My Brothers Friend has recently been diagnosed with Severe Bi-polar and is very scared as his meds do not seem
461703
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!
321026
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!!
264843
Actually its bi-polar type I and bi-polar type II\n\nthe cifference being is bi-polar type I is people who see things that arent there and have thoughts of killing (themselves or others)\n\nBi-polar type II is just where the mood swings go from manic to depressive .\n\nYour "friend" isn't that bad off and should easily be treated with meds and some conseling. You only need to be supportive and don't use the line "i know how you feel"....... Unless you truely have the same condition it is nearly impossible to know how they feel even the doctors can tell you this.... You may even want yo go with your friend to the doctors once to ask questions and find out more about the condition.
380010
My experiences with those who have bipolar disorder differ from what you describe; however, the symptoms of the disorder vary with the individual and to the extent of the episodes that the person experiences. I cannot tell you whether your friend is bipolar, and it is highly unlikely that anyone here can. What I do suggest however is that you read the information at the following links to determine whether your friend displays the symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. (I included a variety from which to choose.)\n\nIf she does meet the criteria, you will have to approach her with the concerns that you have. I cannot tell you how to broach the subject with her as I do not know her, but I do know that you should stress that you care about her well-being and that you are in no way judging her. Many of those who are suffering from a psychiatric illness refuse treatment because they fear that a positive diagnosis will stigmatize them. She will need to be assured by you and those close to her that this will not be the case.\n\nhttp://www.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/bipolarmenu.cfm\nhttp://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm\nhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bipolardisorder.html\nhttp://www.bipolar.com/\nhttp://www.reutershealth.com/wellconnected/doc66.html\nhttp://www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam/bipolar.htm\nhttp://www.bpkids.org/site/PageServer\nhttp://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/bipolar.html\nhttp://www.dbsalliance.org/
1029805
I'VE HAD BI-POLAR DISEASE FOR YEARS.  I HAVE BEEN PUT ON EVERYTHING FROM PROZAC TO LITHUM.  A YEAR AGO I GOT A DIFFERENT DOCTOR.  HE PUT ME ON A COMBINATION OF TRILECTAL 600 MG, ABILIFY 30 MG AND LURICA 100 MG. I KEEP AN EVEN BALANCE IN MY UPS AND DOWNS MORE THEN I EVER HAVE AND THIS IS THE BEST I'VE FELT IN SEVERAL YEARS.  I HAVE NO SIDE EFFECTS FROM THESE DRUGS.  BUT REMEMBER EVERYONES SYSTEM IS DIFFERENT, WHAT WORKS FOR ONE PERSON MIGHT NOT WORK FOR ANOTHER.  HOWEVER, YOU COULD ASK YOUR DOCTOR TO TRY YOU ON THESE COMBINATIONS.  FIRST HE WILL HAVE TO LOOK AT ALL YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES AND ANY OTHER MEDS YOU'RE ON TO SEE IF THIS COMBINATION IS RIGHT FOR YOU.  IF IT IS, GREAT! TRY IT.  IT MIGHT BE A LIFE SAVER FOR YOU, AS IT HAS BEEN FOR ME. HUGS!
1171474
Hi Paige -  I'm sorry to hear about your hard times with your brother.  If your brother isn't willing to accept help, you may not have too many options.  I don't know where you live, but if there is a dept.  of Social Services near you, he can seek help through them, as long as he meets their criteria.  It's usually a good place to start.  Without insurance, it is very difficult to obtain treatment elsewhere.  I have spent many years helping people find treatment in New York State, so i may be able to help you further if you want to give me more info.  Good luck and stay strong.
1092040
Maybe instead of trying to blame it on a disorder...talk to him and try and figure out what is going on.  It is amazing the effects of talking and openess and dealing with problems can have on a person.\nOh...and if anyone says it is bipolar and/or manic depression...it is not because the highs and lows are not that quick...one extreme can be going for months at a time before it changes to the other.\nGood luck....TALK :)
964132
Not necessarily.  It depends on why he's on them.  If he's just depressed, then no big deal.  You should worry if he has something like Bi-Polar disorder or Schizophrenia.  Find out what he's taking them for, then do a little research.  He's probably fine, though.  Good Luck!
