I have a friend who is confirmed bi-polar who grew up with her mother preventing her from being on medication to correct this problem. She has tried to handle it herself but cannot. I am encouraging her to get into therapy and to get on medication. She's resistant because of her mother's conditioning. She doesn't have insurance and is worried about the cost of medication, I've encouraged her to find a physician who will give her samples so she doesn't have to worry about that.
My friend is in Columbus, OH and I am going to visit her next week for her birthday. I have determined that I need to help her but I need some advice from someone more knowledgable than I pertaining to this situation. She has been hospitalized before. She has very low self-esteem and self-worth. She tells me that she feels she can control this and I've explained to her that it's much like an illness of the body. She wouldn't NOT take antibiotics and think she could cure it herself, so she can't feel that she can control this cold of the mind. I really need some help here and I would greatly appreciate anyone who can help me. Your discretion is completely assured and I will never mention a word to anyone about who responded, etc. I'd be interested in talking to anyone who is bi-polar about medications and I would love to talk to anyone who is a psyciatrist or psychotherapist about treatment.
While I don't know a psychologist MD who can help, the bi-polar condition has lots of company and there is probably a free group in Columbus, similar to AA. I have a good friend with this condition, and he got advice and help through a group. The good ol' yellow pages under counseling or psychological therapy, etc. is a good place to start. Wish I could be of more help. You're a great friend to try to help your friend! Good luck.
As a music therapist, I've dealt with this issue on occasion.
There are several schools of thought on how to treat bipolar.
Biomedical approach - Treating with drugs. This can work well for some people and not at all for others. This seems to be the approach you are encouraging.
Psychotherapy - Sigmund Freud-type approach where the root of the problem is thought to reside deep in her psyche. These therapists use a lot of different techniques to bring out these hidden problems.
Cognitive - People who subscribe to this school say that the problem is with faulty thought patterns. Correct the thought patterns that cause the behaviors and you correct the illness.
Behavioral - These therapists would try to find the behaviors that trigger the illness and correct those. Think Pavlov's dog.
Personally, I think it's just a matter of finding something that works. If your friend is opposed to medications, don't force them on her. Sometimes they cause more damage than they do good.
That whole chemical imbalance thing is really overplayed by the drug companies to sell their products. I'm sure drug companies could come up with a drug to treat the "chemical imbalance" caused by putting a lemon in your mouth that creates that sour flavor. A better solution is not to eat lemons. Every negative thing we experiece could technically be called a chemical imbalance because what we experience is tied to chemical reactions in the brain.
Brainstorm some different solutions with her and see what she feels comfortable doing.
There are some holistic Dr's that are not bad either. Meds is a lifetime commitment. Lots of Pharmaceutical companies offer assistance to those without insurance if she needs to go that route.
(as it always does), and voila, "Bi Polar" is born. The best selling drug for this condition is "Zyprexa" (manufactured by Eli Lilly). I work in a pharmaceutical related field. Bi Polar disorder is SERIOUS, and can be very dangerous if untreated. Get your friend to a Neurologist and a Psychiatrist.
Unfortunately it looks like your attempt to purchase VIP membership has failed due to your card being declined. Good news is that we have several other payment options that you could try.
VIP MEMBER
, you are now a VIP member!
We thank you for your purchase!
VIP MEMBER
, Thank you for becoming VIP member!
Membership should be activated shortly. You'll receive notification!
