[789scared789]

My brother (who I suspect is bipolar) often writes extremely odd things on his facebook. He has been posting a new status update every few minutes saying things such as "endlich", "now if you would like to interrupt my journey...i feel freer..." (under which he commented, having a conversation with himself, 27 times), "Yes, thank you...The ancient stories make my heart come alive..." and "I despise derision of any type".

There are many more but he is the only one commenting on them, but he is behaving as though someone else is responding in between. I find it deeply disturbing and I remember a time about a year ago where he did something similar. I am watching as his number of friends reduces more and more as people are deleting him due to these status updates. To show you the intensity of it, he has updated his status 19 times in an hour and lost 21 friends.

He wrote a status saying "the view from the balcony is beautiful, I'd like to jump down and see how it feels" which greatly concerned us. My father immediately called my brother, it rang and rang and rang until he picked it up. We put the phone on loudspeaker and I heard that he was somehow speaking as if everything was completely normal. How does he do this?

I dont know? Has anyone come across similar behaviour? Is he bipolar? If he is imagining someone is speaking to him on facebook? What could that be.

Please help, I am very confused and don't know what to do!!

[Phoenix_1]

You are right to be worried about your brother. He sounds like he's in need of help. Has he ever seen a psychiatrist or a therapist? I think he needs to see someone right away to get assessed and get a diagnosis. The bit about jumping off the balcony worries me a lot. I don't know how old he is. Would he listen to you or your parents? Would he go to an emergency room at your hospital? If you can convince the ER staff that he's suicidal, he should get admitted to the hospital. Then he can meet with a doctor and other staff and they can assess him.

It sounds to me more like psychosis, which can be a part of bipolar disorder, on the manic end. It can also be a sign of other disorders, like schizoaffective disorder, and only a psychiatrist can tell you exactly what it is.

There is a page on this site about bipolar disorder:
http://psychcentral.com/disorders/bipolar/

[789scared789]

Thanks so much for your response, I am going to do some reading on psychosis. I have literally been refreshing the page until someone would respond to me

My brother is nearly 40 years old and is a psychiatrist himself and has once admitted to my sister that he knows he has bipolar disorder (but now he has changed his mind and said there is nothing wrong with him).

What is most difficult is that my brother is extremely intelligent and with his extensive knowledge of psychiatry, he is able to fool psychiatrists into thinking he is well (either that or he convinces them that he can handle the situation). My mother managed to arrange a meeting with one of the top psychiatrists in the UK, but my brother managed to portray himself to be completely well.

Furthermore, my brother is currently abroad and my dad has decided that the situation is serious enough for him to fly out there (so that he is not alone) and spend some time with him and try and convince him to come home. That way we can all keep a close eye on him and maybe convince him to get some sort of treatment. For now, my life is on hold until my brother gets better, I have no other motivation than to help him.

[rjaimz]

there has been a link between extreme intelligence and a mental disorder. That makes things even more tricky. Your brother definitely needs to seek treatment asap. Is your dad flying out today? Your brother should not be alone in a time like this. How often do these symptoms come up?

[Hydrophobic1212]

I wish I knew what to say to help out with the situation but sadly, I wouldn't know.

All I can do is lend my support and hope that your brother gets the help that he needs soon!

Best wishes!

[789scared789]

These manic symptoms come up every couple of months, but I do not live with him or in the same city so it is hard to say. He is often depressed though and becomes a recluse. My dad doesn't seem to see the severity of the situation and says he won't go there until early September (his reason - a tree surgeon is coming to cut down some trees in our garden?!). I don't know how to change his mind, they treat me like a child! He has arranged, however, for my uncle to see him, and they have spent the day together.

[lad007]

I understand that you are concerned, however I do not feel this is the proper place to post/ask questions about someone other than yourself. Things that you say can trigger those of us suffering from this disorder. You should search for a friends and family post or call a help center.

[789scared789]

I apologise for that, I thought this site was also for concerned loved ones as well as sufferers!

[Ryask]

Originally Posted by 789scared789

I apologise for that, I thought this site was also for concerned loved ones as well as sufferers!

It is exactly for that purpose.

[SunAngel]

I also agree that it's a site for people who have loved ones who have BP Disorder also.

[vjdragonfly]

Originally Posted by 789scared789

I apologize for that, I thought this site was also for concerned loved ones as well as sufferers!

You are in the right place. PC is also for the love ones of those that suffer with mental dissabilty. I hope you keep posting and find solace here.

[SunAngel]

I sent her a private message telling her to post here.

[ddizzy]

Originally Posted by lad007

I understand that you are concerned, however I do not feel this is the proper place to post/ask questions about someone other than yourself. Things that you say can trigger those of us suffering from this disorder. You should search for a friends and family post or call a help center.

I can't help it so I'm going to say it, you're down right rude. This site was designed for anyone who suffers or wants understanding for their loved ones. It's not just us who suffer with the disorder it affects our family and loved ones for they have no understanding of how we are or what we're going through in our minds, thoughts even actions.

((789scared789))
Post here ask questions anything to help your brother. I hope things work out for you & your family.

[Hydrophobic1212]

I was going to send her a private message too, but I had to run off to the store. Dx I'm glad someone said something to let her know it was okay.

789, how are things with your brother coming along as of today?

[789scared789]

I thank all of you for all this support! He seems much better today, but we can never predict what is going to happen. You have all made me feel very welcome.