Overcoming Powerlessness: How To Get A Bipolar Person Help
Bipolar people have one advantage compared to their family and friends. At the end of the day, we have the option of seeking treatment or not seeking treatment, and what kind or kinds of treatment to seek. Family members and friends of bipolar people can be in a much more difficult and often frustrating situation. Unless the bipolar person is legally incompetent, bipolar people have the right to refuse treatment. As a result, the loved ones of bipolar people are often only able to watch and are unable to act when they see that the people they love need real help.
However, there are a number of things that people can do to help bipolar people get the help that they need. Often, it is a matter of understanding why it is that the bipolar person is resisting treatment, and helping to find treatment that addresses those concerns. Two steps can help in finding bipolar people the help they may need. First, one needs to understand what help exactly is available. Second, one needs to understand what it is that is causing the bipolar person to be hesitant about getting treatment.
How To Treat Bipolar Disorder In 4 Steps
Mood swings are a normal part of human life, but when the emotions felt are excessive and out of place, it might be a symptom of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a brain and behavior disorder characterized by extreme mood swings, both emotional highs referred to as mania or hypomania or emotional lows commonly known as bipolar depression, making it challenging for an individual to function. The exact cause of Bipolar Disorder is unknown, but some symptoms of bipolar disorder can aid in its diagnosis. Some of these symptoms include Extreme irritability, Increased sexual behavior, poor concentration, aggressive behavior, suicidal thoughts, etc. There are three types of Bipolar Disorders that people experience. Cyclothymic disorder is the mildest form of Bipolar Disorder. According to the American Psychiatric Association, Cyclothymic disorder is identified by frequent mood swings and few sessions of mania or depression. Bipolar disorder leads to sudden mood swings between episodes of depression and manic. An individual diagnosed with bipolar disorder is likely to experience sessions of normal moods between depression and manic. The last type of bipolar Disorder is Bipolar Disorder it is diagnosed when a person never experiences full-blown mania but experiences a major depressive episode.
Getting Someone To Seek Help For Bipolar Disorder
For a variety of reasons, people with bipolar disorder won’t go to a doctor for help. They shrug off a friend or family member’s concern. Others view their illness as a distraction or a weakness, and they don’t want to give in to it. Still others put their health at a very low priority compared with other things in their lives.
Often, fear is the reason for not seeing a doctor. That’s especially true if there is a family history of emotional problems. People in denial are protected from their worst fears. They can stay comfortable in their everyday routines — even though relationships and careers can be at stake.
If you’re concerned about a loved one who could have bipolar disorder, talk to them about seeing a doctor. Sometimes, simply suggesting a health checkup is the best approach. With other people, it works best to be direct about your concern regarding a mood disorder. Include these points in the discussion:
Trust is crucial in shaking someone’s denial and in motivating them to get help. Trust is also important once treatment for bipolar disorder starts. Through the eyes of a trustworthy friend or family member, a person with bipolar disorder can know when treatment is working — when things are getting better, and when they’re not. If your interest is sincere, you can be of great help to your friend or family member.
Read Also: What Is The Fear Of Vomit Called
Pregnancy And Bipolar Medicines
One of the main problems is that the risks of taking bipolar medicines during pregnancy are not well understood.
If you’re pregnant and you have bipolar disorder, a written plan for your treatment should be developed as soon as possible.
The plan should be drawn up with you, your partner, your obstetrician , midwife, GP and health visitor.
The following medicines are not routinely prescribed for pregnant women with bipolar disorder, as they may harm the baby:
- valproate
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.
Don’t Miss: Celine Dion Anorexia
Put A Support Team Together
The support team was the most important aspect of this process. As a caregiver, you’re likely to burn out in general — and the months and years of begging your loved one to get help will wear you down. Having the support team of my little sister’s family and friends was so important. It made convincing her to get treatment a little easier. We had conference calls where we’d plan our talking points, assign certain comments to certain people, arrange how we would approach topics and who would approach what-we decided who would take the lead on the conversation and who would back that person up. It was important also to understand the different roles we all played in her life. While my older sister and I structured the support team’s mission, we downplayed my role because we knew my little sister reacted strongly to my involvement in her life.
Part of our support team was also the local police. My sister had been living so recklessly that we got to know the police in her community, and they knew to call us if anything happened. One night, we learned my sister was back in town, and we alerted the police. They picked her up immediately. She’d wrecked her car, proving she was a danger to others, which was the only reason we were finally able to check her into an institution. She was furious, as we knew she would be. The only way she agreed to go to Skyland Trail was to get out of that first institution.
Financial Assistance For Bipolar Disorder
Financial Assistance for Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder, often called manic depression is a severe psychological condition that may greatly affect the life of the sufferer. This condition often renders them unable to work, learn or even socialize properly because they continuously get mood swings. Therefore, it is a pretty common occurrence when you see people with bipolar disorder struggle to be jobless and having a hard time, financially.
You May Like: Feratraphobia
Eleven Ways You Can Help A Friend Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder
Those diagnosed with bipolar disorder may be at the mercy of extreme mood swings, but they are not powerless. Medication, therapy and a healthy lifestyle can help them enjoy full and productive lives, especially when supplemented by the support of those closest to them.
And thats where you come in. If a friend has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, here are 11 ways you can help:
1. Educate yourself.
The term bipolar is thrown around a lot these days, yet it remains widely misunderstood. Spend some time learning about the disorder, and youll be much better able to understand what your friend is going through. Good sources include the National Institute of Mental Health, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, and the International Bipolar Foundation.
