Bipolar is equally difficult for family and friends
@inspired_designs (248)
United States
February 2, 2007 12:29am CST
Bipolar is equally difficult for family and friends of those affected.
The condition is the most difficult mental illness for families to accept.
Families can more easily except Schizophrania,to understand that it is an illness. But when a person is sometimes productive, then becomes unresonable or irration, it reaks havoc on their family. It seems more like bad behavior and they don't want to straighten-up!
If this rings-true, for you or even a family member, the first step is to seek a psychiatrist. whether it's bipolar disorder or another mood-related problem. Effective treatments are available. What's most important is that you recognize a problem, then seek treatment!
3 responses
@bethmt (419)
• United States
7 Feb 07
You made a very good point in that it's difficult for both the loved ones and the affected one. There are often very few resources or support networks for family members to fall back on. There is in the U.S. though an organization called NAMI which offers group support, resources and education for family and friends of those who are mentally ill. I'm not sure what is offered in other countries though.
@inspired_designs (248)
• United States
9 Feb 07
Thank you! This is true, not just the person that has the Bipolar is effected...everyone around them are effected by it! Thanks for the name of that organization! Is there a website? Maybe I could pass it on to the many people I talk to about Bipolar!
@inspired_designs (248)
• United States
10 Feb 07
Thanks for the link! I will be sure to pass it on!
@lizabeth (666)
• United States
7 Feb 07
When I was in high school my best friend was diagnosed as bipolar. She went through a very rough time from her teens to mid-20's. She was in and out of the hospital for long periods. When she was 18 yrs. old she recieved shock treatments. She is now on lithium and has 2 beautiful children. Bipolar is a diffucult diease for people to understand. But she is doing well now even though she has her days.
@inspired_designs (248)
• United States
9 Feb 07
I'm so happy your friend is doing well! Thank you for your response, it's nice to hear the stories of people getting the help they need!
@inspired_designs (248)
• United States
2 Feb 07
Aww I am sorry to hear about your son! I hope I can help you!
I actually was diagnosed over 12 years ago with bipolar and yes I do have family members with bipolar disorder! You will find that Bipolar is most of the time hereditary!
If there is any questions you may have, please ask me and if I don't have the answers, I will deffinately find them for you!
My Bipolar is at the point that I am on lithium 3 x's a day and ceraquill at night!
