Apr 15 2009
Being Bipolar: People who refuse to try to achieve stabilization
I have experienced firsthand the frustration of dealing with someone who has bipolar disorder and refuses to even try to do any better. I can honestly say that I now understand the other side of things and how annoying it can be.
This person, who shall remain nameless, won’t even try to achieve stabilization and it has resulted in quite a reckless lifestyle. I have tried my best to explain that drinking alcohol and taking your medication is pretty much useless. I have stressed over and over that you can’t get better unless you want to. You must put forth an effort.
Let me say this. I do have episodes. I try really hard to do the best I can. There are times when I do stupid things. I admit that I have moments where I cannot control myself, but I am not like that all of the time. Living your life like that every single day will never result in leading a productive life. You can never truly be happy with your life like that.
I certainly understand how hard it really is. Believe me when I say I have been there and back. Listen to me when I tell you it doesn’t have to be like that every day. You are choosing to be that way and it is frustrating to everyone around you. You can’t help someone who won’t help themself.
Dealing with this has only provided me with a greater desire to do the best I can to remain stable. After all, the best I can do is all anyone can ask of me, right? I see now how aggravating it can be when you know someone can do better and they simply choose not to because it’s easier to blame everything on their condition. I promise I will do everything I possibly can.
I would like to say to everyone that must deal with someone with bipolar disorder who does not even try to be better—I’m sorry. I swear to my family and friends that I will not give up or give in. I will keep on pushing to do better.
I am third generation (diagnosed) Bipolar. My father is one of those bipolar people. He has been in the hospital since last Aug. My mom (finally) filed for divorce. In one month the house will be sold. We saw him on Easter for the first time since Christmas. My daughter (3) asked if he was still sick. He tried to say no. But I interjected that being in the hospital mean you are sick. Later I was asking where he was going after the hospital. He mentioned a program for homeless vets. I asked him if he was going to take advantage of the program. “I’m not ready to call myself homeless.” It is painful to watch his life crash and burn. I have BP too. He has(had) so many people that want to help him. He has to want to get better.