they thought they were bipolar and it runs in the family but now they are on a different mood swing and think they are fine. they are married and have two young children but spouse is afraid if they confront them they will walk out on marriage. what do we do to help this person and how do we go about it, we have them going to a therapist under the pretense of marriage counseling but the therapist is also concerned about the issue being brought up, so who can help this person????
2007-02-12 15:47:37 · 12 answers · asked by jossieray 5 in Health ➔ Mental Health
It is very difficult to get someone to a doctor for any mental illness, and even more difficult to do what the doctor recommends for them as they may take their prescribed medication but once they start feeling better, they may feel they don't need it, and that's when they run into problems. Bi-polar disease can manifest itself in many different ways, but being depressed, then up-swinging to a wonderful mood is normal for this illness. If the spouse is afraid for their safety or safety of the children, then the only option is for them to leave until their spouse can recognize that they do have a problem.
Worrying that the affected person will leave them shouldn't even enter into this. If they have a good marriage, the person should listen to their significant other and want to do something to make themselves better. However, bi-polar is so hard to get that person to realize it. If it comes down to it, the unaffected spouse and a medical doctor/psychiatrist can have the person committed. Hopefully they will realize themselves that there is a huge problem and want to assist in their own recovery.
Good luck to your friend..
2007-02-12 16:14:45 · answer #1 · answered by sweetiern34 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one.
That person needs to have limits and boundaries set and they need to learn that if they want loving relationships in their life, they need to take care of themselves emotionally. If they don't do it themselves, especially bipolar disorder, they will never do it fully. You can't avoid a crisis, all the time. Most likely, the husband, or wife, will need to explain to the person that they love them, but they are not going to continue on until they are evaluated by a physician. If that person walks out, then they do. That doesn't mean they won't come back, it might just take that for them to realize what they stand to lose. It sounds as if there is a lot of support, so in this case I think the family, friends, everyone, should be in on the limit setting. Then that person who is struggling will be forced to look at their problems, or they will lose the respect from the people they love.
People have to learn to help themselves, otherwise, it will take psychosis to have them committed, even then, it will only be for a few months. They might get better and then refuse to take their meds and then the cycle persists. It's better to set limits off the bat rather than wait to do the same thing eventually.
Follow the advice of the therapist, above mine, but I hope you gained a little insight! Good luck!
2007-02-12 15:57:25 · answer #2 · answered by DanaZ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just a thought - but I have a family member initially diagnosed as bipolar, but since has been diagnosed as Borderline Personality Disorder. The fear you describe reminds me so much of the person I know.
If it is BPD, it will take a different type of treatment to reach this person.
Take a look at the link and see if this description sounds familiar. It's just a thought, but I wish the person in my family had had the correct diagnosis sooner.
From the website below:
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental illness characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behavior. This instability often disrupts family and work life, long-term planning, and the individual's sense of self-identity. Originally thought to be at the "borderline" of psychosis, people with BPD suffer from a disorder of emotion regulation. While less well known than schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), BPD is more common, affecting 2 percent of adults.
2007-02-12 15:56:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cannot make someone get help if they don't want help. If the husband is fearful for the kids then he needs to get them out of that situation. He must do what is best for the kids first. Also if they are seeing a therapist and he won't confront her then he is not much of a therapist. Any good therapist would send her for testingt for Bipolar and then tell her the results and help her get it treated. I
2007-02-12 15:53:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aggression and racing thoughts can both be symptoms of bipolar disorder, but you can't diagnose yourself. You need to find a counselor or psychiatrist to establish a real diagnosis and course of treatment. For mental health I personally don't recommend a GP because they don't have the in depth training and experience that a specialist has, but you may have to go through your GP to be referred to a psychiatrist.
2016-05-24 04:00:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is hard to watch a person need help and not get any. The way it is now if the person is dangerous to themselves or others you can have them put in the hospital for 3 days. The problem is then unless the patient understands that you were trying to help and acting out of love it can get real bad. My daughter hasn't spoken to me in 9 years when I acted on her behalf so be very careful when you decide what to do. I wish you well.
2007-02-12 16:01:27 · answer #6 · answered by phylobri 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you can't force a person to do something they don't want to. They have to believe it's in their own best interest. If the situation is serious, and there are consequences involveled- maybe they should have to deal with some of those, in order to wake up to the fact that they need help. Good luck.
2007-02-12 16:00:42 · answer #7 · answered by Joseph, II 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hate to say this, but as someone with a disorder similar to bipolar, and as someone who has studied mental conditions for a few years...you need to hit rock bottom. Even if you manage to get this person to go to a therapist, it has to be their idea- they have to be willing- before it will make a difference.
2007-02-12 15:56:57 · answer #8 · answered by alc051001 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The therapist should be able to confront her. I would see someone else. or tell the husband to take the kids out of the house and go back to talk to his wife alone.
2007-02-12 15:56:50 · answer #9 · answered by pchiz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is just like any other disease. If the person does not admit there is a problem, there is no problem. If the person does not want help, there is nothing you can do. Believe me, as someone with bipolar, there is nothing you can do.
2007-02-12 15:57:10 · answer #10 · answered by Karen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