I have a sister that is Bipolar & I would like to know more about this & how to deal with issues that she has.
825783
talk to her each day to make sure she took her medication and that she makes the Dr. appointments, now more than ever.  If you really want to help, go with her to see the mental health professional and ask with her what you should/can do and what you should avoid/report.  And just be there, even if she can't see you sometimes. Bi-polar is hard enough with out something so horrible happening on top of it all. She is lucky to have you care so much for her. Most bi-polar people have few close/long term relationships even with family. God bless you and your family in this painful time.
276171
No need for a straitjacket.  Bipolar people are not crazy.\n\nIf you choose to talk to this person yourself, which may or may not be a good idea, make sure you tell him that you have his own interests in mind.  Bipolar is a hard condition to live with, and it can be discouraging.  Plus, there are times when bipolar people are pretty 'normal'.\n\nPeople going through a manic phase can get themselves into big trouble.  They can end up spending themselves into debt, easily.  They also sometimes have delusions of grandeur, making them think that they have superpowers like the ability to fly -- some people have jumped off of buildings thinking they would be able to fly.  A manic person feels great at the start -- they are invincible, they have incredibly high self esteem and energy.  Of course they're not going to want to take their meds.  But make sure you remind him that things WILL get worse.\n\nA person in a depressive phase doesn't think anything will work anyway.  They are so down and hopeless that they believe it isn't even worth it to take meds, since nothing will bring them out of their depression.  This isn't true, so remind him of that.  Be nice, understanding, and polite.  Don't be harsh.\n\nWhat phase is this person in?  Manic, depressive, 'normal'?  Depending on this, you should approach the matter differently.\n\nIf you don't know the person well enough to know this information, you probably shouldn't be tbe one to talk to him.  You could ask someone else to talk to him for you -- someone who knows him very well.
934134
My best advice to you, sincerely, it to go speak with someone professional.  And drag your husband with too.  How does she treat your children?  If she is bad to them in any way, then put your foot down.  It is one thing for us to deal with someone whom is possible mentally ill, but don't make your kids deal with it!
1133801
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.
938750
First of all, God bless you for realizing that probably one of the things that your sister needs the most right now is someone who is going to treat her as if she were "normal" again and not baby her. But with that said, you wont forget that she has this disease. What you can do, is let her lead the way. Give her your time and let her decide what to do with it. God bless both of you.
974333
I'd take a look at http://www.crazyboards.org. There's a parenting section and a bipolar section there. I'm personally bipolar and no great fan of that diagnosis in teenagers, let alone kids as young as 6, but that's just me.
1117924
Therapy is something one can only start by himself/herself. You may suggest it but pushing the issue may only trivial your relationships with your sister. You can tell her that you are worried about her, and really want to help in any way you can (make sure to use "I" vs. "you"- so that you are letting her know how you feel about things without putting a judgment on her. The best you can do is be there, be supportive, be non-judgmental, open-minded, and kind... So that she will turn to you for help -which she will only do if you make her feel safe to talk to you about anything... \n\nIt is always difficult to see friends and family go through tough times but it is their journey, and their load to carry... And you have to learn to let go and accept that this is her life... Just make sure to be there for her. In the long term, it will make all the difference... Good luck...
478723
My relationship with my sister! \n\nFor the past 4 years my sister has been "self-destructing". My parents and I have exhausted all efforts financially and more importantly, mentally. You can only do so much for someone that you love, and if they don't want to help themselves and don't see your efforts and love in trying to help them, then what do you do?! So now we are trying the "tough love" tactic and I am sad and scared she don't realize all that we have done and are trying to do for her. She is pissed off at us! I just hope we are doing the right thing!\n\nWow! this was a personal question! But you know what? I feel somewhat at ease answering this question. Thanks! :)
396611
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!
844346
IF YOU HAVE TO BE WORRIED ABOUT WHAT THEY WILL THINK...well then think about who they are and the mistakes they have made...Bipolar is a chemical imbalance, chances are these people that you are worried about just made stupid choices. Bipolar is NOT A CHOICE.\nI share it with anyone who needs a friend.  I have gone to jails, talke to kids in recovery, and spoken with people who will never undrstand.  I DON'T CARE,,,,people who judge are ususally suffering from their own problems. There is no longer a stigma to BiPolar, or any other mental illness.  You have don the bravest thing that can be done YOU HAVE ADMITTED IT.  Now move forward and the best therapy is helping and talking to others. You take care and understand NO MATTER WHAT anybody else has to say, you are doing great you are dealing with it.
