to be working...\nIs there anyone who suffers from Bi-polar who can provide some helpful coping mechanisms? He is only 20 years old and apparently his use of marijuana has jeopardised his condition further. I feel so sad for him and I would like some helpful advice.. \nThank-You
208673
I do not suffer from Bi-polar, however, I have worked in Mental health for 12 years.  I am assuming your friends brother has access to mental health services ie: a CPN (Community Psychiatric Nurse) for example.  Depending on which service works with him ie: early intervention (if it is his first episode, home treatment etc you should be able to to speak with the named person who is working with him.\n\nIf he is on medication, he must have a Consultant Psychiatrist as they are the only one who can issue the medication and decide on the best form of treatment.\n\nMarijuana can bring about drug induced pshychosis, am not sure if this is the case with your brothers friend but, you need to try and speak with him about cutting down on it's use.  Most people within mental health services tend to use drugs as an 'alternative' to western medicine.\n\nDon't know where you live but there are many support groups/agencies available to also speak with.  try looking at Rethink, Mind, Mencap and Nimhe websites.  Sorry don't have full web address at present.  type them in and you should get details.\n\nMost importantly though, support both your friend and brother.  A lot of people, especially the young tend to get isolated once they enter mental health services.  Once you have an understanding of mental ill health it will be easier for you to offer this support.\n\nGood Luck!
227466
I am bi-polar too.  I take effexor and just recently saw a alternative doctor who put me on a product called Serene Plus which is loaded with amino acids and suppose to help my serotonin levels.  I, too, pray I could get more help but so far this is all I have been able to do.  I do feel a little more in control some days.  My BIGGEST problem is insomnia.  Unless I take something for sleep, I only sleep about 2-4 hours at a time.  I will keep you in my prayers and if you find anymore information that would be helpful, please feel free to e-mail me!\n\nMuch love in Christ
521781
Some guy Andy got a stroke and got half paralysed. He started to go into the deepest hell of overwhelming emotions and cried himself to sleep every night. However, there are these friends and relatives there who visit him and tell him not to give up. He started physiology and regained his former self.\n\nThis is a rough idea. Write it in ur own words.
135721
I am mentally ill. I can say it. I have had to endure 30 brain surgeries and I suffer, believe me- I SUFFER- some lingering side effects of it. The surgery was for a birth deffect that wasn't detected til I was 19. \n I now suffer from severe bio-polar disorder and, without my meds, I can have mild schitzophrenic tendencies .  Ok, cool. As Long as I knowwww what is wrong with me and how to treat it, I'm ok. I can handle it. \n\n   This person in your house, that might or might not have mental problems, may not even realize they have a problem. I know it took 3 years for us to decide/realize what was wrong with me.  Ever hear of an intervention. or are you the only one who feels this person has a problem? \n    No , you don't have the right to tell someone to 'get off the drugs' when they aren't on any and you KNOW that for a fact. ( Maybe tell them to start taking the RIGHT ones..it took me 8 years to get to the right 'cocktail' of meds I am on now so that I don't talk to the trees and don't cry when they don't answer me. LOL its not thaaat bad,  just kidding  a little But it does take time and cooperation on EVERYONE's part. ) Go to the person , offer what you've observed and offer to HELP said person get the help that they NEED, or to at least see someone and determine if they need anything. It sounds simple, but it isn't. I know. I had to hospitalize my husband twice in the first year we were married before we got him properly diagnosed/medicated for bipoler problems. It stinks and its hard, but up front is the only way to go. Just don't let that person doubt your love and  support for them. \nBy the way... you don't wanna know what all I am on!!
644647
I had a husband who had bipolar disorder.  It was severe. He got arrested, shoplifted, embezzled from his jobs, was addicted to porn, chatted in porn chat rooms and eventually met up with the women he met on line, screamed, yelled, lied, broke things, slept for days, had obsessive compulsive symptoms, was addicted to Nyquil, alcohol, etc.\n\nAfter doing an intervention and telling him he either needed to get some serious help or I would leave him, he told me no.  So I left him.  He has a new girlfriend now and she has two young children.  I worry for them, but you MUST understand that this is her life's journey and it is no longer your place to save her or HIM for that matter.  Let them be.  You live your life now. I have a child with mine too and the best I can do is love her all I can, help her understand her father's illness and let them have once a week visits, but never overnight.\n\nAll of those things you are describing about her behavior are illness related. It doesn't help that she didn't seem to have a solid spiritual grounding either.\n\nGood luck to you in the future. I hope it helps to at least know others have been through this and come through it ok.
