Quote:
Originally Posted by Axiom
Really, to be perfectly honest, her meds are none of your business. She needs them, and she shouldn't have to endure a serious illness just so that she can be more fun to be around when she's up. There is probably a good reason as to why she is on these meds. Mania rarely comes without severe depressive phases and when it does, it is still very destructive. I'm sorry if I offend you, but I really don't think you're doing the right thing here. Don't make her ill when she can be more healthy with meds.
"Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes changes in mood and energy, with episodes of both mania and depression. During the manic episodes, patients swing into an unrealistically high state of mind and can sometimes lose touch with reality. On the extreme end, they may believe they have super powers, or to a lesser extent, shop impulsively for expensive items they don't need and usually can't afford.
These episodes alternate with periods of normal mood, as well as periods of depression. During depressive episodes, there is typically a lack of energy and motivation, irritability, sadness, and a feeling of hopelessness. In between manias and depressions, there can be periods where the patient seems normal, balanced, and in control. A small percentage of bipolar patients do, however, experience chronic residual symptoms."
"The threat of suicide among patients with bipolar disorder is very real -- and it can occur during either the depressive or the manic state. Stress as well as personal traumatic events can also increase the risk. Up to 15% of people with bipolar disorder complete the act of suicide, and many more try. "
There is also a very significant risk of psychosis. If you want to be a good friend to her, you should read up on the illness. Right now I do not think you're being a good friend. I might be overstepping some boundaries by saying this, but what you are doing is potentially very dangerous for her and the people around her.
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Great response! I too was the source of entertainment for my coworkers. So much fun in hypomanic mode, until the mixed episodes, and then the depressed episodes. And I do not cycle rapidly, my states last, sometimes for months. Now that I am properly treating my BP (meds and therapy) I am certainly not as much fun, but I feel so much better inside, like my feet are on the ground and I am not being swirled up into hypomania, or smashed down into crippling depression.
To the OP:
I notice so many people tell me I should stop the meds, because they think my stability, or the fact that my hypomania is considered fun and entertaining, that means I am not bipolar. I have the temptation to start buying into this, and to stop the meds. Whenever I have in the past, HUGE mistake.
Please do not encourage a person with BP to stop taking meds. Would you tell a diabetic to stop taking insulin??? Both illnesses are life threatening, and the meds reduce the mortality rate in both illnesses significantly. You are not a psychiatrist, and your coworker does not exist for entertainment purposes. This is her life we are talking about.