I have a male relative, 40, who was recently diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. His parents are having a hard time understanding what that means and why it explains why his life has been pretty much one disaster after another. As far as I know he’s not exhibited made-for-tv-movie periods of hyperactive mania and catatonic depression, but has had problems with money, relationships, addictions, lying, grandiosity, etc. which can be related to being bi-polar.
His parents are helping him and giving him the benefit of the doubt, but he has caused them some serious, serious problems and (justifiably, I think – cf. lying, above) are taking his explanations with a grain of salt. They are also of a generation that thinks of mental illness as something shameful and somewhat of a character issue. They have come to learn a bit about the chemical basis for depression in the last few years due to another person’s issues, so they don’t have to be convinced it’s not a character issue, etc. Still, I know they are struggling with understanding what it’s all about and how it’s manifested itself and shaped his life. So … I’m hoping to find a book written for “friends of” the bi-polar sufferer. It shouldn’t sugar coat nor lay blame or responsibility, but just describe and give tips on dealing with them.
My heart goes out to him and his family. I am Bipolar I and I have had to deal with until my early 20’s but, I got a competent psychiatrist a few years ago and went on some of the most plain vanilla meds out there (lithium [an element], and Lamictal [a pretty benign mood stabilizer]) and that wiped out almost all of it out within a couple of weeks and it stayed that way since so there is hope.
I wish I could give you a specific recommendation for their reading material. There is a huge amount of it out there but I was always on the other side. It took my parents a long time to understand as well. There is a book called “Against Medical Advise” which is a very good and easy read but it is about a person growing up with Tourettes Syndrome rather than bipolar disorder. My family found it easy to make the direct connection between different types of mental disorders but some people may not be able too.
My mother read a lot about bipolar disorder when she found out I had it and she went from very skeptical to perfectly convinced very quickly. The next time I talk to her, I will see if she has any recommendations.
Not written specifically for “friends of” the sufferer, but I heartily recommend *An Unquiet Mind *, a memoir by Kay Redfield Jamison, a psychiatrist who herself suffers with bipolar disorder. I have heard her speak. The book is extremely compelling and very accessible.
My late sister had bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, and the book was very helpful to me. I think it would be as well for your family.
I wrote this book especially so people would be able to understand bipolar disorder and to learn a wellness approach. It is short and easy to read. I wrote the book because I didn’t think people needed to get as sick as I was before they learned wellness skills that could help them get better. In it, I draw from my experience as a person who has bipolar disorder and from my perspective as a physician.
Dr.Jane, welcome to the SDMB. While your experiences and expertise in this matter would be welcome, your advertising for your website and book are not.
Please contribute to this discussion with your insight, your knowledge, and your years of experience. Your contribution would be very welcome. Thank you for your understanding in this.