Bipolar Disorder?

[Shaun]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder


Any one got any friends or family suffering from this? Amazing what can be going on in a persons head with out them even knowing it is happening.

[R6_kid:Me]

aka "manic depression". My cousin has it, made him pretty mixed up from what I've heard. It has certainly lead to them making some 'interesting' life changing decisions, but not really sure if it's made things any better for them except for in their own head.

[Her_C4]

Yes - and it is a road to hell trying to find the appropriate support here in NZ.

[Shaun]

aka "manic depression". My cousin has it, made him pretty mixed up from what I've heard. It has certainly lead to them making some 'interesting' life changing decisions, but not really sure if it's made things any better for them except for in their own head.

I met some one yesterday that has it. They had No idea they were different, just thought that was the way the world was for them, and believed they were just a looser. Some of the decisions this person has made, has cost them a lot of friends and money, but this person thought they were doing to correct thing

wow, sad

[Shaun]

Yes - and it is a road to hell trying to find the appropriate support here in NZ.

would that not come down to who your doctor is? There is lots of different medication to manage it that do actually work very very well

[R6_kid:Me]

Sounds like a very similar story to what I've heard Shaun, though as for the meds - it's all about making sure they take them, but as with many things sometimes taking med's ends up making them feel less of a person for not being able to overcome it on their own. The main thing is understanding and support rather than meds. Recognising the problem and helping the person to understand and come to terms with their disorder is usually much more powerful than putting them on drugs to try and balance out the chemicals in their brain.

[Her_C4]

would that not come down to who your doctor is? There is lots of different medication to manage it that do actually work very very well

If only it were that simple... 'Oh I see you have Bipolar Disorder - here are some pills, take these and you will be better in no time!' Terrible terrible side effects, that can be worse than the ailment.

There is a great wealth of support for those suffering from depression, but manic depression and Bipolar disporder appears to have fallen through the cracks in terms of knowledge, understanding, support and treatment available. Often it is a case of self education and reading latest medical journals to find a possible alternative to the current regime.

Try getting an initial diagnosis from the overworked Psychiatrist and then try and go back to see them again for whatever reason. They do not have the capacity. Diagnose, medicate and handover to family doctor.

[wbks]

What is the difference between a serious drama queen and someone with bi-polar? Serious question

[R6_kid:Me]

What is the difference between a serious drama queen and someone with bi-polar? Serious question

Bi-polar is exactly that, going from one extreme to the other. One day they are quite content and happy with the world, then sometimes they are withdrawn and depressed.

"Drama queens" I don't think are depressed, but upset that shit isn't going their way. I guess both are personality disorders, but bi-polar is a physical/chemical change in the brain, whereas a drama queen is more of a reaction to a particular situation thing?

[Kiwi Graham:Me]

Bipolar is a mood disorder that once diagnosed can be treated and managed effectivly. Yes the chances are you will hae to take pills for the majority of your life to help keep your mood on an even keel but lfe style changes and an understanding of early warning signs and keeping peole close to you in the loop all go towards people with this diagnosis living a perfectly 'normal' life.

Common mistakes made by the undiagnosed/treated are as you describe Shaun but once treated those they have offended can see the real person and shouldnt be afraid to reintroduce themselves and move forward in those relationships. As for the loss of money.......Ive known some that have cleaned themselves out through their grandiosty and over generosity. Its the people who have been on the recieving end of this that should look at helping out if that is whats needed.

This condition need not be delt with by the sufferer alone, support from friends and family is vital, once treated and stable, as Ive said a normal lifestyle is easily achived.

[Her_C4]

One day they are quite content and happy with the world, then sometimes they are withdrawn and depressed.

Ermm I don't think that content and happy with the world is a descriptor that I would ever use? I guess everyone is different and it impacts individuals differently. In my experience (and this person is very close to me) the highs are manic and uncontrollable - to stop them believing that they are not superman and invinceable, capable of stopping a speeding bullet with one hand etc takes more than physical restraint. The lows bring deep deep depression and in both states an inability to understand what is 'real'.

Just my 0.02 cents

[wbks]

So if someone you knew went from being "the happiest in years"/"happy" to borderline suicidal in 24 hours fairly regularly that would be a decent sign?

[Her_C4]

So if someone you knew went from being "the happiest in years"/"happy" to borderline suicidal in 24 hours fairly regularly that would be a decent sign?

This to me, is a 'decent sign' that the person afflicted needs some help!!!! An initial consult with a medical / family doctor for a 'real opinion' and / or referral if required might be helpful as opposed to a biker forum?

[SPman]

Bipolar - a shit of a condition that can make life hell for everyone around, as well as the person affected!

[-df-]

Only experience I've had with someone that was bi-polar was having some drinks with said guy at a party, having a great time and then an hour later trying to get the hell away from the dude with a carving knife trying to accuse me of talking shit about him (when that never happened)...he ended almost cutting off his half brothers finger as they tried to stop him from stabbing me. Luckily the guys finger could be all stitched up.

I now keep my distance from people with that...once burned and all that.