Those of us living with a bi-polar partner

[Chele D]

My husband was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder about 12 yrs ago. He refuses to take any medication (which he actually responded very well to) and I honestly have no idea what to do. I am in the midst of my own health struggles and am finding it more and more difficult to deal with his manic, self-righteous behavior. I know I need to more fully lean on Jesus. Any advice?

[Juan and Yenan]

IT IS VERY HARD WHEN SOMEONE IN THE FAMILY IS IN DENIAL. USSUALLY THIS BEHAVIOR IS BECAUSE OF NOT ACCEPTING THE CONDITION. HAVE YOU TRY A COUNSELOR AND/OR A LIVE SUPPORT GROUP?

SOME RECCOMEND A FAMILY MEETING INTERVENTION. FAMILY MEMBERS MEET WITH A NEUTRAL PERSON THAT WILL LEAD THE MEETING AND THEY LET THE PERSON WHO IS IN DENIAL KNOW HOW HIS/HER IRRESPONSABLE BEHAVIOR IS AFFECTING THE FAMILY. THEY ALSO ASK FOR WHAT THEY WANT THE PERSON TO DO/ STOP DOING AND THE CONSEQUENCES IF HE/SHE DO NOT FOLLOW WHAT IS AGREE.

IT HELP THE PERSON ILL TO FOLLOW DOCTORS MEDICATIONS INSTRUCTION AND MAYBE HAD SOMEONE THAT WILL GIVE HIM/HER THE MEDICATION.

HAVING FAMILY SUPPORT, NOT ONLY FROM YOU, TO CHECK ON HIM AND REMEMBER TO HIM ABOUT HIS APPOINTMENT AND MEDS. ALSO BEING ACTIVE ON SUPPORT GROUP, COUNSELING, GROUP THERAPY ECT.

TO STOP DOING WHAT HAVE BEEN AGREE IS TO CHOSE THAT THE FAMILY SUFFERS. AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AS SOMETHING NOT TO BE TOLERATED.

PEOPLE SUFFERING BIPOLAR DISORDER CAN BE UNDER CONTROL, USSUALLY WHEN THE PERSON IS NOT RESPONDING IS BECAUSE OF NOT TAKING MEDS, NEEDING A CHANGE ON MEDS OR EMOTIONAL AND/OR PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS THAT IS AFFECTING THE PERSON.

IT IS VERY HARD FOR A PERSON SUFFERING BIPOLAR DISORDER TO RECOGNIZE THAT HE/SHE NEEDS HELP ESPECIALLY DURING A MANIC FACE. BUT, YOU CAN ALWAYS USE A HIGHER AUTHORITY, SUCH AS DOCTOR RECOMENDATIONS AND/OR THE POLICE TO CONTROL A PERSON ON A MANIC FACE.

WE CAN NOT FEEL SORRY FOR THE ILL PERSON. PEOPLE THAT ARE ILL NEEDS COMPASSION.

ALSO, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO JOIN A CHRIST CENTERED BIBLE GROUP. TO INCREASE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD THAT WILL BUILD TRUST, FAITH ANF PEACE.

AND TO PARTICIPATE IN WORSHIP SERVICES. GOD'S POWER, AND HEALING DO MANIFEST IN THE CHURCH.

I PRAY THAT THIS MAY BE HELPFUL.