When Is the RIGHT TIME for my BIPOLAR sister whose MANIC right now to go to the HOSPITAL?

Question

shes been manic for 4 days now, she's only getting worse, today she went to our family physician and they gave her some kinda new pills to take, well my sister said she's not going to take them because "it makes her feel sick"

EXAMPLES of her getting worse: there was a bunch of baby spiders out in our backyard, i said that i want to spary hairspray on them, i hate spiders, usually she doesn't care, but she said and looked at me meanly..."NO, IF U DO, I WILL HURT U, I LOVE U because ur my sister, IF U WERENT MY SISTER I WOULD BEAT THE SHIIIT OUT OF YOU..."

i told her either take ur medicine or go to the hospital but she complains that it makes her feel sick, so i doubt she will take it properly & i told her if she doesnt make an effort to control herself or at least stop being verbally abusive to us (me, my mom and dad even the DOG)...then i told her she should go to the hospital, she keeps saying noo but out of all the noo's i heard one 'yes'

Answer 1

You should take her to the Emergency Department and ask them to do an EOD on her. That is an Emergency Order of Dentention. That means she is threatening to harm hersllf or others and they will take her to a mental facility. They will most likely not keep her their long, just long enough to do an evaluation on her and get her on some medications. The most important thing is to get one of your family members to make sure that she takes her medication EVERYDAY, no matter how good she starts feeling. And as far as the medication making her feel sick, let the hospital know this, they will most likely try a different medication on her.
Good Luck

Answer 2

It's difficult to know the right point, but if she is willing to go voluntarily at any time, then take her asap! A primary medical doc or GP should absolutely not be treating an unstable Bipolar patient-perhaps she'd be more willing to see a psychiatrist who can discuss medication options with her and what her previous experience has been.
At any point where she becomes dangerous to herself or to someone else-via ACTUAL threats (I WILL hurt you, etc.)or poor judgment which could jeopardize her safety or someone else's (car accidents from reckless driving, leaving stove burners on due to impulsivity, etc.) then she needs to go to the hospital with or without her consent. If you have a local Crisis Services they can do a home visit assessment or if worse comes to worse, the police can transport her to the hospital for assessment without her consent if they see clear signs of mental illness and dangerous behavior.
Good Luck-sometimes it's a very tricky situation since people can refuse treatment, and often do, unless there is potential danger involved to her self or others that is clearly the result of her symptoms.

Answer 3

The medication actually does make people with bipolar disorders feel different, i.e., sick, because it balances the chemicals in the brain that cause the extreme mood swings.

Since she is not taking the meds the doctor gave her, is she a serious threat/danger to herself or others? That is the criteria for admission to a mental health facility.

The only way you can force her to go for help is to either call the police and file a report for a mental health issue and pick for a seventy-two hour hold (watch) OR you can go to local mental health center and ask what the procedure is to have a person committeed.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, unless she is an immenent physical danger to herself or others, the hospital won't be of much use unless she is willing to check herself in. Even then, it is still her choice (yes, even while hospitalized) whether or not to refuse her meds.

If she is a minor, however, all bets are off. Tell your parents that they need to check her in TONIGHT.

It's so hard to see a loved one in this sort of condition.

The best you can do is to continue to encourage her to at least TRY the meds. If it were my own sibling, I wouldn't be beyond bribing and/or cleverly disguising the meds in food, but that is up to you and your parents (by the way, there are some meds that dissolve almost instantly when they hit saliva - you may want to see if her med comes in such a form).

You can try putting it to her like this "please, for ME, would you be willing to EXPERIMENT with these new meds?". Ask her to try them for a week, and then if they still make her feel ill, re-evaluate after that. If she is sensitive, sit her down and tell her all the reasons you love her, why you are scared for her, and how much it would mean to you if she would at least TRY the meds, strictly as a favor to you (yes, I'm serious). SOmetimes you've got to do whatever it takes to get a loved one to help themselves.

Best of luck to you,
~M~

Answer 5

If your sister is not on her meds and is having manic episodes, she needs to be in the hospital where she can get her meds regularly and receive counseling as well. Your parents can request your sister's boyfriend not be allowed to see her while she's hospitalized, and honestly, I'd suggest it. If I were your mom, I would insist Sis' boyfriend talk to her doctor about the importance of encouraging your sister to stay on her meds, and about possible side effects. If he won't talk to the doc, he doesn't get to see your sister. Period. You absolutely MUST do what is best for her, because she is unable to determine that for herself, right now. I don't think the boyfriend is ignorant. I think he's an enabler who wants your sister totally dependent on him for everything. If he cared about what was best for her, he would encourage her to stay on her meds. She needs him around about like she needs a hole in her head. Your mother did the right thing--no question. She is doing the best thing for her child. Give her your full support. I also suggest you find the nearest National Alliance for the Mentally Ill support group in your town. This group is a wonderful resource for mentally ill persons and for their caregivers and family members, as well. Their Web site is listed in the "sources" box. Please check it out. My prayers and good wishes go to your sister for a full recovery, and for you all, her caregivers.

Answer 6

The medication may make her feel sick until her body gets used to them. It could take 1-2 weeks.

If she is a danger to herself, or anyone else, she should go to the hospital immediately. Is she a minor (under 18). If so, your parents need to be involved. If you think she is going to put up a fight about going, the best thing to do would be to call 911.

Answer 7

I would take her to the hospital. Even though she resists, she might want help, but feel ashamed. I don't really know your sister, but it is better to be safe than sorry, she will be safe at the hospital.

Answer 8

If she is a danger to herself or others she needs to go now. Do you think she meets that criteria? If so then 911!