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15-08-2018 06:39 PM
15-08-2018 06:39 PM
Bi-polar and support strategies for families
My Dad is challenged with Bipolar disorder - has been for many many years. My Mum is amazing to have managed many challenges that this presents their relationship. We are seeing him sailing a manic high - have not seen this for many years. He is exhausting at the moment...with lengthy text messages - wanting to be overly helpful with domestic jobs for my sister and I but in the end spending money we didn't want him to etc. We need to learn more - want to attend a workshop or something for family members in SA. Also want tips on how to manage response to his escalating texts, lies etc. Any gentle comments around him needing slow down a little or consider us are only met with "Aren't I allowed to be active busy and out and about while I can!" My general approach is picking my battles but when my hubby and I are suddenly getting barraged with text messages ...some of this is about money and needs to be managed to prevent unncecessary expenditure or unrealistic expectations...HELP!!!??
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15-08-2018 07:53 PM
15-08-2018 07:53 PM
Re: 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.
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15-08-2018 09:50 PM
15-08-2018 09:50 PM
Re: Bi-polar and support strategies for families
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!
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16-08-2018 10:31 AM
16-08-2018 10:31 AM
Re: Bi-polar and support strategies for families
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.
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
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27-08-2018 01:58 PM
27-08-2018 01:58 PM
Re: Bi-polar and support strategies for families
Hi @Bluesky1, just dopping in to see how everything's going?
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09-09-2018 09:57 PM
09-09-2018 09:57 PM
Re: Bi-polar and support strategies for families
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.
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12-09-2018 09:09 PM
12-09-2018 09:09 PM
Re: Bi-polar and support strategies for families
I think we need to get in touch with the Psychiatrist to gain support for a plan that should be in place to manage as best we can ...all spectrums of the mood disorder. Just finding right now I don't know how to say "no you can't take my kids camping at moment"...as he is pedalling so fast I not sure he would be safe to mind them etc.. .or to say "hey can you let mum know where you are as she has no idea" ... Or "surely you don't have to buy a new car right now" .. or " you look tired please have a rest"... All these things feel sensitive and hard to tackle at this point..is this typical for carers of people with bipolar to feel this way....?.. I would love to know how others manage these kind of conservations/behaviours when they present in the manic state...
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12-09-2018 10:54 PM - edited 12-09-2018 10:56 PM
12-09-2018 10:54 PM - edited 12-09-2018 10:56 PM
Re: Bi-polar and support strategies for families
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.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.
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13-09-2018 06:26 AM
13-09-2018 06:26 AM
Re: Bi-polar and support strategies for families
So helpful and supportive thanks
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13-09-2018 06:40 AM - edited 13-09-2018 06:42 AM
13-09-2018 06:40 AM - edited 13-09-2018 06:42 AM