Bipolar

Question

My sister has been diagnosed with Bi Polar disorder, and her doctor has prescribed her ritalin? I haven't heard of this being used for this disorder before? Is this an extreme measure to quickly before other natural methods have been tried??

Xila31 · Answer

Well, I can say from experience that having bipolar can be very exhausting and having people around to help is a huge and important thing. It is important she see a psychiatrist eventually. But as you say, she needs to be willing.

It will depend on her relationship with your mother if she tells her. I have not told my father at all because I don't think he will understand or be supportive. In my past as a teen when I asked him for help, he just shrugged it off as me being weak and lazy. So, now I don't feel comfortable asking him for help or telling him about my illness. He and others have a history with me of saying that all my problems are fake and I need to "get over it." So, I have a lot of trouble asking for help. 

Showing her that you care and are willing to be there for her is huge, really. You are a good sister.

Allana430 · Answer

Thanks for all your feedback, she has said her now being diagnosed is helping her to control things herself alot better, as before she just thought it was everyone else getting and her and the way she acted was completly normal, but now she realises it isn't, 
I think a mood tracker will definately help her, I don't think she has taken them up on the psychiatrist although i do think that this would help her as i have told her... as she has had alot going on in her life i feel she needs to let it all go, and this may help with the anger side of it. But the problem is there is no way of making her go to this unless she goes willingly... so i will keep suggesting this. I wonder if me going in with her to the gp my help me undertstand there reasons behind them prescribing this. 
My mum also has depression, so my sister doesn't speak to her about her condition at all and i don't think this helps.

Xila31 · Answer

The best thing is to get her to a psychiatrist, also a psychologist or talk therapist who specializes in bipolar. Talk therapy is very helpful along with the medications. Ritalin is for ADHD, not sure why she was prescribed it. Maybe she complained she could not concentrate? Bipolar effects that as well, but other medications work better for it.

So far there isn't much in the way of natural remedies that really help. Medications are difficult too because there are so many different types, and since we're all different no two work the same for each person. If she educates herself on her illness that is helpful. Keep a mood tracker, learn triggers, cut back on stress and caffine, exercise, healthy diet; all of these things help. It is hard to sleep, so getting good rest is important, too. Also to know the people around you are supportive is good, that helps a lot to know you have people there for you. So it is good you're educating yourself on it, too. That's always good, to know that your family wants to help and is learning, and not just judging you or ignoring you.

jman81 · Answer

well im not sure. i have ocd and i know theres other ways of taking care of it than medecine. even better ways. but im not as bipolar smart as i am ocd smart, do some research on it and see if there is therapy to help bipolar. whatever works best for ur sister is her best option.

wineandroses · Answer

Is your sister seeing a physc-doc or a family practioner?  I guess the answer is, how does your sister feel?
I don't know much about Natural methods to treat bipolar but perhaps it would depend on the severity and cycling she is experiencing....actually, I don't know anyone that has benefited from Natural methods to treat Bipolar.  Perhaps some one can share their experience.