[Rhapsody]

QUESTION........... how do the people around YOU deal with the moments in which the lows hit? - and do you ever become ANGRY, MEAN, DESTRUCTIVE or VIOLENT during this lows?

BTW............. I am asking out of concern for a friend / acquaintance I know, for he has many lows and people tend to stay clear of him for they do not want to get caught in his web of DESTRUCTIVE ANGER!


Thanks....
LoVe,
Rhapsody -

[Eleora]

I have enough control to not take it out on friends/people I don't know, but with family it's different. Little things they do set me off when I am in a low period. I put holes through walls, verbally attack my parents, and mouth off.

Usually, my parents either avoid it, or face it with consequences. When I put holes in walls, I am expected to pay for plaster and paint to cover it up, and spend time doing that.

When I get to a self-destructive phase, my parents won't let me be alone. They usually know thats where I am at when I start picking skin off my fingers (until they bleed). I guess I should thank them for that, but it's so annoying at the time that they care about me to do that. Does that make sense?

Not sure what to say about your friend... it's hard to face destructive behaviors. Sometimes, even though it's hard, you have to be selfish and think whats best for you. I always feel bad thinking "whats best for me in this situation" because I always try to "save the world".

[darkeyes]

Does he take mood stabilizers?? It is much needed if one is Bipolar-I, when my brother wouldn't medicate as directed he use to get very violent,threatening, episodes, some where police and unvoluntary hospitalization had to be brought in.
During these times, we did not disagree, or debate his distorted views on many of his explosive episodes.
In fact, his pdoc cautioned about even trying to reason with him, and instructed mom to slip his meds into foods if possible.
After many years, of ups and downs, he decided to take meds as directed,keep pdoc appts. and blood levels lab tests, and then finally got stable and has been since late 60's, early 1970's.
Safest thing for both, don't argue, hold back the things you want to say, cause such encounters can be very challenging.
If possible urge this person to seek professional care, and if they are under pdocs treatment, yet not compliant with meds try to encourage them, if that is not working try to contact his/her pdoc, rather than bring unfamiliar professionals into the scene.
The Privacy Act may hinder this, but any famiy members may have contact.
This is an extremely difficult situation, and everyone differs, but this is the best suggestion(s) I can think of, based on personal, RL experience(s).
Note, that once one has become stabilized, they seldom hold any grudges of actions taken previous to stabilization.
There are exceptions, but majority speaking, in time with compliancy on the patient's end, things can have good outcome.
Hope all works out for all involved, I wish you strength and patience.

DE


BTW
I forgot to mention, such episodes can switch over to depressive and/or severly depressive episodes.
I, being DXed as Bipolar-II can tell you that Bipolar-II's do not have violent episodes, but more severe and even fatal depressive episodes.
Regardless of what variation of Bipolar disorder one has, professional care is a must.

[Rhapsody]

Thanks DarkEyes,

To answer you question.................. "NO" he does not take his medicine as prescribed - he often over medicates himself - he seems more like he is drunk or on drugs than on Rx due to his over medication.

His family has tried to help him and he has seen a T for his past issues (still does I think)..... plus the police and the local hospital has been involved in his life more than I can say.

All in all I tend to keep my distance from him any more, for his out burst are occurring more often and they usually have a lot of anger and violence involved with them..... he often lies and blames his doings on others and he has even called the police on people falsely - not to mention that he has taken a class to buy * own a hand gun (and he now has one) - Eeeek!!


LoVe,
Rhapsody -

[darkeyes]

I'm surprised, background checks are suppose to be done. I worked for a firearms wholesaler,police and even other govt.workers purchased from us, I got interested in trap shooting, etc. got my permit, the company even had on site a seller's permit in my name, in fact even if one wasn't a full time salesperson,but verbally over the phone took orders to process, they had to have a seller's permit on the premises.
I do not know what state this person resides in, but some states have tougher laws, and getting a firearms permit is not processed lightly.
Also if the police have been involved over the years with him being brought to hospital,that is usually on record, and it would be highly unlikely he'd be able to get a firearm's permit, and/or pistol permit.
I hope someone will be able to gather more info.
Take care,
DE

[Rhapsody]

I hear YOU..... and that is what I thought to, but he has the GUN and the PERMIT to boot - - I have seen them both myself (and) I have to say that it scares me for this person is my next door neighbor..... we try to stay out of his life as much as possible, but he often brings it to my front door when he is having a bipolar moment.

Big Sigh.................... I try to help him when I can, but I still have to think about my own safety and the safety of my children (heck, my entire family).


LoVe,
Rhapsody -


btw........................ we live in Florida.

[darkeyes]

I know in PA, a person could buy a shotgun with just their driver's license. In states like TX and NV you were able to purchase firearms too.
A former co-worker had lived in TX and was able to carry a pistol on him without a carrier's permit.
NJ has some of the strictest firearms laws, and I think NY,too. I would think over the years with all the stuff that has taken place almost all states would make it harder to purchase firearms. Laws vary state, even fireworks, one can cross over to PA,MD,DE, etc. and buy fireworks where as other neighboring states you can't
If there is any way you can inform the authorities that this man is a possible threat, and by owning a firearm(s) can endanger those around him, including himself.
You can call from a busy pay phone and not disclose who you are. They may give you crap, saying if you do not disclose your identity they can't persue any investigation,no probable cause,etc.
But do not doubt once the bug is in their ear, they will keep this as a to be watched.
I've been told by several police that due to rise in terrorism and gang related crimes, they are more on top of stuff. For all of our sakes I hope this is true.
To act before an incident occurs is a safe call, before it is too late.
Good luck with this and stay safe.

DE

[darkeyes]

* bumping this up for any new members in need of replies/similar suggestions *