373549
Just tell them about how you feel. Tell them if anyone else in the family has depression or bipolar disorder because sometimes it runs in the family. It is important to tell your doctor though, because they can help you. My son and I both have depression, and my ex has bi-polar. We take medication and it helps a whole lot. It wasn't hard to talk to my doctor at all.
1021811
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/articles.asp\nhttp://www.bipolar.com/\n** This is very treatable, my Mom had it.. just make sure the person that is diag with this condition is not ashamed, not afraid, and gets support and help. Mental Illness is not taboo like before, tons of people men and women, have DEPRESSION and Mental Illness.. I hope this helps and truly... God Bless. I grew up in a home with this illness before they knew what it was.. So glad times have changed.\n\nArticles/Stories\nClick here for information about republishing.\n\nClick here to learn more about our contributing writers.\n\nFor Those With Bipolar \nFor Those Supporting Someone With Bipolar \nRelationships and Bipolar Disorder \nBipolar (General) \nMental Illness \nHealth and Wellness \nDepression \nMedication \nMoney Management \nLegal Issues \nSocial Security Disability \n Bipolar Stories \nStacey's Corner \nGaylene's Corner \nScott & Lori's Corner \nMichele Soloway's Corner \nConnie's Corner \nMiscellaneous Articles \nWriters Wanted! \n \n\nArticles For Those With Bipolar\nBenefits Of A Home Business For People That Have Bipolar Disorder - 4/21/06 \nHelp Your Doctor Help Treat Your Bipolar Disorder - 4/21/06 \nBipolar Disorder is NO EXCUSE! - 4/20/06 \nHow to Research Medication Quickly and Easily - 1/28/06 \nHoliday Safety And Bipolar Disorder - 12/24/05 \nAdvice For People With Bipolar Disorder: Just Say "No" To Holiday Stress - 12/16/05 \nHow To Avoid Being Alone During The Holidays - 12/13/05 \nAre You Cheap When It Comes to Bipolar Disorder? \nAre You Falling for "Bait"? \nThe Benefits Of Being A Participant In A Bipolar Study And How To Find These Clinical Studies \nBipolar Disorder Self-Care \nBipolar Disorder and Weight Gain \nChange Your Life By Getting Rid Of Negative People \nChildren - Should Bipolar Sufferers Have Them? \nDealing with Bipolar from a Weight Loss Perspective \nDo You Have a Bipolar Spectrum Disorder? \nDoctors That Treat Bipolar Disorder: Is there A Conspiracy? \nEliminating Stress As A Cause Of Episodes \nThe First Step to Successfully Managing Bipolar Disorder \nFour steps to understand and get help for bipolar disorder: \nGoing to Extremes: Bipolar Disorder \nHitting Rock Bottom In Order to Climb Back Up \nThe Holidays \nHow NOT to choose a therapist. \nHow Someone Bipolar Can Go From Being Wealthy To Homeless \nHow To Get the Most Out of Attending A Support Group Meeting \nHow to Locate Local Support Groups and Resources and Avoid the Hidden Dangers You May Experiences \nHow to Protect Yourself in the Age of Managed Care \nI Have Bipolar Disorder---It Doesn't Have Me \nIn Search of the Magic Bullet \nIt's Not A Sprint, It's A Marathon \nLife Events Can Trigger An Episode \nNine Ways To Make the Most of Your Support System \nPlaces You Can Turn \nThe Power of Language with Bipolar Disorder \nProblem Solving Tips for When You Feel Overwhelmed \nSuicide \nTen Mistakes People Who Have Bipolar Disorder Make \nWeeding Out False Friends \nWhy People With Bipolar Disorder Accomplish So Much \nWhy You Need to Take a Notebook to Your Next Doctor's Appointment \nArticles For Those Supporting Someone With Bipolar\nEnsure Success by Involving The Entire Team - 1/17/06 \nA Secret Key to Success With Bipolar Disorder - 1/11/06 \nTips For Holiday Travels For Supporters And Survivors Of Bipolar Disorder - 12/17/05 \nLifelong Supporters: Advice on How to Care for Someone with Bipolar Disorder - 12/16/05 \n10 Mistakes I Made with my Bi-Polar Son and 10 Things I Did Right \nA Perfect Child \nBipolar Disorder and How Supporters Can Help their Loved One While Helping Themselves \nBipolar Kids - It's Different! \nCan Children and Adolescents Have Bipolar Disorder? \nCaring for the Caregiver \nChild and Adolescent Bipolar Disorder: An Update from the National Institute of Mental Health \nDon't Argue With People During an Episode \nDon’t Make Yourself Sick Trying To Help Your Love
