Admitting

[parsley]

Have any of you struggled with the decision to get help for bipolar? Someone close to me has shown severe symptoms for many years and refuses to get help. Now they are getting older, and symptoms are elevating, mixing in with other things.

What would you suggest for someone who has the symptomatic paranoia about getting help? They have driven away most of their friends, and there are very few times they can carry on a normal conversation without retaliating.

 

[Odetta]

I struggled with thinking that I was making stuff up, that I wasn't really sick, that I was grasping at supposed symptoms for attention. When I finally did seek help, I went in having done some googling with a list of symptoms that fit the bill. So of course, the doctor agrees with me because I use all the right words. I still felt a little like a fraud. Having been on appropriate meds, however, for 5 years, I now know the difference between being symptomatic and not, which confirms the diagnosis for me.

Unfortunately, however, if someone is determined to ignore their symptoms, there isn't much you can do to force them into treatment. Unless you have some kind of legal authority over them - parent of a minor, active power of attorney. Making suggestions when they don't want to hear it doesn't work well either, because they just deny what you're saying.

 

[quietpraiyze]

[FONT=Georgia, serif]Being diagnosed bipolar 1 from what I've experienced, I believed when something was wrong, it was “out there” somewhere. It wasn't me. I don't even know that I can call it denial because every hospitalization I've had with the exception of one, I didn't catch that I was going off into the deep. It was only in 20/20 hindsight after I crashed/burned then was stabilized through a hospitalization, that I saw it. I would think an undiagnosed bipolar would be just as hard or harder to deal with because you have nothing to substantiate the illness. There's no medical paper trail because they may be oblivious to the need for help.[/FONT]


[FONT=Georgia, serif]When someone is resistant to help, I think your best bet is to document them and wait for an “opportunity” to call 911. In order for a person to be hospitalized they have to be a danger to themselves or others. Now this can be a little tricky because you don't want a DV (domestic violence) case but if the person does something like put their hand on you and you perceive it as a threat or they make actual threats to you, call 911 and tell them what's been going on emphasizing their erratic behavior stating clearly that the person is not in their right mind. If all goes well the police will come and the person will be taken to the nearest psych ward where they'll be placed under a 72 hour hold where they can be observed by MHP's (mental health professionals). If it's their first time, they will probably keep them longer. This is what you want. There are courts specifically for the mentally ill. You may be asked to give testimony for involuntary placement. This is a good thing. You are now their biggest advocate and this is where your documentation comes into play. Other than that you can always try talking to them but if they are bipolar 1 and decompensating, they are irrational and they can't hear you. [/FONT]


[FONT=Georgia, serif]For some if you go the route of brain disorder (which bipolar actually is) instead of “mental illness” sometimes it's easier for people to take. Sometimes it's the way it's explained. Incidentally it was a college class on the brain that demystified everything for me. There may be other solutions but I can't think of them at this time. It's not an easy journey. Getting diagnosed is just the beginning but when the person is loved and supported, they can come out on the other side just fine. Y'all can make it. I've had someone hospitalized by calling 911, so I know it can be done. Until that time, I would suggest that you find your nearest support group for family/friends of the mentally ill so that you can be fortified and know for sure what your legal options/rights are. Check and see if you have a local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), your local mental health agency, and mental health ombudsman. [/FONT]

[FONT=Georgia, serif]I hope that helps. Praying for you and your loved one [/FONT]



[FONT=Georgia, serif]*In case you don't know, there is bipolar 1 & bipolar 2[/FONT]​

 

[Goodbook]

well..
depending on what cycle mood they in - are they up or down? somewhere in between?

If they stable, its easy to talk but if agitated and in full blown psychosis, very difficult.
Paranoia usually because its a stranger and unknown doctors and nurse plus the thought of being locked away cos you going crazy. And some mental hospitals are horrible.

I think a time-out situation is best with no distractions like tv, loud music, anything that could trigger anything...no alcohol, coffee, or any kind of stimulant.

Basically you need to create a calm atmosphere and reassure that person that they may be going through some tough mind blowing stuff right now, but they are going to be OK.

Meds. If its really severe they may have to go on some kind of medication just to get stable again. I was on some for years. I HATED taking them.

But...realise that it needs to be the right one.

What God showed me. You cannot drug away bipolar. It is a spiritual battle cos we weak inside. What you can do is strengthen yourself with fish oil because that rebuilds the brain nerves, or oils them or something. Sometimes all that's needed is absolute rest and proper sleep, not sleeping pill induced sleep, cos that creates dependency.

Need to get into some good habits.
There's a book on it can recommend.
Pray for help and also the right doctors that can handle this.
However underlying issues are spiritual warfare which I can't really get into here..deliverance etc.
Just have faith and focus on Jesus being the rock- that's stability right there. We do need to keep our feet on the ground and not 'fly off the handle'.

Perfect love casts out fear for fear has torment.
this is a good scripture.

'God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and a sound mind.'

many doctors and nurses genuinely want the best for their patients. Pray you find one that cares and a place to rest and recover for your friend.