212300
I know someone whom I'm sure is bi-polar, one day she's so happy and nice, the next she depressed and nasty. The reason it's so hard to get along with someone like this, is because you don't know which way they'll be on any given day- it's hard to determine how they'll feel and act so you don't know how to act towards them in the first place. The person doesn't even know how she will be on any given day- you really just need to support her and give her space when she needs it. I know sometimes these people feel guilty after they've acted a certain way so just show he love and forgiveness.
203188
Do you honestly feel that he could be violent? Was he ever threatening and violent with you?\nBi-Polar (manic depression) causes periods of extreme down moods followed by extreme highs. It won't cause him to be violent unless he already has it in him and you will know deep down whether or not he has got it in him.\nI know you are exremely worried. The only thing I can say is to try and keep an eye on the situation and maybe keep a record of the phone calls and any other abuse she may recieve. The more you have the more the police will help in these situations if it comes to that.   xx
174911
I hope that one of the links below will be what you are looking for. I am a 46 year old male who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I know how you feel and that it is good to have someone to talk to. Good luck. I wish you well!
223261
Bi Polar disorder is characterised by 'mood swings'. In my case I did not sleep well for about a year then I stopped sleeping completely for about 8 days and I began to lose 'insight' - I began exercising in the middle of the night, had loads of energy. Didn't eat much either and started getting some strong 'notions' that people around me couldn't relate to. I talked a lot more than usual and it was hard to follow me, so I am told. This was my 'manic' phase. It was pretty scary. I then became severely depressed. It took me along time to find 'normal' moods again. It takes patience and a good deal of getting to know yourself better. (foods and drink that help/hinder - )\nI struggled with anxiety for years before this occurred. I have been on both Lithium and depakote. Am on (epilim) which is very similar to depakote now (it is easier on my stomach than Dep- but not licensed for BiPolar like Depakote- They are both Valproic acid essentially). It is hard to say how efective it is. You will put on a little weight but it can really help if you are prone to getting 'manic'.\nGood luck. If you want to chat further feel free to contact me and I would be happy to share any relevant experiences with you.
593788
Is there anyone else out here that knows what living with clinical depression is like?\n\nSpiritual this, Love that...\n\nSeriously look into some forms of controlling a chemical imbalance.\n\nI KNOW.
36176
he should be getting counseling because he  can't drink with all the imune surperssing drung they are going to give him. He needs to make a total life change.  He will be on those drugs the rest of his life.
624805
I just wanted to say I am very sorry this happened to you. BIPOLAR disorder is a very serious and sad condition. I suffered with it for several years, and i Know how tuff it is. When you have bipolar disorder, you attach to people very easily because they are one of the only things that make you feel important. be proud of yourself because you were the light in his life for a period of time. Its not your fault he took his life, he had a disorder that made it hard for him to make good decisions. You where what made him happy, remember that, cause you gave him hope. You made his life happy while he was here. God Bless you, hope i have helped.
666905
My dad had a girlfriend a while back that has a brother with an inflicted brain injury causing severe mental incapacity and loss of function. She told me about going to groups, and how she found out about how to deal with caring for her brother under such conditions. One of her sources of info was a group she found on the web years ago, since dissolved. Here are a few other options. Good luck, blessed Be.
185050
May I give a freind your e-mail address? He's been drinking for years but keeps saying he wants to quit before he gets too old.\nAs for me I am a little mean to him, I won't buy him beer, I won't be around him if he is drinking and I won't even talk to him on the phone.He trys to make me feel guilty but I tell him if he wants to be around me be sober!\nI won't plead or beg him anymore, but I do pray for him.
167268
dealing with an ex spouse who is bi polar, i can assure you it is no picnic for your family. For the families sake, take your meds always. Don't stop when you "feel ok" because you don't even know when your making everyone around you live with dr. jekyl/mr hyde. He did not take his meds and he made our lives a living hell.
470639
He needs to take the meds prescribed for him.  The side effects he read only happened to a handful of people, and there are millions taking Seroquel.  I have taken it for 3 years, and I have not had problems.  Really, it is one of the better meds.  If he can tolerate pills and weed, I think he can handle a prescription.  If he is concerned about his health he will leave the street drugs alone and take the prescription meds.  He's making excuses.
189515
I was diagnosed borderline.. /by polar about a year ago... they put me on Saroquel and I'm a lot better now.  I know I was hard to live/deal with.  You just have to be patient if you love the person.  Saroquel was a life saver for me though.