FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Events and updates

CLOSED // Topic Tuesday // Caring for someone with bipolar

NikNikSenior Contributor

CLOSED // Topic Tuesday // Caring for someone with bipolar

In recognition of World Bipolar Awareness Day, tonight we are focusing on carers who have a loved one with bipolar.

We are @Jo, who, during the 1970s/1980s was part- time carer for her sister and nephew, both of whom lived with schizophrenia and from the 1990s on, has been full time carer of her son who has bi polar disorder. She also brings carers together and runs workshops on how to take care of themselves.

Jo will be around to answer you questions and share some of her own experiences and will also be throwing out questions to learn more about YOUR experiences, so we can share and learn from each other.

A big hello to all those who wanted to join in tonight - @Bob @Tara1 @Mama_Penguin @Shaz51 @Chezrailee @Longdog @Millie12 @DaveShaw and @Mazarita *waves*

Jo is going to kick off the night by asking you some of the most common questions she gets as a carer 🙂

69 replies

31 - 40 of 69
1...345...7

In response to: CLOSED // Topic Tuesday // Caring for someone with bipolar

Shaz51Senior Contributor

Re: COMING UP: Topic Tuesday // Tues, 22 March, 7pm AEDT // Caring for someone with bipolar

Hello everyone @Mama_Penguin, @NikNik, @Heartworks, @Jane4, @Titanic,

jsut wondering ,my husband has been given medictaion for bipolar because the doctor are not sure of what he has , would the medication work if he has it or would it not work at all

In response to: CLOSED // Topic Tuesday // Caring for someone with bipolar

NikNikSenior Contributor

Re: COMING UP: Topic Tuesday // Tues, 22 March, 7pm AEDT // Caring for someone with bipolar

What an excellent list @Heartworks A great mixture of tips - I really like practical strategies.

In response to: Re: COMING UP: Topic Tuesday // Tues, 22 March, 7pm AEDT // Caring for someone with bipolar

NikNikSenior Contributor

Re: COMING UP: Topic Tuesday // Tues, 22 March, 7pm AEDT // Caring for someone with bipolar

Hi @Shaz51
That's a really tough one. Different medications are used for a few different diagnosis - so there's a chance it will help.

Regardless, I always suggest that people keep a diary of their moods (or for carers, a diary of what they observe their loved ones mood seems to be). It could just be a mood scale of 1-10 or 1-5, but it helps to reflect back on when you next go to the hospital.

In response to: CLOSED // Topic Tuesday // Caring for someone with bipolar

MazaritaSenior Contributor

Re: COMING UP: Topic Tuesday // Tues, 22 March, 7pm AEDT // Caring for someone with bipolar

@NikNik, to answer your question about having bipolar and what it's like being cared for, my partner is the best for making sure we both eat and basic practical things that I appreciate in a big way. He is not so good when I need emotional nurturance or gentleness. I regularly feel emotionally alone and like I'm just lucky anyone will put up with me. There are other good things between us though and we've been together through thick and thin for a long time.

In response to: CLOSED // Topic Tuesday // Caring for someone with bipolar

Jane4Senior Contributor

Re: COMING UP: Topic Tuesday // Tues, 22 March, 7pm AEDT // Caring for someone with bipolar

I totally understand your frustration Mama_Penguin. They can appear to be so selfish, especially when they are 'good' and not offering to help after we have been doing so much for them. When he is 'good' it so hard to bring up the criticisms, because you fear you will tip them over the edge again. My 2nd husband (his step dad) gets really frustrated and that affects our marriage. Should we just leave them to sort out their own mess?

In response to: CLOSED // Topic Tuesday // Caring for someone with bipolar

Mama_PenguinContributor

Re: COMING UP: Topic Tuesday // Tues, 22 March, 7pm AEDT // Caring for someone with bipolar

HI @NikNik

Thanks for your question about strategies for coping with periods of mania and depression. We now know the signs of when our son is heading into a period of deep depression. The mania we can cope with (so far). We are lucky in that we have a fantastic psychiatrist who consults at a Young Adult Mental Health Unit. When we know our son is heading into periods of high stress, or deep depression, or when we're not coping well with his symptoms, we book him in there. Its a very holistic program they offer - usually 3 week minimum. For our son, its a safe place for him. He agrees pretty readily to go. His time away is a breather for us and he gets time with others he can relate to.

In response to: Re: COMING UP: Topic Tuesday // Tues, 22 March, 7pm AEDT // Caring for someone with bipolar

Jane4Senior Contributor

Re: COMING UP: Topic Tuesday // Tues, 22 March, 7pm AEDT // Caring for someone with bipolar

It takes a long time for the meds to take affect, so it can be tricky to see if they are working. Some require blood tests, so results can be seen...but it's seems a bit hit and miss.

In response to: Re: COMING UP: Topic Tuesday // Tues, 22 March, 7pm AEDT // Caring for someone with bipolar

Shaz51Senior Contributor

Re: COMING UP: Topic Tuesday // Tues, 22 March, 7pm AEDT // Caring for someone with bipolar

hello everyone , what are the main symptoms that are different to other MI

In response to: CLOSED // Topic Tuesday // Caring for someone with bipolar

9350Casual Contributor

Re: COMING UP: Topic Tuesday // Tues, 22 March, 7pm AEDT // Caring for someone with bipolar

Hi @Jane4Yes spending is a symptom of bipolar, my wife spent a lot of money when she had her first manic episode. Over time her and I know that when she starts spending excessively it's a huge sign for us to put some tools and support into action to kerb the manic episode.

Some things you may look at is becoming power of attorney. My wife forgot what she purchased sometimes so I was able to return the items. I found it best to wait until she was level again before we discussed it for the first time. It will be hard for him to understand right now but give it time.

In response to: Re: COMING UP: Topic Tuesday // Tues, 22 March, 7pm AEDT // Caring for someone with bipolar

Jane4Senior Contributor

Re: COMING UP: Topic Tuesday // Tues, 22 March, 7pm AEDT // Caring for someone with bipolar

Are you allowed to post where the Unit is? I like the sound of the holistic program.
31 - 40 of 69
1...345...7

SANE Forums is published by SANE with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health.

SANE Forums does not provide crisis support.
If you need immediate assistance, please see available crisis services.

Learn more about SANE and SANE services at sane.org

Back to top
SANE logo
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care NSQDMH Accreditation logo

Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.

Donate Now
Aboriginal flag
Torres Strait Islander flag
LGBT flag
Transgender flag

SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

Back to top
SANE logo
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care NSQDMH Accreditation logo

Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.

Donate Now
Aboriginal flag
Torres Strait Islander flag
LGBT flag
Transgender flag

SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

SANE is a public company limited by guarantee and registered tax-exempt charity with DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status.

Charity ABN 92 006 533 606. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. SANE, PO Box 1226, Carlton VIC 3053.