are unknowingly doing. show them that their actions have brought up concerns for their health.
Above all don't give up on your friends or family. I fthey do have bi-polar and don't know it. It will take time and understanding.

Answer 7

This is a very good blog, a beginner’s guide to abnormal psychology.
Short, clear and simple; and you can even post your question and contact the author regarding particular subject you are interested in

http://sensitive-psychoworld.blogspot.com/

Answer 8

let me know what the best answer is, becuase I need to tell my sister in law.


Seriously.