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Bipolar Disorder/Bipolar Disorder Interacting With MPD
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Question
I have some decent experience (2 years) with a past ex who exhibited many and very obvious signs of MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder), now the new correct term, I believe is Dissociative identity disorder (DID). A dear friend has many signs, but quite different and unfamiliar to me. She's virtually impossible to broach the subject with, due to extreme denial and defensiveness, even anger. It has been brought up in the past, to my knowledge, by mental health professionals and her ex husband of 10 years. She's also diagnosed with bipolar and I was wondering how the 2 interact and how one can worsen or trigger the other. I don't know if I have the energy to sustain this relationship. I would love to. She's an amazing friend, but I'm so very confused as to what to do to help or cope. Any advice is welcome.
Well, I can't advise you on whether the two conditions would interact in an adverse manner because that is outside of my experience and would be a question for a qualified health professional. However, for the people in the social circle/family of someone with bipolar disorder, holding the relationship with that person together can be challenging - but you have to consider that as difficult and tempestuous as it can be at times, it is usually 10x worse from the side that your friend is on. Having a social support network with friends and family is incredibly important to the overall health and well-being for someone suffering from bipolar disorder, but those people need to consider their own feelings and whether continuing a relationship at a given point in time (taking a break doesn't mean it has to be forever) is good for their well-being to avoid a situation where the friendship has become an unhealthy one.
But....Unfortunately, I've yet to find one person who is bipolar even if they're not officially diagnosed, that can be talked into/motivated/bullied/begged/prodded/or otherwise started getting on medication and seeing a psychiatrist regularly because of someone else's involvement. We can be very stubborn about that, and until we get to the point where we've finally had enough and can't convince ourselves that everything is fine anymore - usually after racking up credit card debt, and behaving in ways that have started to pull everything apart that would be considered "normal" responsibilities in our lives such as work, paying bills, etc. The best thing you can do right now for your friend is to be supportive of her as much as possible with added positive reinforcement to encourage her to continue with any actions that would get her to begin getting treatment.
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Answers by Expert:
Jennifer
Expertise
I am available to answer questions of a general nature about bipolar disorder, provide online resources that address bipolar disorder in a more in-depth manner and sources to serve as a starting point for those looking for substantial information on the illness from a healthcare professional approach. I am not a doctor or a psychiatrist, my background is based in personal experience and extensive reading in my own process of understanding my diagnosis. I can also take questions that deal with the social issues surrounding bipolar disorder such as relationships; coping for family, friends, and the patient; marriage, choosing to start a family and related. Answers to questions of a legal nature will provide general information but anyone with a serious legal problem should consult an attorney licensed to practice in their jurisdiction.
Experience
I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type II in 2000; as a SSI beneficiary, have experience and knowledge of the limitations and processes involved with the program; I understand the moods, the feelings, the worries, the doubts, and a lot more that there's not enough room to express - from the personal experiences of being bipolar. I have first-hand experience with the challenges of returning to college following hospitalizations and various combinations of medications that were tried before my doctor and I finally arrived at the most effective medication program for my treatment. My family and I have learned so much about each other in the process of dealing with the highs and lows that followed my diagnosis. I've had relationships with someone who also is bipolar and someone that is not - romantic relationships are no easier on either side! I feel that many of the ideas and beliefs that people have regarding bipolar disorder and those who have the condition promote the continuation of social stigmas associated with mental illness in general, and after learning from others with bipolar disorder, hope to guide others who may be trying to navigate the government health care system,& share information on other possible means of obtaining assistance with the cost of medications and/or mental health services and limited financial assistance programs for meeting basic living expenses for qualified individuals, dealing with problems from or with family & loved ones, co-occurring substance abuse problems, medications and side-effects (and when it feels like nothing will work, or why it's not helping the situation to ask whether or not a patient has taken their 'meds' when they seem hostile or moody to those around them).
Education/Credentials
I have a B.A. in Liberal Arts and will earn my J.D. upon completion of the Spring 2011 term after which I will be preparing to take the multi-state bar exam.
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