How To Get A Bipolar Person Committed

Hospital Discharge & Lessons For Long

Stephen T., who lives in the Toronto area, appreciates hospitalization as a dedicated break to work out the kinks in a new bipolar medication regimen.

Thats probably the best place in the world you can try it. Youre monitored. Youre not at your job or in the real world. You can speak directly to the staff about how youre feeling, and judge for yourself whether its working, says Stephen.

Medications can take from a couple of days to a few weeks to come fully online, so patience is critical.

Stephen notes that in addition to the formal treatment, connecting with peers who are in the same boat can provide both important support and a source of satisfaction.

You begin to form relationships, he says. Youre as much helping them as they are helping you.

Stephens advice is drawn from three hospitalizations over seven years. Ending up in the hospital again, especially after a decent stretch of stability, can trigger feelings of hopelessness and frustration. Stephen prefers to view his repeat visits as part of the learning curve in managing his bipolar I.

Hes gone nine years now without a relapse severe enough to warrant re-admittance.

My close friends and family who know my personal history are proud of me, considering where Ive been and where I am nowwith a great career, a loving wife, and a young daughter, he says.

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How Mental Illnesses Can Affect Family And Friends

It’s difficult to be diagnosed with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and major depressive disorder. It’s also difficult when a loved one is experiencing one of these diseases. When a person is living with a serious mental illness, the whole family may be affected.

My Family Member Refuses To Go To The Hospital

It can be hard to see someone struggle with mental health issues and refuse to accept help. If it seems like they might become a danger to themselves or someone else, it becomes even more difficulthow can you help someone who needs to go the hospital, but wont go?

This question comes up the most if a person presents a danger to themselves or to someone else, or if they are having a psychotic break. A psychotic break can be the result of drug use, or a symptom of a mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

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A Better Life Is Possible

Do I need bipolar medication? Can you treat bipolar disorder at all, or am I stuck with it? These are very common questions once people realize they have this condition. Heres what you need to know.

Treatment: Treatment for bipolar disorder can be very effective. Many people need medication, but some do not. In all cases, treatment can help you to understand whats happening and learn how to control it.

Quality of Life: Your quality of life improves when you seek treatment. Having an understanding of what your needs are can help you to meet them better, reducing the risk of severe mental breakdowns.

Co-Occurring Disease Treatment: Its also important to receive treatment for co-occurring disorders so that your physical and mental health are being treated at the same time.

Addiction And Bipolar Disorder

In an attempt to regulate these changes in mood and energy, individuals with bipolar disorder may abuse drugs or alcohol. According to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, up to 70 percent of people who meet the criteria for bipolar disorder also have a history of substance abuse a percentage that far exceeds the general population. Substance abuse affects the outcomes of bipolar disorder in several ways:

• Intensification of symptoms
• Longer episodes of emotional instability
• Increased number of suicide attempts
• Diminished quality of life

Treating bipolar disorder and substance abuse can be complex, requiring intensive attention to the symptoms of mental illness as well as the behaviors associated with addiction. The results of treatment for individuals with dual diagnoses, or a mental illness co-occurring with a substance use disorder, are generally much better if both conditions are treated at the same time, within the same program. In order to provide the most effective care, staff should be cross-trained in mental health care and substance abuse treatment.

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What Is The Outlook Of Bipolar Disorder

The prognosis for bipolar disorder is often poor unless its properly treated. Many people with bipolar disorder who receive appropriate treatment can live fulfilling and productive lives.

Bipolar disorder results in approximately nine years reduction in expected life span, and as many as1 in 5 people with bipolar disorder commit suicide. An estimated 60% of all people with bipolar disorder have drug or alcohol dependence.

This is why its essential to seek medical care and stay committed to treatment for bipolar disorder.

Regular and continued use of medication can help reduce episodes of mania and depression. By knowing how to recognize the symptoms and triggers of these episodes, theres a better chance for effective treatment and finding coping methods that may prevent long periods of illness, extended hospital stays and suicide.

Why Support Services Help

You dont have to deal with bipolar disorder on your own. The good news is that there are effective treatments available to manage the condition. However, the sooner you seek professional help, the easier it will be to manage. The condition mostly needs long-term management and treatment under the advice of a GP, psychiatrist and psychologist. If you think you may have bipolar disorder, or youve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you can turn to the following individuals, groups and organisations for help and support.

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What To Do In An Emergency

Your bipolar disorder may at times prevent you from seeing things clearly. So when you’re feeling well, make a plan with your friends and family for what to do in case you start behaving in a way that may mean you’re thinking about suicide.

You should agree to steps you’ll take during a crisis, such as:

• Ask for help from friends or family members.
• Stay safe until you can get help.

