How do you deal with a person who is abusive due to their bipolarism and schizophrenia and intermittent-explosive disorder?
Who has had experience with people like this, and have been in romantic relationships with them? Did the prescribed meds work? Did they stop the craziness and the abuse???
2007-10-19 20:45:50 · 6 answers · asked by Daniel's Woman 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I have bipolar disorder. I think my father has intermmittent-explosive disorder...he could be unpredictably terrifying (he's mellowed some as he has gotten older and we live kind of far apart).
With BP...the right meds can help but the person has to want to change their behavior and make a true effort to do so or the abusiveness will not stop. Medications are not magic. They can help to control symptoms (of which rage can be one) but a person needs to learn how to control themselves. If a person has spent 20 years reacting to angry feelings in an explosive way...they have to learn other ways to cope with those kinds of feelings (because they are normal human emotions).
Psychiatric condtition can explain crazy and abusive behavior, but do not excuse it. If the person is using it as an excuse....saying something like "I can't help it, I'm bipolar" ... then I would stronly suggest removing yourself from the relationship. If, on the other hand, the person is clear on the fact that they have an illness that has resulted in unacceptable ways of behaving and they are doing everything they can to make changes and get better (actively trying...with therapy and medication)...then there is hope...although it will most likely remain a challenging relationship to be in...if the person is taking responsibility for their behavior, mistakes and mental health then they deserve a chance. But if they are being abusive and make excuses....I highly recommend walking away from the relationship.
2007-10-20 07:17:43 · answer #1 · answered by Jess 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a step-daughter in a relationship like this. He doesn't always take his meds. I don't think he is physically abusive, but he is mentally abusive and denies her things as if she were a little child. I would never tolerate this. I don't think it is fixable. I think it is a mistake for a person to keep trying to make this relationship work. She is constantly hurt by it. The problem is that she has to decide when to get out. She certainly has a lot of family support and we would all help her in a transition period. If you don't have this, go talk with someone at a Battered Women's Shelter or Hotline. This will not get better.
2007-10-20 10:59:14 · answer #2 · answered by Simmi 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In an explosive moment you should walk away and not return until the person has calmed down. I have been in this situation, and with all the new medications out there, sufferers can lead a fairly normal life and maintain healthy relationships. Unfortunately there are often relapses, but with perserverance these are usually overcome. Continued medication and support from mental health professionals is the key, and support from loved ones doesn't go astray, but never allow youself to be abused.
2007-10-19 22:30:52 · answer #3 · answered by tammy m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi, it is really really really hard to deal with a person with that condition. I know from experience and to be honest with you i think you should not be in that relationship. U should be with someone who treats you with respect and is not abusive towards you. Dont feel like you are trapped in the relationshi because you ARE NOT.
It will not get better and you need to move on, Please.
2007-10-19 20:49:39 · answer #4 · answered by barbar111 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends on if the person truly wants to get better.
2007-10-19 20:49:36 · answer #5 · answered by californiablueeyes76 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
with a bat... or axe
2007-10-19 20:48:41 · answer #6 · answered by cbgrisle 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