633312
my mother has the same disorder and she doesnt do much of anything but she is an excellent writer. i am bipolar and im in college to become a registered eeg tech among other things...you can do anything you set your mind to. the most importain thing is to accept your illness and understand your capabilities and limitations, with this in mind you can set goals for your self and take small steps...before you can take on something as major as commiting all of your time to school make sure your medicine is working for you, dont stop taking it no matter how good you feel and learn to cope with the down times...worse case scenario if you do have mental issues you can take a break. You can always go back! if you dont know what your interested in just enroll as a liberal arts major for now and take a few classes to find what your interested in you never know what may come from it.
840146
Hi\n\nPlease keep these people at a distance. Call your local mental health clinic and hook up with a therapist as soon as possible. People with Bipolar tend to isolate and become emotionally vulnerable. If you are not on meds may I suggest that you discuss this option with your counselor as well? I also have Bipolar and know others who have it. You cannot save the world and you need to find a new set of people who will be supportive of you - support group maybe?
574674
My daughter who is now 28 has bipolar.  She was diagnosed in her late teens and was in denial for quite along time.\nShe fought it, tried self medicating, refused to take any pills.  She was a mess.  This is an illness that will stay with you as they have yet to find a cure.  The good news that with the right combination of medications a good support system you can learn to cope and indeed have a good life.  Bi-polar has nothing to do with you not being you- it is a chemistry disorder and that is not your fault.
365825
A child with a parent who has bipolar disorder is at greater risk of developing the disorder. This does not mean that you will become bipolar, only that there is more risk than for a person with no family history of the disorder.\n\nIf you really want to help your mum, get her to a doctor to diagnose and treat her. Your family doctor is a great place to start. You doctor may treat her or may refer her to a psychiatrist.\n\nI recently started treatment for bipolar disorder and now I feel better than I have in all my 46 years.\n\nI am including two links one is the National Institute of Mental Health here in the US (I assume you are in the UK by your use of the word mum). The other is the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, also in the US. They may be able to direct you to support services in the UK.\n\nHope this helps you and your mum!\n\nSincerely,\nTerry Sisson  tls3123283@yahoo.com\nFort Worth, Texas
38167
You may not be able to get him back.  He maybe tired of the back and forth. \n\nNow, is it possible to have bipolar and be in a relationship?  Yes, my sister is bipolar and married and has kids.  She had to do a lot of work to keep her emotions on track and it sounds like you may need to work on your emotions to stop the ups and downs. \n\n1. Take your medications. Don't fool around with them.  Make sure you see your doctor and counselors when schuduled and be honest with them about how you are feeling.  Many bipolar people love to get that slight manic high, the only problem is that can easily get out of control and you are spinning out control emotionally. \n2. Don't drink.  Don't do street drugs.  Neither will help your moods. \n3. Try to keep to a routine. Try to go to bed around the same time and get up at the same time.  Try to have a plan and stick to it.  \n4. Exercise. It has been shown to help relieve depression and tension. \n\nTry to learn your moods and try to calm yourself before you get too angry at your boyfriend.  Take time to reflect on what is happening in your life, like journaling or blogging to try to see patterns in your moods and life. \n\nBut consider one thing.  It's possible that you and your boyfriend aren't a good fit.  He may not be the right person for you and that may be why you get so angry at him.  Is he really good for you?  Is he really what you want out of life?\n\nYou can work to stablize your moods.  Just remember to take good care of yourself.