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| Tue, 12-20-2005 - 10:34am |
How do you know if someone is bipolar? I am asking b/c I think my sister may be mildly affected by this disorder. I could be wrong, but it started about the time we were teenagers. She would get in these great moods where she was almost annoying she loved and talked so much and then just turn on you and hate you for what seemed like the most insignificant thing such as waking up and using the bathroom before her.
We both now are older with children and she is still mood swinging like crazy. We had our "talk" about how she wants to be friends (seems like a yearly thing)..., etc in Feb and were getting along fine. I helped her move, invited her family over for dinner, made every effort only for her to show up at my daughter's birthday party/son's baptism in Sept angry and not talking to me and completely shut off - she even left early. And we haven't talked or anything since, she avoids the family functions just so she doesn't have to see me and my brother. She still gets along with my parents but she has no friends. She showed up at our big family Christmas party and sat at the same table as me but never made eye contact or so much as acknowledged my presence; same with my brother and sister-in-law. She dyed her hair almost black in color and just seems angry with the world.
I don't know what to do. I hate that our family doesn't get along but I'm afraid if I ever said anything about her needing mental help, it would be taken the wrong way and she would hate me forever and nothing good would come of it.
What do you think? Any suggestions, ideas? Does it even sound like bipolar?
Julie

Hi and Julie and Welcome !!!
welp...honestly, it sounds a lot like me !!!
God could not be everywhere, so
Hello! First of all, I commend you for wanting to help your sister. However, as you already know, there isn't much you can do for her at this point, without her being willing to get help. It sucks, but that's really how it is.
As for being Bipolar...while mood swinging is part of it...its not all of it. From what you describe, she seems really depressed currently. There are many many mood disorders...and personality disorders...you should read up on Borderline Personality Disorder too. Some of us have this along with our BP, and they mimic each other a great deal.
Only a psychiatrist can say for sure what your sister has. I know the frustration you feel, the hurt and anger...oh too well. I've caused that same thing before...
You have to draw a line, and determine just how much you will take and then take care of yourself and your family first. I know you want to help her.
If you aren't talking really now...maybe mentioning something to her wouldn't hurt anything...ya know? It would at least put the thought in her mind and maybe that would lead to her seeking help.
I wish you the best of luck. Please feel free to ask any questions, or just talk with us.
Hugs,
keli
Thank you for your replies. I think my parents are avoiding the situation and pretending nothing is going on so they are useless as far as helping. I just needed some reassurance that this is not normal behavior. My brother and I always thought something wasn't quite right but you never know if you should chalk it up to sibling rivalry. But with being grown adults with our own families and such, we should past these mind games.
I'll gladly take any advice or suggestions anyone might have.
Thanks again,
Julie