After days of research to try and
understand all of the symptoms/traits of
bipolar illnesses, I am prepared to help a
loved one seek help. Actually she was
already being treated professionally with
medicine and therapy, but unfortunately
the doctor reduced her meds and told her
that last week's appointment was her last.
I think I have learned enough and am
willing to help seek additional treatment,
but I have a few questions.
- My friend tends to lie when, or after
she had an episode in order to cover up
what she has done. The problem is, the
lies are becoming overwhelming for her, as
she cannot remember who she told the lie
to, nor what the lie was. How does someone
build up a network of friends, or come to
an agreement with the bipolar person in
order to keep the lies in check? How is
this done without it backfiring and
seeming like everyone is against the ill
person?
- Furthermore she likes to claim a lot of
time for herself and seems to lead another
life away from everyone. She claims she
needs her space, but to me this is a cop
out to allow her secret, episodal feelings
space to wonder so it does not affect her
friendships. (he is scared to death to
lose her friends). When a person commits
to seeking help, do they also need to
commit to the black-out times? the times
when no one knows where she is?
- Medication change/increase? in order to
regain the "therapeutical level."
- What can I expect?
- Can someone share their experience on
this subject?
Also, I came up with my own list. Am I
missing something?
- She needs to admit she needs help.
- She needs to be willing to do it.
- She needs to be committed to doing it.
- She will be 100% accountable (until she
regains therapeutic level with meds)
- Friends network to keep her in check. (I
know that sounds horrible, but she goes
into these black holes because of her
recent relapse).
- Multiple person counseling
- Controlling/ommitting the lying
K
|
bipolarmom
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Posts: 2 Location: Texas
Posted: 04-11-07 17:11pm
I'm newly diagnosed but my doctor told me
that she would be me throughout my
treatment. I'm shocked that the doctor
told her it would be her last visit and
reduced her meds.
I just suggest finding another doctor who
will treat and support her at the same
time.
TL
|
Akkette
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 14 Apr 2007 Posts: 50 Location: Australia
Posted: 04-17-07 03:29am
I would definately have her see another
Dr. My Physcitrist told me i didnt need to
see him any more and that i didnt require
meds but i found it to be one of my
darkest times. Needless to say i seeked
someone else. I think its up to the
patient to decided when the time is right
for them and not the Dr. Her GP should be
able to refer her to someone. If you have
a mental health association they may also
be able to recommend a new dr.
Good Luck (and someone is very lucky to
have a friend like you)