743454
A lot of people are ignorant to the realities of these types of illnesses. Some people are willing to be educated, some think they already know it all despite the fact that they actually know nothing about the issue. I've been living with bipolar (and other problems) for my entire life. Some people are supportive, some are infuriatingly misinformed. The fact is, bipolar disorder is a very real illness with significant symptoms that effects many aspects of a person's life. It is not an excuse for bad behavior, but it is an explanation. It can be very isolating and feel very lonely, but you are not alone.\n\nYou might want to look into online support groups. I happen to be the co-moderator of one on yahoogroups.com.  If you go there and do a search for bipolar support, you will find a lot of listings. I have found the support online to far exceed anything I've found offline. It really helps to reach out and connect with other people who really 'get it'. \n\nBipolar can not be cured (at least, not at this time), it is not going to go away. It requires understanding and the continued management of symptoms. Whatever you do, do not buy into what your friends are saying and the attitude they have about this.
213025
Don't let your friend stop taking it. It can cause serious problems. Does this person have bi-polar disorder, paranoid schizophrenia or autism? Either way when the meds wear off the symptoms will be much more difficult to deal with and your friend may not be able to control her actions. Talk to her parents or guardians to let them know what is going on.
784240
I understand almost exactly what you are going through, except my family knows. He must get help. You can't let it go on any longer, I don't know how long it has been going on..\n\nFor me, it was 17 years, because that's how long I've been alive. My brother is 19 and I have been dealing with this since I was born. He is extremely violent (mostly toward me, since I am much smaller), and my mom has just recently decided that no matter how guilty she feels about it, he needs to go away for help. He was getting so terrifying, she could see everyday I feared for my life. Other than school, and when I am out of the house, I stayed locked in my room.\n\nIt won't get better on it's own. I want you to know that, because so many people think it will pass, it's a phase. No, it won't. He needs professional help. It's nothing to be ashamed about. And you should be very proud of yourself for doing such a beautiful thing and being so wonderful to your brother. But enough is enough, don't risk your safety. I know you love him. But he needs the help, that's what is best. Tell your family (his parents?), seek out treatment, and your family can help you. You don't need to be under so much pressure. You need to enjoy life too!\n\nPlease be safe. I really hope everything works out for you and your brother.\nLet me know if you'd like to talk. :)\n(I know I'm young, but I'd never deny anyone help or someone to talk to!)\n\nP.S. I hope your nose feels better! =/
424774
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.
851900
I agree that they are 2 different disorders, however there are people who have been diagnosed with both of these disorders. Another more likely possibility is that  your friend realizes that there  is much more stigma and fear  and lack of understanding for schizophrenia than there is for bipolar, and so chooses to categorize himself as having the more "socially acceptable" diagnosis.
1137509
I am also bipolar, and very knowledgeable about the illness.. The doctor always knows best but has no real chance of being in a position to help if he has to make guesses at her condition. \nI am thinking that perhaps her bipolar disorder may have morphed into a more serious combination of many different afflictions as a result of her age and the traumatic loss of her life partner..\nFind a way to speak with her doctor or psychiatrist and explain the finer details of her actions.. she may not be honest with him because of the paranoia of how he might try to help.. might be schizophrenia, dementia, post traumatic stress disorder.. or even being bipolar with new tendencies (it gets much worse over time, especially when treatment is abandoned and she stops the meds) \nlook into these possibilities. Doctors know best, always.. but they need your help to be effective, especially in your grandmothers case.. when she isn't being very cooperative and taking a much more proactive approach towards her own wellbeing. She needs her medicine.. and she needs your help to get this under control. It seems that she is in a bad spot with being so mixed up in all of the emotions of what is happening all around her. Powerlessness is a horrible thing.. it seems she desperatly needs a helping hand. \nEducate yourself to whatever the possibilities for her behavior might be in a clinical sense so you can be helpful to the doctors. \nDo your part to get her the help she needs. Good Luck .. :)
1153185
Honey, as much as you want to protect him, you need to TELL HIS MOTHER. Of course he doesn't want anyone worried about him, but they should be. They love him. If he won't take his medicine then something's wrong. If things are getting worse, his family should know in time. Bless you both.
113038
Remember that ALL bi-polars are different.  My step-dad and ex-gf are both type one, and they are completely different.  Most bi-polars don't really understand each other, because anyone with a mental disorder has enough problems dealing with themselves.\n\nI would suggest a peer mediation type of program to give each person a partner to call, if they are having a rough time.  Also, start doing lessons on journaling.  That is the best way for loved ones, as well as doctors, to track how bi-polars feel at certain times.
1094393
Try changing his meds.  I heard Risperdal is newer class of and a more effective anti-psychotic.