I believe that my mother is bi polar. How do I get her help?

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cdc2001c
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19 Jun 2010, 1:49 am

I have went through a lot of emotional ups and downs dealing with her over the years, but I now believe that my mother may be bipolar. She goes through more mood swings than a baseball bat. She can start off perfectly normal and happy, then something small will set her off and it is pure rage and anger that we all have to deal with. I have just had to listen to a 2 hour scream fest because my father said the word darling to the bank teller at 9am this morning. We went through the whole day with no problems but at 12 am she deciedes that this is not the right thing for him to have said and starts screaming. She even goes so far as to get me out of bed and try to bring me into the arguement. I dont know what to do. She will not listen and thinks that we are all just against her. My simplest solution is to get the Hell out, like I want to, but I do not want to abandon her either. What advice do anybody have?



John_Browning
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19 Jun 2010, 2:11 am

I'm also bipolar so I might be able to help:

If possible talk to a doctor (preferably a psychiatrist) or counselor about how to approach her best and see if he thinks it might be bipolar disorder because she might have a borderline personality instead or possibly even have both.

Most importantly, unless she is a danger to herself or others she cannot be forced into treatment.

Here are links to a list of resources and a forum you can ask questions. It may take a day or two for your new account to be approved after you register on the forum.
http://www.bipolarworld.net
http://www.bipolarworld.org

When you go to talk to her, talk to your dad for help and create a calm atmosphere to sit down and talk. If she is any little bit agitated it is not likely to go well. Don't just tell her she needs help, have some information available on where to go for help. If your parents have insurance, they will probably have a website that lists behavioral health providers where you can find information about psychiatrists.

In the even that she does not receive the information well: MAINTAIN YOUR COMPOSURE AND DO NOT RAISE YOUR VOICE NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS!! !


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Linear2
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19 Jun 2010, 3:57 am

National Alliance on Mental Illness

NAMI has support groups around the nation that are free. You can get some advice there.