Remember that mood episodes are temporary and suicidal thoughts are a symptom of your bipolar disorder. You will feel better with time.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free and confidential support for people in distress, 24/7:

1-800-273-TALK

Incarcerated Patients With Bipolar Disorder

The association between bipolar disorder and criminal acts can lead to patients incarceration. Most patients with psychiatric disorders in prison are incarcerated for nonviolent crimes, such as burglary, fraud, and drug offenses . However, few studies have examined prisoners with bipolar disorder.

The prison environment and bipolar disorder symptoms.

In the United States, jails are detention centers in which prisoners are detained before trial or remand centers that house prisoners serving sentences shorter than one year, and state prisons are establishments for sentenced prisoners. The prevalence of bipolar disorder among prisoners is high. Various studies have cited prevalence rates between 2% and 7% , which is significantly higher than in the general population . Overrepresentation of bipolar disorder among inmates has been observed in many countries .

The prison administration may view patients behaviors as acts of defiance against prison authorities. Patients may not always be reported to the psychiatric team, which delays their access to care. Access to care can be exacerbated by other factors . Patients may be detained many times before they receive a diagnosis. In a longitudinal study of 79,211 U.S. prisoners conducted over six years, inmates with psychiatric disorders showed an increased risk of multiple incarcerations . Patients with bipolar disorder were 3.3 times more likely than inmates with no psychiatric disorder to experience multiple incarcerations .

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A Bright Future Starts At Valley Oaks

Walking through the doors of a center like Valley Oaks for the first can be tough. We work hard to make sure that your visit is easy, streamlined, and professional while still addressing your needs. The reality is that more folks are seeking help than youd ever imagine, and for good reason. More than 80% of folks that seek help for common mental health ailments see significant improvement. Your journey to lifes peaks can start right now and start right here at Valley Oaks.

• Tippecanoe County Community Corrections is prioritizing recovery for its clients struggling with

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Ways You Can Support Someone With Bipolar Disorder

Lifestyle Writer at The Huffington Post UK

The support from family and friends, as well as mental health services, is hugely important for people with bipolar disorder, says Stephen Buckley, from UK-based mental health charity, Mind. But knowing how to show support can be hard.

Kim Kardashian Wests statement in response to media speculation about Kanye Wests mental health was a candid reflection on what its like to watch someone you love struggle from the sidelines. People who are unaware or far removed from this experience can be judgmental and not understand that the individual themselves have to engage in the process of getting help no matter how hard family and friends try, she wrote.

The rapper has previously spoken about life with bipolar disorder, saying if he didnt keep on top of his medication, there was potential to ramp up and end up in hospital. He explained that for him, ramping up or experiencing an episode of psychosis can mean he is hyper-paranoid about everything.

Bipolar disorder affects a persons mood, meaning they will often fluctuate from one extreme to another. They will experience periods of mania, feeling very high and overactive, which are then followed by periods of depression. Some people might also experience hallucinations or delusions, known as psychosis.

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What Are The Side Effects Of Bipolar Disorder Medications

Side effects of bipolar disorder medications are common and vary by medication. Its important to talk with your healthcare provider about what you can expect when taking certain medications. Its also important to tell them if youre experiencing side effects.

Never stop taking your medication unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so. Abruptly stopping medication can cause severe side effects and trigger severe episodes.

The most common side effects of bipolar disorder medications include:

• Akathisia feelings of restlessness and agitation with a compelling need to move, rock or pace.

S To Getting A Loved One Help For Bipolar Disorder

I have learned a lot while caring for my sister, who has . The first thing I learned? There is no guidebook for caregiving. Bipolar disorder affects everyone differently, and each situation has its own obstacles and . But after dealing with my little sisters condition for the last six years, I think Ive pinned down four steps that apply to all struggling caregivers.

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Know The Warning Signs

If you have bipolar disorder, or you’re the friend or relative of someone who does, keep an eye out for suicidal behavior. Some obvious signs of trouble are talking about suicide or death or writing a suicide note.

Some other warning signs are:

• Feeling hopeless
• Putting affairs in order, as if preparing for death
• Doing dangerous or potentially life-threatening things

Is Hospitalization Ever Necessary

Involuntary commitment is a difficult decision to make. In general, adults have a legal right to refuse any kind of treatment. And taking away anyones freedom to refuse care is not a decision to be taken lightly. However, there are exceptions. These are generally for instances in which it is believed that the individual could cause harm to self or others.

Suicide is one important reason you may need to seek emergency care for a loved one. If involuntary commitment will save their life, it is worth doing. Of course, hospitalization to stabilize someone is not really treatment. Treatment cannot be forced for bipolar disorder, because it requires commitment and time from the individual being treated. But, sometimes in a crisis situation treatment begins with hospitalization.

