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

NikNikSenior Contributor03 Mar 2016, 3:45 pm AEDT

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 🙂

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

JoSenior Contributor22 Mar 2016, 8:19 pm AEDT

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

Sorry I got cut off. Internet Explorer stopped working. Have managed to come on again via Google Chrome. Yes, that behaviour that is selfish is so frustrating. It's as if they are so self absorbed there is nobody else in the world but them. Does your son go through periods of being more thoughtful towards others? In between the periods of mania and depression?

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

JoSenior Contributor22 Mar 2016, 8:21 pm AEDT

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

Fantastic list, Heartworks. Thanks so much for sharing.

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

NikNikSenior Contributor22 Mar 2016, 8:21 pm AEDT

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

@Mama_Penguin - I think Jo's question is directed to you.

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

HeartworksContributor22 Mar 2016, 8:24 pm AEDT

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

Pleasure! 🙂

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

Mama_PenguinContributor22 Mar 2016, 8:24 pm AEDT

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

Thanks @NikNik - that's our dilemma exactly! What is typical teenage behaviour, what is his illness and what level of boundaries should we try to maintain (enforce is too strong a word and we don't have a hope of enforcing anything!!!). But yes, we try to be flexible and yes, he is very clear about our expectations. As I told him today, we'd be doing him a disservice if we didn't expect these basic things from him. Part of our job is trying to guide him towards being a functioning, independent person living with bipolar - and not letting the bipolar rule his life.

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

JoSenior Contributor22 Mar 2016, 8:28 pm AEDT

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

Jane4, is there any chance of your son allowing you to handle his finances for him?

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

NikNikSenior Contributor22 Mar 2016, 8:32 pm AEDT

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

Well said @Mama_Penguin - about doing him a disservice. I think it's lovely you shared that with him - I think it shows you want what's best for him, rather than just being a frustrated mum 🙂

I know some carers attend appointments with the person they care for. Maybe you could discuss this with you son and his treating team together, if you haven't already?

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

JoSenior Contributor22 Mar 2016, 8:32 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Live now! // Caring for someone with bipolar

Mistakes in initial diagnoses are unfortunately quite common. I agree that it would be wise to seek a second opinion.

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

Mama_PenguinContributor22 Mar 2016, 8:33 pm AEDT

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

Exactly @Jane4! Can I ask how old your son is? As frustrating as it is at times, and no matter how selfish they seem to be, I don't think we can just leave them to sort it out. They need our support and guidance and we just need to be ready for when they're willing to accept it! Also, it must be really hard for you if its affecting your marriage. The only reason I get through tough times is because my husband and I are on the same page.

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

Mama_PenguinContributor22 Mar 2016, 8:41 pm AEDT

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

Thanks @NikNik 🙂
My husband takes our son to visit his psychiatrist in Sydney once a month. The psychiatrist usually has time with them separately, sometimes together. Our son also sees a psychologist from time to time. We've talked about having some regular 'family sessions' with her so that we can talk some of these issues / frustrations / goals together with her acting as a bit of a mediator...Thanks for reminding me to get on to that!

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