My older sister was dignosed with bipolar disorder(manic depression) she is been acting weird since then. her husband left her and took away her kids from her ,she is falling apart but she refuses to take medications or seek therapy because she thinks she is fine, I am so sad for her yet I cant do anything , and I am so anxcious that this will happen to me too since my husband is no better than her husband. I did not tell my husband about any of this yet, because he might use it against me in the future , I am very sad and I am thinking that what happened to my sister might happen to me too. thats why i am so anxcious and irritated and I am having many arguments with my husbands over old unsolved issues ,but the only reason in my head is my sister I am feeling responsible for what happened to her I dont know why?
2007-07-13 06:01:26 · 16 answers · asked by sunshine 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
First things first. It is sad that your sister will not take her medication, but it has nothing to do with you. It sounds like your marriage isn't in good shape since you're afraid that he will use it against you in the future?
I would strongly suggest that you see a counselor or psychologist, someone who can help you through the situation with your sister, your husband and see if you are having some depression issues too.
2007-07-13 06:16:38 · answer #1 · answered by LAL 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have got a lot going on here. First of all, your sister is a grown women and although you should care about her welfare, there is nothing that you can do to make her take the responsibility of owning uo to her diagnosis and taking her medication. Just because she has it doesn't neccesarily mean that you have it as well. I would consult a docter to have them look into it but until then I would not stress about it. Please do not let this come inbetween you and your husband's relationship. Old issues should stay old if they are forgiven. I wish you and your sister the best of luck!!
2007-07-13 13:07:45 · answer #2 · answered by frawlicious 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a difficult position to be in - I sympathize with you.
On the one hand, you care for your sister and feel responsible for her, but on the other hand, you cannot enable her and she must take responsibility for herself.
It is difficult to watch those we love suffer, but in the end, only they can and must take the necessary steps for change. Sometimes, a period of "falling apart" is very good for us... It gives us awareness. I hope that the loss of her husband and children will convince her that she needs help.
You can reassure her that seeking help is okay, that many people are affected by bipolar disorder, and that it doesn't maker her less of a person. But you cannot do her healing for her. Only she can.
There are books available for the loved ones of people with Bipolar disorder - Maybe investigate those, in the meantime. And remember how essential it is to take care of yourself, too. A drowning man cannot save another drowning man.
2007-07-13 13:11:49 · answer #3 · answered by *wild_orchid* 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bipolar disorder can run in families, but if you're not showing any of her symptoms, it's unlikely that you have it. It's also not something that anyone else - you or her husband - could have caused, and it's not something you can fix if she's not willing to do what she needs to do. Please go see a mental health professional to learn some more about it and settle your anxiety. As long as you're there, you might want to ask for some strategies for dealing with your husband in arguments.
2007-07-13 14:01:27 · answer #4 · answered by MM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, you ARE NOT responsible for what happened to your sister.
If you think you may have a mental illness, then get it diagnosed. Go to a professional, and if you DO have a problem, commit yourself beforehand to doing whatever you have to to manage it. Enlist the help of your family and friends, and make sure you have a support network.
If your husband objects, make certain you have everything in place to PROVE that you are doing everything possible to properly manage your illness. And, if you actually enlist his help, rather than assuming he wants nothing to do with it, you may be surprised.
If you go to a professional, and he tells you that you are ok, then it's time for marriage counseling.
2007-07-13 13:32:19 · answer #5 · answered by Jewel 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bipolar can be in your DNA.... whole families can suffer from it.... but it can also be brought about by drug use. Drugs like Meth can fry the circuits in your brain and cause you to be bipolar even years after you've stopped using.
You don't have any reason to feel responsible for your sister's plight.
2007-07-13 13:08:39 · answer #6 · answered by Aron1968_30 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am taking medication for depression it has help me so much. I am so sorry to here about your sister not wanting to take medication it will help her not hurt her. Medication is to help people get better if one doesn't help talk to your doctor get something else. But find something to help her . You should see a doctor if your worried. Don't blame your self it is not your fault. God Bless
2007-07-13 13:35:26 · answer #7 · answered by Tina the cat lover 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your sis refuses to help herself, there isnt much that you can do. As for YOU, see your doc and stop worrying about things you have no control over. Take care of things that ARE in your control. And tackle one problem at a time, as it arises.
2007-07-13 13:20:02 · answer #8 · answered by iyamacog 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to go to a bipolar support group meaning. You will not catch it, so don't worry about that. Your sister is in serious trouble if she doesn't take her meds. You must be firm with her, and yourself.
2007-07-13 13:12:35 · answer #9 · answered by bin there dun that 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your sister needs to admit that she has an illness and take her meds. Would she not take insulin if she was diabetic?
It sounds like you need to talk to your dh about your insecurities. If you feel like you can't or if he won't listen, insist on counseling.
2007-07-13 13:17:37 · answer #10 · answered by StacieG 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