Mental Health
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Answered in 45 minutes by:
9/2/2012
Bill, LCSW, Consultant, Expert Witness
Category: Mental Health
Satisfied Customers: 3,707
Experience: 35 years treating individuals, couples, families with mental health and substance abuse prob's
VerifiedBill :
Hello- Thank you for asking the question. I have over 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families & am happy to reply.
Bill :
Dear *****llen-
Bill :
Bill :
I am sorry to hear what has happened in your marriage.
Bill :
It sounds to me, based on 35 years in this business that Jim has Bipolar Illness. Has that what you have heard from the Doctors who have examined him?
Bill :
Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) causes serious shifts in mood, energy, thinking, and behavior–from the highs of mania on one extreme, to the lows of depression on the other. More than just a fleeting good or bad mood, the cycles of bipolar disorder last for days, weeks, or months. And unlike ordinary mood swings, the mood changes of bipolar disorder are so intense that they interfere with your ability to function.
During a manic episode, a person might impulsively quit a job, charge up huge amounts on credit cards, or feel rested after sleeping two hours. During a depressive episode, the same person might be too tired to get out of bed and full of self-loathing and hopelessness over being unemployed and in debt.
Bill :
Signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder
[IMAGE][SRC][/SRC][ALT][/ALT][WIDTH]132.8125[/WIDTH][HEIGHT]100[/HEIGHT][STYLE][/STYLE][/IMAGE]
Source: NIMH
Bipolar disorder can look very different in different people. The symptoms vary widely in their pattern, severity, and frequency. Some people are more prone to either mania or depression, while others alternate equally between the two types of episodes. Some have frequent mood disruptions, while others experience only a few over a lifetime.
There are four types of mood episodes in bipolar disorder:mania, hypomania, depression, and mixed episodes. Each type of bipolar disorder mood episode has a unique set of symptoms
Bill :
Where is Jim Now?
Bill :
I saw that you were typing---------can you send what you have typed?
Bill :
For some reason- I don't think chat is working on your end.......I will switch to Q & A.
Joellen-
I think you have done all that you can-
I am attaching a very helpful article from Harvard Medical on what you can an cannot do to help someone that has BiPolar.
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_family_friends_support.htm
I would also be in touch with the BiPolar Alliance Group for support groups for family member with BiPolar.
http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home
Remember that BiPolar is a serious mental illness that can be treated and in time, most people get the treatment required.
I know this is a difficult time- I think you are doing the best that you can do and informing yourself about the illness and the support of organizations like the one linked above will help you cope.
If you have further questions- feel free to ask-
Otherwise- I wish you the very best
Kindest regards,
Bill
I APPRECIATE YOUR POSITIVE RATING SO THAT I RECEIVE CREDIT FOR MY TIME.
Follow up questions - no additional cost.
I think you have done all that you can-
I am attaching a very helpful article from Harvard Medical on what you can an cannot do to help someone that has BiPolar.
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_family_friends_support.htm
I would also be in touch with the BiPolar Alliance Group for support groups for family member with BiPolar.
http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home
Remember that BiPolar is a serious mental illness that can be treated and in time, most people get the treatment required.
I know this is a difficult time- I think you are doing the best that you can do and informing yourself about the illness and the support of organizations like the one linked above will help you cope.
If you have further questions- feel free to ask-
Otherwise- I wish you the very best
Kindest regards,
Bill
I APPRECIATE YOUR POSITIVE RATING SO THAT I RECEIVE CREDIT FOR MY TIME.
Follow up questions - no additional cost.
Bill, LCSW, Consultant, Expert Witness
Category: Mental Health
Satisfied Customers: 3,707
Experience: 35 years treating individuals, couples, families with mental health and substance abuse prob's
VerifiedBill and 87 other Mental Health Specialists are ready to help you
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