Bi-polar and support strategies for families

Hi @Bluesky1

I guess the big question relates to the responsibility your Dad takes in relation to his treatment and if he has a safety plan in place.

If there is a safety plan, now is the time to activate it - sometimes this may mean some trustworthy mates go round and encourage Dad (and perhaps accompanying him to ensure attendance) to see pdoc.

If Dad has a case worker (public health) a phone call to them may be in order, letting them know what is happening. Even his private psychiatrist is able to receive information without breaching confidentiality.

Familiarising yourself with your states mental health act might be wise if you feel an involuntary assessment may be necessary.

If you google 'mental health carer support SA' you will find a number of organisations that provide this, some will give psych education.

My mum is the same. Sporadic spending when she is manic, useless stuff and she thinks that she is helping. It's hard not to get angry. I ended up blocking the money in her account until she stabilised... may not work for you, may make him more manic.. But I sat her down and said that we really needed to manage the spending, only letting her access a set amount per week. It will only work if he cooperates, but worth a shot.

Good luck!

Hi @Bluesky1. It sounds like things are very challenging with your dad at the moment, especially as there seems to be a lot of pressure on you and your husband with all those text messages! Here are some links to websites that may be helpful.

Bipolar Caregivers

Bipolar Australia

I hope these links are helpful. Keep reaching out on the forums too - there are lots of very knowledgeable members on here who can help

Hi @Bluesky1, just dopping in to see how everything's going?

Thanks for asking... We are all ok thanks. Dad is still very busy at the moment... Am learning that the time to take more pro active steps will be when his mood stabilises... I think we all feel a bit helpless when he is this elated space... Especially if his actions are not terribly harmful.

@Bluesky1

Is it typical to feel that the things you say are ignored = yes

Can a patient with mania reason or understand their behaviours are over the top = no

Having a plan is a great idea, getting the patient to stick to plan = can be difficult

After mania, possibility of deep depression = quite likely

I have only had to deal with hypomania which was bad enough, not as bad as full blown mania but still damaging.

A relapse prevention plan is a great idea but can go out the window with mania as the patient often cannot see they have a problem. (Us family members wanting to put the dampener on things are the problem in their eyes). These articles explain (the 2nd is American - the content of article is good but will put a disclaimer that the contacts etc do not apply to us in Oz)

.

https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0028/444466/mania.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjuqrGwv7XdAhVVdt4KHd4IDbgQFjABegQIBRAB&usg=AOvVaw2gNYd7tsSai1vqo-hfeHQh

https://www.dualdiagnosis.org/bipolar-disorder-and-addiction/intervention-for-manic-episode/

Some pdocs are reluctant to include families in care, others will providing consents are in place. They can receive information from you though without divulging confidential information so important to let pdoc know of mania if you cannot get Dad along to see them.

So helpful and supportive thanks

@Bluesky1

This is one for families

https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.goodtherapy.org/blog/managing-mania-tips-to-help-loved-one-cope-with-bipolar-1102174/amp/

Hello All.... I have been online for awhile... Possibly because Dad has been in the more depressive/quieter phase with his bipolar....heeeelp!.... The manic period is here again after 15 months of the quieter stage. My sister and I are so ragged with worry for Mum (& Dad of course). He is soooo different in this stage for Mum....busy with phone calls, suddenly interested helping randoms in the community...spending money, interfering with how we run our little families, speaking poorly to Mum, disrupting her sleep, mixing up plans, arguing, wearing different clothes, re-buying tools he has had etc etc etc...

I could go on but I am sure I don't need to outline to this forum the kind of observations that can be seen in the manic phase.

Yes....in the quieter stage we swore we would try to see things happen differently as soon as signs of mania emerged.... And we have got him back to Psychiatrist early, meds for sleep prescribed, same psychologist then seen by both Mum and Dad separately and together.... Yet really what can we do!...?

So couple of specific questions... What do others to when it comes to managing the money/spending?... Especially when in the thick of this phase and he is assertive and determined to execute independence and what he wants to do!!?

Also ..... Mum is trembling and looking very unwell...seeing the GP...but how can we break the cycle?..I think she needs a break from him but she is scared to leave him home and come to ours as to what he will get up to or that he will spend. Appreciate any tips and support... Thanks so much...