Bipolar Disorder/Bipolar

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Expert: - 4/6/2011


Question
Dear Jennifer

I wonder is this your area of expertise.

My sister was diagnosed with a mood disorder 7 yrs ago.  She refused medication: lithium, her friends used to nick name her bipolar.

I have read up about it and I think its Bipolar 1 - as she doesnt experience mania as such, but hypomania.  But I'm not a professional, so I am just going by what I have read and judging by her responses, overspending, blunted feelings, aggressive, short fuse.

Unfortunately she doesn't seem to know the other symptoms and that they are part of the disorder, only that she gets angry.  Her ex charged her with assault 18 months ago, and the court ordered she stop drinking.

Her doctor suggested she go on anti psychotics, which she refused.  She is on Aropax anti depressant.

Her health is not good, she has a recurrent staph germ [large sores on arms and legs, poor healing] and poor diet.  

She won't do anything about her health.  I keep giving her vitamins, but she even has anxiety about taking them.

I can't watch as her health continues to go untreated, and she doesn't reach out for help.

Unfortunately she has 2 small children under 6yrs, and they are sick regularly due to poor diet, I have tried to give her information on diet, but she won't listen.

Thank you
Cristelle

Answer
To be honest, because she's an adult there's not much you can to until she reaches the point that she decides to address the multiple health issues that you've described - and unfortunately, it will probably have to become much worse before she does that.

The fact that she has two children under the age of six that are facing their whole lives with similar health issues to their mother's as a result of being in her care is a problem that must be corrected for the best interests if these kids. I'd strongly encourage you to investigate the options for getting her children the care they sound like they desperately need but aren't able to get from their mother because of her own issues and poor health.  

Bipolar Disorder

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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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