2. Channel your compassion, but ditch the pity.
No one wants to hear, I feel so sorry for you. What they do want is recognition that life holds challenges for them and that youll be there to help them meet them.
3. Accept the lows with the highs.
When manic, the person with bipolar disorder can come across as the life of the party. When depressed, however, they may feel as though they have lost their value in their social circle because they are no longer fun. Dont add to that pressure. Let your friend know you are there for them whether they are in the heights or the doldrums, and help them aim for that middle ground.
4. Dont say calm down or cheer up.
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
You May Like: Aphobia Definition
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 sister’s condition for the last six years, I think I’ve pinned down four steps that apply to all struggling caregivers.
What Happens During Manic And Depressive Episodes
Mania and depression involve much more than the normal ups and downs of mood that most people experience. When going through a manic episode, individuals may experience the following:14
- Agitation.
- Sleeping more or less than usual.
- Thoughts or plans of suicide or death.
- Unintended weight loss or gain.
Don’t Miss: Acrophobia Medical Definition
Some Other Terms Connected To Bipolar Disorder
-
Hypomania is a milder form of mania but still more extreme that a regular good mood.
-
Mixed episodes are ones in which you have symptoms of both mania and depression at the same time. For example you might feel excitable and agitated like you do when you’re in mania while also feeling depressed and hopeless. This combination of energy, agitation and depression makes a mixed episode the most dangerous for risk of suicide.
-
Rapid cycling is when a person with bipolar disorder experiences four or more mood swings or episodes in one year.
Find The Best Treatment
Even while your loved one refuses treatment, you should be researching facilities, because it may take a while to find the right place. More often than not, bipolar disorder comes with some sort of addiction, because drinking or using drugs is usually the only thing that quiets a bipolar mind. But this self-medication isn’t enough, and it can harm the person further. It’s important that a bipolar patient with an addiction problem undergo treatment for both their bipolar and their addiction through a dual diagnosis program. The problem is that there are very few facilities in the U.S. that treat both issues. Often, someone will enter a treatment program for their addiction, but they won’t be treated for their mental condition, so the underlying problem is never solved. My sister became a patient at Skyland Trail, a nonprofit mental health treatment organization that offers this dual diagnosis program.
When researching, I sought out leaders in the mental health space-writers, bloggers, speakers and doctors-and asked them for suggestions for next steps. Do your research, so that when your loved one finally consents to treatment, he or she will be in the right place.
Recommended Reading: Does Dehydration Cause Anxiety
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.
What If Im Not Happy With My Treatment
If you arent happy with your treatment you can:
- talk to your doctor about your treatment options,
- ask for a second opinion,
- get an advocate to help you speak to your doctor,
- contact Patient Advice and Liaison Service , or
- make a complaint.
There is more information about these options below.
How can I speak to my doctor about my treatment options?
You can speak to your doctor about your treatment. Explain why you arent happy with it. You could ask what other treatments you could try.
Tell your doctor if there is a type of treatment that you would like to try. Doctors should listen to your preference. If you arent given this treatment, ask your doctor to explain why it isnt suitable for you.
Whats a second opinion?
A second opinion means that you would like a different doctor to give their opinion about what treatment you should have. You can also ask for a second opinion if you disagree with your diagnosis.
You dont have a right to a second opinion. But your doctor should listen to your reason for wanting a second opinion.
What is advocacy?
An advocate is independent from the mental health service. They are free to use. They can be useful if you find it difficult to get your views heard.
There are different types of advocates available. Community advocates can support you to get a health professional to listen to your concerns. And help you to get the treatment that you would like. NHS complaints advocates can help you if you want to complain about the NHS.
Read Also: Three Phases Of Schizophrenia
Caring For Your Needs
You must also remember to take care of yourself. Some ways to do that include:
- Cultivate self-care and coping skills.
- Set boundaries by expressing what is acceptable or unacceptable.
- Be clear about what will happen if a boundary is violated.
- Reach out for help if you need it .
- Be gentle and compassionate toward yourself.
What Can I Do To Manage My Symptoms
You can learn to manage your symptoms by looking after yourself. Selfcare is how you take care of your diet, sleep, exercise, daily routine, relationships and how you are feeling.
What lifestyle changes can I make?
Making small lifestyle changes can improve your wellbeing and can help your recovery.
Routine helps many people with their mental wellbeing. It will help to give a structure to your day and may give you a sense of purpose. This could be a simple routine such as eating at the same time each day, going to bed at the same time each day and buying food once per week.
Your healthcare professionals should offer you a combined healthy eating, exercise and sleep programme.
You can find more information about wellbeing any physical health at:www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/living-with-mental-illness/wellbeing-physical-health/.
What are support groups?
You could join a support group. A support group is where people come together to share information, experiences and give each other support.
You might be able to find a local group by searching online. The charity Bipolar UK have an online support group. They also have face to face support groups in some areas of the country. Their contact details are in the Useful contacts at the bottom of this page.
What are recovery colleges?
Unfortunately, recovery colleges arent available in all areas. To see if there is a recovery college in your area you can use a search engine such as Google.
Recommended Reading: Pristiq Uses
Brain Structure And Function
Researchers are learning that the brain structure and function of people with bipolar disorder may be different from the brain structure and function of people who do not have bipolar disorder or other psychiatric disorders. Learning about the nature of these brain changes helps doctors better understand bipolar disorder and may in the future help predict which types of treatment will work best for a person with bipolar disorder. At this time, diagnosis is based on symptoms rather than brain imaging or other diagnostic tests.
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.
Read Also: What Is A Fear Of Bees Called