I am diagnosed with bipolar I. My experience over time (lots and lots of time) is that the sleeping thing can be an indicator that a manic phase is beginning OR it can be (for me anyway) that the lack of sleep may be the thing that causes the mood shift to happen. Either way, all you can do is to encourage your mom to go visit her doctor.
I know that being 15 and having a parent with a mind illness can be scary. Please remember that her health is not something that you can control. You can only be there to offer support. You can't make her better or make her worse.
It's wonderful that you want to help, but don't ever feel that it is your mom's health is your responsibility.
2006-12-21 09:58:20
·
answer #1
·
answered by doug k 5
·
4⤊
0⤋
It's going to be very difficult to stop this "episode" if your mom hasn't been taking her meds all along. Psychiatric meds don't work all of a sudden, like a tylenol will. They need time to build up in your system, which is why dosage adjustments are done with so much time in between. The answer is definitely not to give your mom sleeping pills - what if you give her too many? That could be life threatening. This is a very grown up thing you're having to deal with at such a young age. Please just try to keep you and your mom safe, and remember that she has an illness. If you think you need professional help, call her psychiatrist or bring her to an Emergency Room. Medical professionals should be able to assist her. I hope everything works out; keep me posted. --a concerned MD in NOLA
2006-12-21 07:40:45
·
answer #2
·
answered by Melissa F 1
·
3⤊
0⤋
Have her see a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, which can provide her with many very effective coping mechanisms and strategies which will help her tremendously.
It is Very Expensive to see such a Therapist.
But another alternative is to buy, read and study AND "to put into Practice"
the excellent techniques in the book:
"Coming to Our Senses"
BY: Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn PhD.
This will help her tremendously, and it is a sound alternative to going directly to a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, which can be Very Expensive. And once she starts going they will require her to continue to go for some time.
I hope this helps you and your mother some.
From an R.N. with a Master's Degree.
2006-12-21 07:41:18
·
answer #3
·
answered by Thomas 6
·
1⤊
0⤋
For families and friends, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder can be difficult to accept. But it can also be a relief. Finally, a reason for the unpredictable mood swings has been identified. Treatment can begin.
It's important for people with bipolar disorder to be active in their own care. But your support can be valuable in helping them cope with their condition.
Your help can make a difference
* 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.
Bipolar disorder is a chronic, lifelong condition. But with appropriate treatment there is hope. Your support for a person with bipolar disorder can make a difference.
A treatment contract may help
For family members and friends, a "Treatment Contract" can be a powerful and practical way to support a person with bipolar disorder.
In the contract, the person with bipolar disorder agrees to give you permission to carry out his or her instructions for treatment if bipolar symptoms make it difficult for the person to take care of himself or herself. Both you and the person with bipolar disorder would agree as to when, where, and how the instructions are to be carried out.
The Harvard Bipolar Research Program provides a downloadable treatment contract that you can print and fill out. You also could create a treatment contract yourself.
How much help is too much?
Am I being protective -- or overprotective? Should I pay off credit card debts from a hypomanic spending spree? Which of my actions will help and which will hurt?
These are hard questions. The answers may be very different from person to person and family to family.
Some people benefit from counseling or support groups. The stress on you can be very great. Find out how others are dealing with similar questions, and what might work for you. Consider talking to your healthcare provider.
Your help is important, but encourage the person to take an active role in his or her treatment. Encourage self-care!
If the person becomes violent or suicidal, call 911 to get help immediately.
http://www.bipolar.com/how_to_help.html
2006-12-21 07:44:28
·
answer #4
·
answered by Sancira 7
·
0⤊
0⤋
Bipolar disorder is a very serious thing, you do not want to medicate her that is her doctors job. I would have her call her doctor right away. If you feel you can't approach your mom, then call a family member and ask for help.
If you are scared that your mom will harm you or herself then call the police.
2006-12-21 07:47:29
·
answer #5
·
answered by Anonymous
·
1⤊
0⤋
Confide in your mom or another adult about your worries. If you can talk to her, suggest meeting with a doctor. You may also be able to find a support group in your area that can help teens of parents with mental disorders. Your mom may also want to find a local support group or an on line support group.
2006-12-24 16:06:52
·
answer #6
·
answered by Luv 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
im bipolar and have 5 kids.i take my meds to be well enough to be there for them.but you cant make anyone take their meds.if you can talk to your mom tell her how you feel.i know how scary it
has to be for you and i wish there was a easy answer,but you are
NOT responsible for your mom.you need to be concerned about you.it sounds selfish,but your 15 your allowed to think about how
to live your life.they (docs)tell u that u must take care of u before u can help anyone else
2006-12-22 17:23:33
·
answer #7
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