[keysource13]

I'm trying to help a family member who has is BP and seems to be getting worse. In recent years they have become more and more distant and less open to dialog and contact. They are on medication but not sure what or how current they are on it. The recent challenge has been they view the family as the cause of the all issues, and don't want contact. They have threatened violence to anyone who tries to get in contact with them, and recently made a very violet threat to someone who has not been in contact. The question is how do you help or approach someone that your now fearful of there actions. Are there resources available to people that want to help family member? Appreciate any insight.

[daisychic]

Sorry to hear about your family's struggles. When someone you love and care about are in crisis its really hard to watch and to live through. I just thought id share with you two situations I have encountered with this issue. One is with a good friend of mine. She had mental and drug related issues. They got her into bad situations and very dangerous. I tried to be there for her and protect her but I couldnt. Her actions put my own family and kids in danger and I had to remove myself from her. Her family agreed she needed help. We had the option of Baker Acting her. I dont know what the laws are where you are but they may be an option if her or others lives are in danger. I also had to go through this with my mother. She is bipolar and tends to be suicidal. She has went through several destructive periods and I have babysat her on more than one occasion. I still struggle with her moods and behaviors. She refuses to medicate properly and will not tell the docs how she is really feeling. It is a ongoing battle. As with my friend I have told my mother she has to come to me and stay till she is in a better state of mind or i will Baker Act her. Its hard to confront the ones you love and fear they will refuse to see you. But on the other hand if you dont try to get them help and protect them who will. The only thing I remind myself is safety. Safety of the person in crisis and those around them. Good luck with your situation and I hope your family is able to work through this crisis.

[Anneinside]

It sounds bad, and cruel, but you might have to call the police and report the threat along with the information that they are mentally ill so that they can be involuntarily committed. Every state has laws to involuntarily confine someone who is a danger to themselves or others. (Florida calls it the Baker Act but you don't need the name to be able to use it).

If they are under the care of a psychiatrist, you can report it to him/her. They can't tell you anything about the person but you can certainly share about it.

[keysource13]

I appreciate the info and help! It is so difficult as this person has asked for us to leave them alone and in the past year they have violent threats if any family tries to contact them. It escalated recently and they are now making more threats to other members who have respected there wishes. I hate to say it feels like a catch-22, but you want to help your family member, but when they threaten your life it takes on a whole new tone. Thanks again!

[keysource13]

Originally Posted by Anneinside

It sounds bad, and cruel, but you might have to call the police and report the threat along with the information that they are mentally ill so that they can be involuntarily committed. Every state has laws to involuntarily confine someone who is a danger to themselves or others. (Florida calls it the Baker Act but you don't need the name to be able to use it).

If they are under the care of a psychiatrist, you can report it to him/her. They can't tell you anything about the person but you can certainly share about it.

They have been under the care of a psychiatrist in the past, but don't think they have recently. This might be a silly question but is there any way to find out who there doctor is? We unfortunatley don't know and we know if we ask we won't be told but just trying to get doctors feedback as well.

thanks again I really appreciate all the info.

[Anneinside]

I don't know of any way to find out who someone's pdoc is if they won't tell you. Sorry I can't be of any help.