Facing refusal of treatment for someone you care about is difficult. Their mental illness is likely holding them back in life and is probably interfering in your life and relationship. Learn more about bipolar disorder, listen to what your loved one feels and needs, and help make them see that treatment will make their lives better.

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Mandatory Treatment Laws In Iowa

Like every state, Iowa has civil commitment laws that establish criteria for determining when involuntary treatment is appropriate for individuals with severe mental illness who cannot seek care voluntarily. Iowa’s laws allow for the use of court-ordered treatment in the community, known as assisted outpatient treatment .

You can find the Iowa civil commitment law, here.

What If Things Get Worse And They Still Wont Go

Still, theres a time and a place for taking someone to the hospital against their will.

A person can be involuntarily committed to a hospital if they are a danger to themselves, a danger to others, or gravely disabled. They are considered a danger to themselves if they have stated that they are planning to harm themselves. Likewise, they present a danger to others if they have stated that they intend to harm someone else. Grave disability is when someone is sick and cant make decisions for themselves. Someone who is having a psychotic break may not verbalize intent to harm anyone, but they likely meet the criteria for grave disability. The same goes for someone who is experiencing a drug overdose.

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Child Victims Of Abuse

When a kid over the stage of most in the state has a family who abuses it due to psychiatric issues, he or she may call the proper place and unintentionally commit the family. The government can use the forces to operate, but the child with a psychiatric illness will lead to the result is caused by parental violence. The abilities are to protect someone without more help who cannot escape the violence. This rationale defends kids from neglect and behavioral and psychiatric disabilities.

When Should A Person With Bipolar Disorder Go To The Hospital

Someone living with bipolar disorder may need to visit a hospital for several reasons.

According to Jen Thurman, a licensed professional counselor in Springfield, Missouri, some common reasons for hospitalization in bipolar disorder include:

• lack of motivation
• loss of interest in pleasurable activities

If you experience psychosis, you may have trouble knowing that your experience of reality isnt what other people are experiencing and this is understandable. Your experience is valid and support is available.

If you have received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, you may wonder what to expect if you are hospitalized.

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Should You Help Someone Who Doesnt Want To Help Themselves

Continue to be supportive. Ways that you can do this are providing them with assistance if needed like taking them to or from treatment and helping them with daily chores. You could also encourage activities like exercise, going out to dinner with friends, or watching a funny movie. Most importantly, dont avoid them.

What Are The Side Effects

There are no direct side effects to a hospital stay, but there may still be complications. Except for extreme cases, hospitalization must be a voluntary decision. In cases where the person is a clear and immediate danger to themselves or others, involuntary hospitalization can occur.

It may be challenging to get someone admitted to a hospital, even if they wish to go. The hospital may keep them for a shorter period than you think is necessary. In either case, if the hospital isnt giving the care thats needed, it may be time to try another hospital.

A severe bipolar episode can cause extreme or even dangerous behavior. This can include suicide attempts or threats against others. You should take this behavior seriously and take action immediately. If the situation seems out of control or about to get out of control, you may need to call the police for assistance.

Many hospitals can handle a wide range of mental health issues. To find out more, check with your primary care provider or the hospitals themselves. Some of these resources may help.

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Go To Couples Counseling

Couples counseling is essential for working through upset over a bipolar partners actions. Its common for someone with bipolar disorder to hurt and offend their partner. When someone is first diagnosed, there are often relationship issues that need to be addressed. Couples counseling can help you:

• Understand that theres an illness involved in the hurtful behavior.
• Forgive the behavior that happened during an altered mood state.
• Set boundaries with a partner about maintaining treatment.

How Is Bipolar Disorder Treated

Treatment can help many people, including those with the most severe forms of bipolar disorder. An effective treatment plan usually includes a combination of the following therapies:

• Psychotherapy .
• Self-management strategies, like education and identifying the early symptoms of an episode or possible triggers of episodes.
• Helpful lifestyle habits, such as exercise, yoga and meditation. These can support, but not replace, treatment.
• Other therapies, such as electroconvulsive therapy in cases that are poorly responsive to medication or where rapid control of symptoms is necessary to prevent harm.

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, so treatment is a lifelong commitment. It can sometimes take several months to years before you and your healthcare provider find a comprehensive treatment plan that works best for you. Although this can be discouraging, its important to continue treatment.

Episodes of mania and depression typically come back over time. Between episodes, many people with bipolar disorder dont have mood changes, but some people may have lingering symptoms. Long-term, continuous treatment can help manage these symptoms.

Again, even though it may be difficult to treat these conditions, its not impossible. Be sure to stay committed to finding a treatment plan that works for you.

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