My sister is bipolar & recently lost her husband to death due to a fall. How can I let her know I am here for her?
2006-11-18 16:22:04 · 6 answers · asked by bsweeney1956 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
talk to her each day to make sure she took her medication and that she makes the Dr. appointments, now more than ever. If you really want to help, go with her to see the mental health professional and ask with her what you should/can do and what you should avoid/report. And just be there, even if she can't see you sometimes. Bi-polar is hard enough with out something so horrible happening on top of it all. She is lucky to have you care so much for her. Most bi-polar people have few close/long term relationships even with family. God bless you and your family in this painful time.
2006-11-18 16:36:07 · answer #1 · answered by scornedgypsy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The short answer, a person with Bipolar disorder is no different than either you or I. We all grieve differently. The best thing you can do is to be there for her, comfort her, talk to her, and love her. Death is hard for anyone, especially when compounded with a mental illness.
It shows that you care a lot about her to want to learn more about Bipolar disorder. I have included a few links from sources that I think are trust worthy.
The main concern that I have, is that if she is Bipolar and has a difficult time (such as a death) her condition may get worse or the disease could become very problematic. The main thing that you should do is be with her, watch her, and let her know things are ok and that everything will be fine.
On the first link, please pay attention to the first source. If you see any of those symptoms, pay close attention and maybe encourage her to see a counselor. Most importantly, if she becomes violent or has odd thoughts carefully watch her and seek medical attention.
I hope this information helps, and I am sorry for your sisters loss, I know everything happens for a reason and it will all work out!
2006-11-18 16:29:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Learn about bipolar disorder, its causes, and its treatment. Talk with a healthcare provider, if possible.
Learn to recognize the warning signs of mania (extreme highs) and depression (extreme lows). You may notice the symptoms before the patient does. If you notice symptoms, talk to the patient in a caring manner and suggest a visit to a healthcare provider.
Encourage the patient to stay with treatment. If treatment doesn’t seem to be helping, or if side effects are severe, encourage the patient to talk to his or her healthcare provider. If things still don’t get better, consider suggesting that the patient get a second opinion.
Work with the patient to help him or her keep healthcare provider appointments. Help make a list of the patient’s medications (include the name of the medication, how much to take, when to take it, how to take it, and what it treats), healthcare providers, and phone numbers.
Help monitor medication use - it can be dangerous to stop or restart a medication without a healthcare provider’s advice.
Use of alcohol and street drugs can make symptoms worse. Help the patient understand the potential consequences.
If the patient has a mood episode and feels your concern is interference, remember that this is not necessarily a rejection of you, but could be part of the illness.
Do things with, rather than for, a person recovering from an episode.
Consider using periods of stability to agree to certain safeguards. This can include hospitalization or withholding credit cards, car keys, or banking privileges. Be aware that during an episode, the patient may not comply with the agreement.
Bipolar disorder is a chronic, lifelong condition, but with appropriate treatment there is hope. Your support can make a difference.
2006-11-18 16:28:05 · answer #3 · answered by mrshouck2004 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact a family support network. www.bipolarsupport.org for example. a net search will help you find one closer to your area. One of the most important things you can do for her right now is keep a close and loving eye on her, but don't let her feel that you are doing it. At times like these people with Bipolar dissorders tend to stop taking meds, some make outragous perchases, some loose their sense of reality. If you notice any alarming changes in routine, eating habit etc. contact her health care professional. Get help from others to allow you to help her.
2006-11-18 16:30:46 · answer #4 · answered by Alezzia 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep in touch with her and spend as much time as pssible with her doing anything. I know when you are bi-polar it's hard to be interested in anything or enjoy things at all. I have been taking a new med for my bi-polar called Limectal. It has done wonders!! Just be close and let her know she can talk to you about anything anytime night or day. I hope this helps. I'll pray for you and her and ask God to wrap his arms around the both of you during this hard time.
God Bless,
Deb
2006-11-18 17:04:06 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only thing you can do to help her cope with her loss is to allow her to open up of her own free will. Because if you force her or push the envelope with her, she will retreat into her own space and not allow any one else in family or not. Maybe you can also offer to do things with her to help occupy her mind so that she doesn't get too depressed, or Maybe go to a spa/Massage clinic with her to help her to relax.
2006-11-18 17:35:32 · answer #6 · answered by orchid2800 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