Need any advice you may have on knowing someone who is bipolar and its symtoms ( Archived) (38)

I know I could research this on the internet, but the very personal side of me would like to get the information straight from a person who knows what they're talking about, please

I have a million questions to ask, but will only list a couple, and would welcome any additional information, factual please, so I won't go on "hear say" to help someone close to me

1- Does the illness get worse to cope with as someone gets older and the meds have to be continually changed in some way either dosage or type?

2-Will a person eventually arrive at the point in his/her life that around the clock care is advisable because of not being able to function without harm to themselves or someone else?

3-How can I be of the most help in the care or friendship with this person?

4-Are there persons who should not live independent lives whose level of this disability impair rational thinking?

Like I said, millions more questions, but these questions and any reference material you can recommend would be greatly appreciated

Most Gratefully,
Peaches

Sorry to post and run...BRB in awhile

Best getting professional help on this one. Many people with bi-polar don't have the same set of symptoms. A psychiatrist or other professional would be your best bet to ask questions of, in particular someone who is dealing with your friend and knows the history.

I know this because I often work with people with bi-polar through the mental health association here.

Hi Shelia...I have bipolar depression and will try to answer any questions you have. However, the illness is like snowflakes..it is different with every person. Things that have happened to me personally may not have happened to someone else with the same disease.

1.My illness has gotton worse over the years. I was diagnosed 30 years ago, and it has progressed in severity. Now the question about meds is very tricky. Some people have success with medication. Personally, I haven't found a medication that works for me. I have tried dozens, from Aventyl to xanax. But it is common for bipolar people to change meds or at least adjust dosages.

2.I don't think around the clock care will be necessary, unless the person becomes suicidal. Now there could be times when a person needs extra attention, and monitering if their illness (especially during a manic phase) gets out of control. But I don't think it would be around the clock treatment in most cases.

3.Just be friends and treat them as you always have. Be patient and try to be understanding, especially if they say something hurtful to you. Sometimes I say things I really do not mean, and I always ask forgiveness. But sometimes a person with bipolar do not realize they are being hurtful, so that is where the patience comes in.

4.Yes...some bipolars cannot live independent lives. Sometimes irrational thinking can get bipolars in trouble. During manic phases, I have heard people rolling up thousands of dollars of debt buying things they do not need. During very depressed stages, some people do things because of feelings of paranoia, or a feeling of loss. I would say most bipolars can live independent lives especially if they have found the right medication.

Any other questions, please feel free to ask...

Hello Peaches.

I have been going through this with a friend recently and can add a few comments. First and foremost, I will tell you that the individual I know is an extremely well-educated and well-trained PHYSICIAN! Seriously, one of the best in the business - but even he had a problem with resolving the problem.

It is a difficult, difficult disease. However, getting the RIGHT meds is critical. From what I've heard, everyone reacts differently and it is DANGEROUS to wean off one medicine and onto another. During that time, you should be very concerned about the person being harmful - but if you're lucky they will also tell you they are having those thoughts.

If the medication is not working and the disorder i still ruining lives - the best thing YOU can do is act as the advocate. Some doctors are hesitant to admit they have made a mistake in the diagnosis and/or prescription and you absolutely should insist on seeing another. In other words, STEP-IN if the meds aren't working.

If you would like, I would be most happy to get more information. If someone near you suffers from this, I'm sure you are suffering, too.

Also, to the best of my knowledge, there is no reason to suspect it will get worse or that they would not be able to lead independent lives, etc. But you will probably have to monitor those meds with great care and perhaps go through episodes where they need to be switched or adjusted which would cause an increased danger.

This is just what I have learned through my friend's experience. Not a doctor!!!!!!!

I'll ask and get you the link for a good website.

I was looking for you for this. Then I came back from e-mailing peaches and poof --there you were. good luck!!!

Oops! Sorry Mr. Casey. Had I known you were better experienced and posting, I would have shut up! All the best.

Even though I have the illness, I am no expert. I am sure Shelia would like to hear fromn all kinds of points of view.

Thanks. Maybe you should talk to my doctor friend! Not only is he brilliant (and I don't say things like that lightly), but he's fighting the same battle.

Anyway, I'll get "his version" of all the leading info and post it for anyone who is interested.