Hi, how are you doing today? I hope this is a good day for you.<\/p>\n
I got a post on my blog from someone who is struggling, a supporter, and I wanted to share it with you to get your feedback:<\/p>\n
She says:<\/p>\n
“I am sure there are others with the same situation as me, but,
\nmine feels a bit unique. It\u2019s a long story, but, my daughter,
\nwho is 26 does not live with me. She has been diagnosed with
\nbipolar disorder, and has chosen to take out all of her anger on
\nmyself and her 22 yr. old sister. I have no way of supporting her,
\nas she will not take my calls, or respond to text messages or e-mails.<\/p>\n
I have no way of knowing if she is taking her medication. I worry
\nabout her daily, and there is a hole in my heart where the loving,
\ncaring daughter I knew use to be. I built my world around her and
\nher sister, and this hurts more than I ever thought anything could.”<\/p>\n
Now, I’m not a therapist or anything, so I can’t advise this person about their situation. But I can give my opinion about it, based on past posts I’ve gotten from other supporters and what I’ve experienced myself with my mother.<\/p>\n
And the main thing is that, although she feels as if her situation is unique, it really isn’t. I’ve gotten lots of calls, emails, and post comments saying the same thing \u2013 that the supporter is worried about their loved one and that they are being hurt by them (or their behavior, specifically) and their anger.<\/p>\n
You can’t just put a bandaid on the hurt that your loved one can cause you because of their bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, it’s much more serious than that. Because you can feel the pain so acutely sometimes, and it’s hard to take. Especially, like in this person’s case, where her daughter does not live with her, and she can’t tell whether she is even taking her medication or not. She has reason to worry, as without medication, her daughter could be in serious trouble.<\/p>\n
I know that can be very frustrating, as well\u2026the not knowing. It’s a helpless feeling. It’s hard when you can’t do anything to help or support your loved one. Because you just can’t help someone who doesn’t want your help. Still, because you love and care about your loved one, you worry. And that’s just natural. So is the anger.<\/p>\n
Many people with bipolar disorder, in a manic episode, will be angry or even rage at those close to them. It sounds simplistic, but it’s not really them \u2013 it’s the manic emotions and shifting to mood extremes that makes them that way. You may or may not even do anything wrong, and they can still get angry.<\/p>\n
Anger is one of the hardest things to deal with when you’re trying to deal with a loved one with bipolar disorder. The only things you can really do are to love them unconditionally and brace yourself against their anger. You have to remember not to take it personally \u2013 they could be mad<\/p>\n
at something that has absolutely nothing to do with you. Still, it’s hard to take when someone is raging at you or blaming you and it comes out as anger. And sometimes you can feel pretty<\/p>\n
helpless as a supporter.<\/p>\n
But I tell this woman, like I tell you, don’t give up on your loved one. With time and treatment, your loved one will learn how to manage their anger. The more stable they are, the less angry they will be.<\/p>\n
Well, I have to go!<\/p>\n
Your Friend,<\/p>\n
Dave<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hi, how are you doing today? I hope this is a good day for you.<\/p>\n
I got a post on my blog from someone who is struggling, a supporter, and I wanted to share it with you to get your feedback:<\/p>\n
She says:<\/p>\n
“I am sure there are others with the same situation as me, but,
\nmine feels a bit unique. It\u2019s a long story, but, my daughter,<\/p>\n