Don’t Ignore the Signs of a Potential Bipolar Episode

I have noticed that many people (myself included) who are supporters of loved ones with Bipolar Disorder, just don’t want to see their loved one go into another episode (this, of course, is normal), but as a result, we may see signs of an episode, and either consciously or subconsciously ignore these signs.

We may think things like, “It can’t be another episode.” Or, “It hasn’t been that long since the last episode.” Or maybe even, “Oh, I just can’t deal with an episode again.”

Many times you start seeing the signs, but then you say to yourself that you are not seeing the signs. You have an internal debate with yourself and many times, come to the wrong conclusion. This seems even hypocritical, but is actually called denial, and is normal – when you see the truth but deny it is happening, even when it is happening right in front of you.

When this happens over time, however, eventually the signs become worse and worse and worse… and then a full blown episode occurs, which is much harder to deal with. Or, something even worse happens – such as the person committing suicide.

No matter how much you want to deny it… no matter how hard it is for you to face… It’s in your loved one’s BEST interest if you spot these signs sooner rather than later.

One of the biggest mistakes my family made when dealing with my mother’s Bipolar Disorder was being overly optimistic. Even though we’d gone through episodes with her before, I guess we always hoped each one would be the last one, so we never put together a plan for how to deal with the episodes or their consequences.

Now that I know everything that I know, I realize that planning for every possible scenario is not only important, but it is critical. That’s why we have things in place, such as: Bipolar Episode Safety Plans, Medical Information Releases and Power of Attorneys signed, etc., in advance — and you should, too!

But none of these things will do you any good, if you miss the signs of a potential bipolar episode!

Now, this does not mean that you are being overly negative, so don’t let that thought stop you. Watching for signs of a potential episode is not being negative – it’s being realistic! And it just may be that one step that prevents your loved one from going into a full-fledged episode and/or harming him/herself.

By now you should be familiar with your loved one’s specific triggers to a bipolar episode. If not (and this is really important), sit down with them during a time between episodes and talk about what makes them go into an episode. There are some general triggers, though, that are the same for most people who have Bipolar Disorder – such as stress and lack of sleep (or any kind of sleep disruption).

Stress and sleep disruption are the two main signs that you should be looking for as far as a potential or oncoming episode for your loved one. But there may be other signs that your loved one has that you should not miss, that perhaps only you know. The main thing is, don’t overlook these signs, just because you are in denial, or just because you don’t want to believe they could be going into another episode, or any of the other reasons I listed at the beginning of this article.

Here’s what I’m talking about. Unfortunately, it IS a TRUE story. I have not included the father’s name to protect his anonymity, but the following is an actual email I received: Dear Dave,

Unfortunately I only found your information after I lost My son (Stepson) to suicide by hanging.

All of the indicators were there every time My wife and I went for help all we got was a run around no one knew what to do and our son was very good at manipulating the counselors and Doctors. Many times it would get so bad that the police would have to be called.

We were never able to reason with him, he was definitely a master at Manipulating the situation, eventually the self mutilating began…Cutting, Cigarette burns, lighter burns, even trying to save an animal in distress and then watching it suffer and letting it die.

My wife’s whole family was against us he would make up stories about abuse and neglect and they always believed him and not believe us, he did terrible in school, skip school all of the time, started fights just so he can get thrown out, was disrespectful to parents, teachers, law enforcement officials and anyone else that tried to guide him in the correct path.

I only wish that I had researched on Bipolar Disorder before this tragedy and not after the fact.

I JUST DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO.

(NAME WITHHELD)

This is a very, very sad story. I wish I could say it is the ONLY one like it that I receive. Unfortunately, it isn’t. I hear many, many stories like this, where supporters of people with Bipolar Disorder “miss the signs,” either consciously or unconsciously, for whatever reason.

That’s why I’m telling you – it’s VERY important to “catch” the signs, to “catch” an episode at its beginning, before it develops into a full-blown episode. If you can do that, by not ignoring the signs, that’s when something can be done – for instance, your loved one’s psychiatrist can increase their bipolar medication, prescribe medication to help their sleep, or even put you loved one into the hospital if necessary for their own good.

If you ignore the signs of a potential bipolar episode, you may be left dealing with a full-blown episode on your hands (or even worse, like the father who wrote to me)! But swift action on your part will help your loved one and yourself.

About The Author: David Oliver is one of the nation’s leading experts on bipolar disorder. He offers a FREE customized and personalized mini course that reveals tips, tricks, and secrets on how bipolar supporters and bipolar survivors can cope and deal with bipolar disorder. To get your copy, visit http://www.bipolarcentral.com/register1.