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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 🙂

69 replies

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

Jane4Senior Contributor22 Mar 2016, 8:44 pm AEDT

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

@9350 thank you, I have asked if he will give myself or his long term girlfriend power of attorney, but he is refusing so far...will keep trying now I know it is a symptom.

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

JoSenior Contributor22 Mar 2016, 8:45 pm AEDT

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

Most carers experience a loss of confidence and self esteem. Many suffer guilt and feel as if they have somehow failed. When I was at an all time low, I decided to write in my journal, a list of the strengths and qualities I may have gained as a direct RESULT of being a carer. At first I couldn't think of anything. Then I realised that I had actually developed some strengths and qualities which I would never have gained had I not become a carer. I highly recommend doing this because it does make you feel a bit better.

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

Jane4Senior Contributor22 Mar 2016, 8:45 pm AEDT

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

@Jo yes my son can become the most caring person towards others, not so often with me.

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

Jane4Senior Contributor22 Mar 2016, 8:47 pm AEDT

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

@Jo He is 25 and I have tried...but realise now that I must keep trying to get his longterm girlfriend to get a handle on it...as he won't let me.

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

Mama_PenguinContributor22 Mar 2016, 8:48 pm AEDT

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

Hi @Jane4,

I hope I'm allowed to... its the Young Adult Mental Health Unit at St Vincent's Private Hospital in Sydney, also known as USpace. Google it to find out what they do - it really has been a life saver for us. Upside is that services include diet, exercise, goal setting, medication review, etc. Downside is you have to have private health insurance (unless you can fork out the $$$). Upside is if you do have private health insurance, it doesn't cost you a cent for 3 weeks of inpatient stay.

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

Jane4Senior Contributor22 Mar 2016, 8:49 pm AEDT

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

@Mama_Penguin He is 25...he and his girlfriend of 8 years live in a self contained apartment below us, which is good because we can keep an eye on him, but difficult because we can't live our own lives.

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

JoSenior Contributor22 Mar 2016, 8:50 pm AEDT

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

Jayne4, I'm sorry to hear he is unable to show the same care/thoughtfulness to you as he does to others. Maybe it's all part of the whole scenario of 'having to be cared for'....an underlying resentment that he needs to be cared for. And since you're 'it', you cop it. It's a bit like that old adage, 'You always hurt the one you love'.

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

NikNikSenior Contributor22 Mar 2016, 8:50 pm AEDT

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

I agree @Jo
The carer role teaches us so much - both practical skill sets and also emotionally.

We have about 10 mins left - We would love to hear any last questions or your experiences you'd like to share.

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

Mama_PenguinContributor22 Mar 2016, 8:51 pm AEDT

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

@Jane4, if your son is 25, he is the right age for USpace

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

Jane4Senior Contributor22 Mar 2016, 8:52 pm AEDT

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

thanks @Mama_Penguin, his private health kicks in on April 1, so I will look into it.

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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.