Can you help someone who is bipolar?

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

Someone very close to me is bipolar and is not doing well-off their meds, taking hard drugs, making dangerous life choices and having a huge personality shift. I've seen them get bad before, but never to this level. For those of you who know a loved one with this disorder-What do you do when this happens. Is it worth trying to reason with them when they say they're fine? Do you tell their family who have had to force treatment in the past or is this a betrayl? It's killing me to watch them start down this path and I wish I could do something. What is the choice of a true fan-get involved or let them figure it out?

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

1. ..

just bumping in case anyone has advice

[Radio_Lady]

4. We have two people in our immediate family, both adults, who have

manic depression, or bi-polar disorder. That's not counting my aunt, who had a husband diagnosed as bipolar years ago -- he has passed away. At the end, he went off his meds and she had a fearful night while he traversed the town on foot and ended up at some unknown pizza restaurant.

Someone in the person's family MUST get this person some help. Are you close enough to any relatives to discuss this with? I think you might have some clout if the person is using STREET DRUGS and is endangering him/herself (sorry, I didn't notice if it is a man or a woman). Perhaps the clergy or the police can talk with the person. In any event, legally, I believe a doctor would have to certify that the person is either a danger to him/herself or to others and an intervention could get the person hospitalized, if that is what is needed.

People who are manic think that they are fine -- even super-fine -- while in the manic state.

When in the depressed state, the person may be more receptive to intervention or treatment.

Hope this helps. It's hard to watch this and not want to do something.

In peace,

Radio_Lady

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

5. It is street drugs

after being clean nearly four years-and they're not taking meds while on them, leading to a bizarre state of mind where they have seemingly irrational impulese that are totally out of character. I think I'm going to have to talk to the family, as they're the only ones who have the clout to help this individual

Thanks for your advice. I may be hated forever by my friend for going to someone to intervene, but I feel the alternative is far worse.

[Haole Girl]

2. That is a tough one and I really don't know.

I would seek professional advice, though, since it is a serious illness.

[struggle4progress]

3. Medical attention ASAP. Some bipolar meds can bring on type II diabetes

(permanently) and the resulting blood sugar problems can increase the mood swings ...

[liberaltrucker]

6. Intervention is NOT betrayal

DO IT, NOW!!!!! Before it's too late.
Believe me you won't regret intervening,
but you might regret it if you don't.

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

7. Thanks

It's just when this person gets dillusional, they have major trust issues and may take it the wrong way. I'm hoping I can remain anonymous, but due to the nature of the info i know, it will be obvious it was me. But I guess in the long run, it will be best.

[liberaltrucker]

8. Good vibes and godspeed

See PM.

:hug:

[Deja Q]

13. I concur with you, liberaltrucker

[pitohui]

9. my personal experience

IME there is nothing you can do for a bipolar drug user except get them the hell out of your life and don't loan them any money, don't give them any rides in your car, and basically stop acknowledging their existence

they have to hit bottom to recover, in reality, since life is drama no matter how awful it gets, the severe bipolar person NEVER hits bottom and all you can do is save yourself

i am sorry my post is so bitter and cynical

one gun at my head by a bipolar druggie is enough though

save yourself

run

you can't help them, you only destroy yourself by getting in deeper

it is a sad reality that medication does NOT always work for bipolar individuals even if they are prescribed

this person needs professional help, all you can do is get hurt

do you stand in the middle of the highway when an ambulance is taking a heart victim to the hospital, i think not, well don't stand in the middle of the highway when it's bipolar disease because this is a REAL disease and you being a super nice wonderful person doesn't change fuck-all

[Radio_Lady]

10. Pitohui, you have spoken truthfully and bluntly.

I totally agree with all that you said.

I hope the original poster will keep us informed along the way.

[Deja Q]

12. Self-del

[Deja Q]

11. Why be cruel?

Give them a fast-acting, painless pill that works in ways none of the others does.

Or are you not even that compassionate?

Sorry about your experience.