Sister is having Manic episode--how do you tell her? - Family & Friends of the Mentally Ill Message Board

Willstrideryder · 03-24-2006, 11:03 PM

My sister was diagnosed back in the 80's when she was 15 or so. She has been doing great for the last 10 years-until now. My question is: can the birth of a baby bring on symptoms? She had her fourth child 2 years ago, and I feel that is when alot of this started. She takes only Effexor and I do not think her dr is aware of her diagnosis. (She only sees an OB). Her judgment is totally off, she has stepped out on her loving husband, does not want custody of her kids, takes painkillers, and definitely has an issue with God. Her husband and extended family are so supportive. We love her so much and I think everyone has "forgotten" about her diagnosis way back when--including herself. How do I bring it up to her without offending her? I tried to talk to her, but she just does not want to talk about it and got up and left. Do people with BP feel guilty when they do something wrong? (I hope this Q doesn't offend anyone) She acts like a robot and does not look at anyone in the eyes. She is so mixed up--not herself. How do we help her before it is too late?

goody2shuz · 03-25-2006, 07:30 AM

Hi...I am fairly new here too but from what I have read abut Bipolar it does seem to come around the times of hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause so what you are thinking can definitely be true.

I would strongly suggest that you get your sister in for a psychiatric evaluation....her history and behavior seem to be strongly indicative of her disorder being triggered in a significant way and she needs intervention ASAP.

This is a wonderful place to get support.....hang in there and I am sure those wiht more knowledge will chime in and tell you from their experience what they think.

Is there anyway that you can convince your sister to go to her doctor with you going along for support??? She is certainly lucky to have a sister who cares so much about her.....that is what may be her saving grace and if you can convince her to follow this through you may help her to get her life back on track. From what I have read here a Bipolar person without meds is like an alcoholic who is drinking or a heroin addict getting his fix. Your sister will need meds to assist her with the chemical imbalance that she may be going through at this time.

Good luck and please keep us posted ~ Goody

cagedbird · 03-25-2006, 11:03 PM

Hi sorry to hear about your sister. She sounds manic. and in this frame of mind she's doing what a lot of us bipolars do in a marriage. I have pretty much done the same thing a few times already to my family. But when I come down,I wonder what the heck was I thinking! At the time guilt is not even a thought,how could it be....we think what were doing is the right thing.Hopefully she will crash at some point and remember she has a husband and children.
My symtoms started after I had a C-section almost 19 years ago when I had my son. Then again at 41 while I was going though peri menopause.And really bad at 48.I finally went for help at age 50,only because my husband draged me to a pdoc.I was depressed and started banging my head into a door.I was very manic from 48 to 49 ( left husband at this time) and at 50 crashed into depression and had mixed episodes all day long,up and down about 4 times a day if not more. At some point,I hope you can get her to understand she needs meds and needs to see a pdoc.Unmedicated bipolar disorder is dangerous,the lows get to low and we like to just end the pain.It's so hard not to have any control over you mind.

cagedbird

Willstrideryder · 03-26-2006, 10:20 AM

Thank you so much for your advice. Later that night that I posted, my sister overdosed, left a note, etc. Her husband was driving around frantic all night looking for her and thanks to Divine Intervention, he found her in the knick of time. She was hospitalized and ok for now. I'm upset because I heard last night they went home. She needs to be monitored while she's coming off Effexor and given different meds. Her husband is a broken man after this last week. He is spent. The whole family is exhausted emotionally. I guess we need to give it some time. Thanks for letting me express! And for the advice--it sure helps!

cagedbird · 03-26-2006, 02:53 PM

This is a good time to get her to a pdoc,and put on the right meds.She doesn't have to come off the med she is on now,she needs a pdoc to add something while weeing her off the one she is on now. She may go back up again any time soon,or get real low again and try to end it once more. I know her husband must be beside himself but he has to take charge and get her the help she needs right now. My best to you

cagedbird