Bipolar/Depressed Family Member

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Latest post 09-12-2009 12:33 AM by freebird1985. 3 replies.

08-17-2009 2:41 PM

Smalls
Joined on 04-08-2009
Posts 108
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Bipolar/Depressed Family Member

I have a brother-in-law with depression/bipolar He has spells when he is unable to get himself out of bed and becomes agitated very easily with his wife and his child (4 years old).

His most recent episode occurred the day after getting hired at a new company. He had been unemployed for over 2 months (after suddenly deciding to quit his previous job). The day after he started his new job, he had a breakdown and refused to go to work and refused to call in sick (obviously he was fired). This is the second time this has occurred in the last few years. He has a tendency to make quick irrational decisions without regard to future consequences.

The most difficult part is, he is not willing to seek help. He is on medications, but his family believes he needs more than drugs. We would love for him to talk to someone about his mental health, but at this point he doesn't see the value. Does anyone have advise on how to encourage him to seek professional help for his depression?

Any feedback would be very helpful.

Filed under: bipolar

Post Points: 20

09-10-2009 10:35 AM In reply to

starfyre77
Joined on 09-10-2009
Posts 6
Points 60

Re: Bipolar/Depressed Family Member

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bipolars don't like to admit that they need help trust me i am one he sounds like he is rapid cycling besides he is male and he has an ego and he doesn't want to admit that he needs help u may have to get a court order to get him help i hate saying that but sometimes that is the only way to go sorry and i wish u the best and i will keep u in my thoughts

Post Points: 20

09-10-2009 1:00 PM In reply to

Smalls
Joined on 04-08-2009
Posts 108
Points 1,015

Re: Bipolar/Depressed Family Member

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Thank you for responding! I really appreciate your honest input. Your assessment of him is right on. He does have an ego and doesn't want to admit that he needs help...especially for mental health.

He did attend (begrudgingly) one appt with a psychologist...he reported that he thought it was a waste of time. We're all hoping that he can get over his discomfort with seeking help and will attend other appointments. I guess only time will tell.

Thanks again for your response!

Post Points: 20

09-12-2009 12:33 AM In reply to

freebird1985
Joined on 09-11-2009
Posts 4
Points 35

Re: Bipolar/Depressed Family Member

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It may take something arrising in the child to get him to seek help.

Many times, men wait until another family member gets help, and then they coattail.

Otherwise, it may take the loss (rock bottom) of someone dear before he can be humbled enough to get the help he needs. Either way, some divine/family intervention will be necessary, because men have trouble dealing with a reflection that does not look like Superman, but more like Clark Kent.

Post Points: 5

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