Seeking help for family member with bipolar 2 like symptoms..

The help is for my sister, age 53. I read about all the symptoms yesterday and just about everything fits her psyche, she has been this way somewhat since age 13 and much more so in the last couple years. She doesn't like counseling - probably will insist nothing is wrong with her, can't keep friends, belittles family members, had two daughters hurt themselves for attention several times, including one suicide attempt two months ago.
Just saw her last week, only 4 days long enough to spend with her. She could be sweet, kind, loving, helpful and then completely do an an about face and have all the manic symptoms. The only thing though-she doesn't seem to get depressed - as far we know. We all live out of state right now but will probably live near each other before next summer.
The main thing is trying to get her into seeking help, getting tested and what is the best, loving, approach?

Im sorry your dealing with this type of situation.

Of course no one here is a Doctor so unable to diagnose. Just my own opinion of course.

Are her daughters grown and away from that living situation? If not there safe being needs to be the first issue. Are they getting any help ? Therapy?

She could have any number of different illness's... Usually Bipolar runs in cycles of weeks or months if shes changing over a few days maybe its bpd (borderline personality disorder) Does she drink or use any type of drugs? Lots of things can cause moods to shift.

Theres are just guesses based on your Post .

How to get her to seek help ? You can catch her in a good mood and bring it up in a loving manner . It's up to her to get help and only see can reach out for it.. No one can force anyone to get anyway. Sad but true.

I wish you the best

Your sister is lucky to have a family member who is concerned about her as you are.

Sometimes people can be in denial that anything is wrong with them.

You can take a horse to water but you can't make it drink. You might want to gently suggest perhaps she sees someone but ultimately that's up to her. Only a professional will be able to shed some possible insight.

From your objective opinion you believe she displays the symptoms. I wonder what her opinion would be. Sometimes our opinions of our behavior are different to the ones who love us and she may, or may not, view things the same way that you do.

Thanks for your feedback Christina and Hooligan. True I can't assume anything right now but the main thing at the moment for me is that her daughters are in a safe environment, one is finishing college away from home and another in the Midwest going to boarding school.

I'm glad they are safely away from her unstable behavior.