|
Hello, I am a social worker and have been in the field of mental health over 20 years. I understand a lot of what you are describing. and have had many client's Dx (Diagnosed) with a Bi polar disorder. First and foremost, think on it like a drug addict refusing to get treatment.
If I can help you in any way...my advise is to seek support. I am from California and here there is an orginization called AMI (Alliance for the mentally Ill) this is a support network for those family members dealing with others that have a mental illness. (I think you can find online informaiton as well) Bi polar disorder is difficult to deal with because the person for the most part seems like he or she "has it together. Until they slip into a "manic phase" or "depressed phase" So I'm sure you as the family member are constant fighting and battling within yourself what to do, what is right and then the person (Who is not dealing with their "sickness" is convincing you there fine and YOu are the one with the problem. Sound familiar??? Seek support through AMI.
Also, the meds out now (lithium and others) are great and really do work. I've seen it time and time again.Trust me. they work . The biggest problem is getting him to start meds. and admit he need to cont. taking them. It takes about 1-2 weeks to really see a change.. But for now unless he gets help. he will always be battling with this and you and your children will suffer ( I just mean going through hard times seeing him up and down yelling and then very happy and energetic.)
I tell my client's You have a chemical imbalance. Like a daibetic who needs insuline. It's the same with Bi polar. you have to take the medicine (for the rest of your life by the way) just like Diabetes. So you can stay well. I hope this helps a little. Remember seek AMI help. and God Bless
|