How to help someone with mental illness??
Question: Someone very important to me is in a mental facility right now. She's been suicidal since her husband died. Her diagnosis is bipolar disorder, which has always been present but which is now uncontrollable. Antidepressants are not working. Her doctor wants to do ECT (Electro-convulsive therapy), but she is uninsured and the treatments are expensive...
Anyone have any ideas about what her prognosis is like and what other treatment options might exist?
I live a long ways away from her. What can a person do from a distance?
Answers: If she is in the USA she can apply for financial assistance, like Medicaid or Medicare. Talk to her social worker.
ECT is a good thing for people who are in that state, and nothing else has worked for them. I have witnessed the improvement in them my self, as a fellow patient. I
If she dose get the treatment. She will most likely become confused and forgetful. So you could get her some cute post-it notes and something to write with, even crayons, they are nontoxic, and can't be used as a weapon to write reminders. If she dose not have a watch get her one. You never know what time it is. Also it is good to bring something familar to her to remind her of home and what is good on the outside , like a picture in a plastic frame of her children, pets, her house, or even her favorite place.
Also you could bring her some daily essentials like some good smelling body wash, yummy toothpaste, a soft bathrobe, clothes or sleepware.
I know what it is like and I hope she is feeling better.
Be available for her when she needs to talk, visit when you can and just be a strong support to her. Life with bipolar disorder is not impossible if one is vested in treatment and has a support network. A combination of counseling, medications, support groups, a strong and supportive social network and ECT (if indicated) are all part of a plan of care for someone with bipolar disorder.
From experience, I've been what I call a guinnea pig . They've offered ECT to me because nothing else worked. I would rather spin in a world of depression ect; rather than allow them my brain to do as they wish. Tell your friend to try Lamactil. It seems to be doing something for me less the side affects. It may be worth a try?
Steve: what helpful answers. I think I have been on the wrong sites in this space....I believe these are sincere, knowledgable answers.
Anyone have any ideas about what her prognosis is like and what other treatment options might exist?
I live a long ways away from her. What can a person do from a distance?
Answers: If she is in the USA she can apply for financial assistance, like Medicaid or Medicare. Talk to her social worker.
ECT is a good thing for people who are in that state, and nothing else has worked for them. I have witnessed the improvement in them my self, as a fellow patient. I
If she dose get the treatment. She will most likely become confused and forgetful. So you could get her some cute post-it notes and something to write with, even crayons, they are nontoxic, and can't be used as a weapon to write reminders. If she dose not have a watch get her one. You never know what time it is. Also it is good to bring something familar to her to remind her of home and what is good on the outside , like a picture in a plastic frame of her children, pets, her house, or even her favorite place.
Also you could bring her some daily essentials like some good smelling body wash, yummy toothpaste, a soft bathrobe, clothes or sleepware.
I know what it is like and I hope she is feeling better.
Be available for her when she needs to talk, visit when you can and just be a strong support to her. Life with bipolar disorder is not impossible if one is vested in treatment and has a support network. A combination of counseling, medications, support groups, a strong and supportive social network and ECT (if indicated) are all part of a plan of care for someone with bipolar disorder.
From experience, I've been what I call a guinnea pig . They've offered ECT to me because nothing else worked. I would rather spin in a world of depression ect; rather than allow them my brain to do as they wish. Tell your friend to try Lamactil. It seems to be doing something for me less the side affects. It may be worth a try?
Steve: what helpful answers. I think I have been on the wrong sites in this space....I believe these are sincere, knowledgable answers.
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