[blue_eyed_siamese]

I have been diagnosed bp2 since I was 23 (28 now). I still struggle with my illness, but i have been learning day by day. However, I am starting to suspect that one of my cousins (only 6 months older than me) may be hypomanic. I talked with my aunt (his mom) today and she seemed relieved that someone else noticed and maybe there is a name you can put to what he's been going through. I plan on talking to him this weekend as a family member who's concerned about him, but has been through it all before.
My question is: has anyone ever had an experience where they are coming to someone concerned they might have a mental illness? Or the flip side, has a family member ever come to you? What was helpful? What wasn't? Any help is appreciated

My first thought is that it's not going to be easy unless or until the illness makes them uncomfortable. Hypomania can feel pretty damn good for a long time, and a cousin telling you that you're ill and in need of treatment might not make much sense; however, when the hypomania accelerates into mania, which can be unbearable, or when the mania crashes into post-mania anxiety or depression, then it will be easier to make the case that something is wrong and they need help.

[s4ndm4n2006]

bringing up the subject of suspected MI with someone that has not voiced concern themselves is going to be a touchy situation no matter how you approach it. Keep in mind this is your perception and another person's and unless the person suspected with the MI is, like Lefty said "uncomfortable" with themselves and their behavior they may not be receptive.

Im almost certain majority of my family members have some type of MI but I'm also certain that they would never seek help for it. I was laughed at and told to mind my own business years ago when I suspected my then 10 year old cousin had ADHD.

Sadly for many people to get diagnosed it takes a crisis that affects their life in some major way. I got my first diagnosis at age 6 because I was so far from a normal child it would have been insane not to take me to a doctor for my issues. Some people don't onset until later and for your cousin he's going to have to notice himself first.

[blue_eyed_siamese]

Thanks for the feedback everybody. I think you're right, I was seeing the situation through rose colored glasses. Hearing this I'm not sure what, if anything, I can do. I just hope nothing terrible happens to him.